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PILOT LIGHT NEWS

Writer's picture: Pilot Light Records Pilot Light Records


Cover Art for Revenant by Michael Dillenger
Michael Dillenger "Revenant" Out Now

Michael Dillinger believes in Words and Music. In elementary school, Michael happened

upon a book at the back of the classroom called Magic Casements. The book was a

collection of vintage poetry published in the first half of the 20th century with classic pieces

by Poe, Kipling, Whitman, and many others. This book sparked something in him that was

unexpected and soothing. There was something fascinating about the men and women in

that book. There was something real in their words.


His earliest rock n roll memory is of a used cassette tape by the Traveling Wilburys that

belonged to his father. He wore that tape out on his portable tape player. That obsession

led him to the music of each of the icons that made up that super group especially Tom

Petty. The attitude, the look, and of course the songs drew him to what was to become his

lifelong artistic path. There was something real in his music.


Every lover of music has that person who showed them what was “cool”. It could be an

older sibling, an uncle, a neighbor, or classmate. For Michael it was a friend of his

mother’s, Charles Demarco. Charles turned Michael on to The Who, Pink Floyd, Motley

Crue, and all sorts of Rock icons. Somehow, he knew that these things would bring

Michael comfort and camaraderie with the knowledge that there were others out there

taking words and music and returning something powerful.





Michael’s debut solo release “Revenant” is a statement. Not only a personal statement as

it is the first time he has stepped away from the protection of a band, but it also a

philosophical statement. In literature a Revenant is a person that has returned from a real

or perceived death. Tommy’s father in the Who’s classic rock opera was a revenant. The

entire zombie genre is based on the concept of the revenant. Clint Eastwood’s High Plains

Drifter was a revenant.


Who is Michael Dillinger’s Revenant?


According to Michael, “I am! I must prove myself. I must show that I can make it in this world and will not rest until I do!”


I wrote the song about the way I look at the world and the people in it. How others are

awake and some still sleep.”


Michael Dillinger’s solo debut single, “The Revenant”, hits all download and streaming

outlets on Nov. 1st.


Writer's picture: Pilot Light Records Pilot Light Records

Since making it's public debut at the Ridgefield Independent Film Festival on May 18, 2024, The Sugar Maker has been submitted to at least a dozen other prominent film festivals, including the Bridgeport Film Festival, the Woodstock Film Festival, and the Bowery Film Festival in New York City.


For those who haven't had the chance to preview the film, directed by Ethan Isaac, and produced by Factory Underground, here is a trailer released today on YouTube:




Stay tuned!


When he is not recording his music at Factory Underground Studio, or releasing his music through Pilot Light Records, singer-songwriter Pete Campbell is also a passionate organic farmer who for the past ten years has been producing maple syrup on his Ridgefield, CT-based Horse Shoe Farm.


His experiences have been highlighted in a short documentary produced by Factory Underground Studio called "The Sugar Maker," which premiered at the Ridgefield Independent Film Festival on May 17, 2024. The film was directed by Ethan Isaac, with Associate Producer Amy Holomakoff, with cinematography by Emmy Award-winning film maker William Fitzgerald.


After the premiere showing, attendees were privy to a Q&A with Campbell, Isaac, and Fitzgerald, hosted by festival organizers. The event was held at the prestigious Prospector Theater in Ridgefield, CT.



Scene from The Sugar Maker
Scene from The Sugar Maker

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