In the year 2000, singer/songwriter Pilot Touhill moved from his hometown of White Plains, New York to Los Angeles with a single goal in mind: to front a band that blended his key musical influences, including alternative, reggae and rock. After fronting a few bands that ran in opposite stylistic circles, the multi-talented performer continues his emergence as a solo artist on his new EP, Keeping Secrets, which was produced by Lewis Richards of 17th Street Recording Studio in Costa Mesa. Lewis' credits as engineer and producer include Sublime and other SoCal greats like Dirty Heads and Slighty Stoopid.

The infectious six track EP follows Touhill's full length releases Black Leaf, Rich As A King and Paper Armour, which were collaborations with hip-hop producer Mark Lowe, Jr. "My earlier albums were very therapeutic and for the first time, I was really enjoying being on my own and not having to listen to the input of those whose music was not in line with my deepest creative instincts," says Touhill, who has played numerous SoCal hotspots over the years, including Viper Room, Roxy, the The Observatory in Costa Mesa and House of Blues in Anaheim. When he's not playing acoustic shows, he is performing with the renowned Long Beach band Audible Mainframe.

"In some ways, however," he adds, "I felt like I was making music just for its own sake. Those had the reggae rock influence, but working with Lewis was the first time that I honed in on the exact sound that I was evolving towards all along. I have always admired Lewis' work, and what he brought to the table melds perfectly with what I have to offer. Working with me to shape these songs, he has helped me get to the next level as a songwriter and performer. Writing and recording Keeping Secrets was a very natural and organic process."

Touhill's musical vibe, a rich blend of alternative, rock, reggae and electronic music, is generally uplifting and upbeat; some have compared his style to Sting (especially his earlier work with The Police), Citizen Cope and the late Bradley Nowell. Yet a darker emotional reality infuses the deep reflections, insights and breakthroughs in Touhill's penetrating lyrics: the tragic death in 2008 of his father, who was killed in a motorcycle accident caused by a drunk driver. The shattering event happened after a time of reconciliation and unprecedented closeness between Touhill and his father, leaving a lot of unfinished emotional business and words that had to be left unsaid. Touhill moved back to New York for several months to take care of the expected logistical issues and was prepared to abandon music entirely. But out of his depression came a renewed determination. He moved back to Los Angeles and launched his career anew as Pilot Touhill.

Touhill's favorite song on Keeping Secrets is the easy rolling, percussion and horn infused "Never Come Down," which finds him breaking through to a deep appreciation of life and the importance of enjoying every moment and helping people in the short time we're here. The dreamy and soulful "Sitting On Top Of The World" is ostensibly about a romantic relationship, but on a deeper level, it addresses the reality that no matter how successful he ever becomes, the hole left by his father's loss will always be there. The poignant ballad "Doin' Time" balances his desire to avenge his father's death with the life affirming embrace of the fragility of our existence-that is "all gone in a flash of lightning." Touhill is happy to note that his emotional emergence has led to a successful relationship in his life, and he addresses the more cheerful aspects of love on the charming, uplifting love song "I'm All Yours."

"Most of the six tracks are positive and uplifting, though there are a few that are a bit darker in covering some of the things I have been through these past years," says Touhill. "I feel very lucky to be working lately with many amazing people and making music with them has been very therapeutic for me. I find that when I am not writing, recording or performing for too long, I tend to go to a negative place. I am so grateful to have this outlet and to have the opportunity to share my personal journey through my songs."