David Patrick Ohliger, better known by his stage name Willpilot is a New York based singer,songwriter,producer. Tour.
The name, Willpilot was a result of a guest list mix up, at a birthday party for the legendary photographer Bob Gruen in 2001. Ohliger has been performing under the name Willpilot ever since. Influenced by late 70’s & 80’s punk rock Ohliger fronted various trio’s in his teenage years. The Go**ds, Sinkhole & The Rosenbergs. Demo tapes even caught the attention of Jello Biafra’s, Alternative Tentacl
es label. Ohliger then started the guitar driven, indie-rock band The Sandpebbles, and despite great live shows the group struggled to ever find it’s footing in the strong punk/hardcore scene dominating Long Island in the late 90’s. The Sandpebbles released a 7” and full length Up Towards The Dotted Line to favorable reviews but broke up shortly after their only U.S. Directionless, Ohliger found a home in the New York underground DJ scene. Working now for the record label, Ellipses Arts and DJ Times magazine while spinning records at night, Ohliger’s music conscience was expanding. “DJ’s at that time were open to sharing their artistry with one another, the scene seemed less pretentious and more earnest, it was ear opening.”
Inspired by the nightlife and now armed with renewed musical inspiration, Ohliger saved up and purchased a used 16 track 1” TASCAM tape machine, moved to Huntsville,Canada with a girlfriend and recorded the debut Everybody is Everything. A stark contrast to previous efforts and a nod to some old souls and music icons, Lennon, Gaye & Sinatra. With a new sound realized and the ride up North coming to an end, Ohliger returned to New York, reborn as Willpilot, ready to start cutting a new musical path. In New York, Willpilot performed solo and as a power trio to support the debut album Everybody is Everything in (2004) which ultimately grew into a seven-piece soul/punk band which is captured on the album OK Goodnight (2010). A return to solo efforts, Arrangements in Slimness (2014) and Shelter in Place (2018) emphasize a Lo-fi collage inspired psychedelic soul sound while the recent NO Winter (2021) is a focused American Rock album backed by various guest musicians and a string ensemble. In between touring and recording, Ohliger has composed music for the romantic thriller and Canne’s festival premiering Love Stalker (2010) and the critically acclaimed documentary The Last Sermon (2020) as well as the short films The Last Westie (2009), Hard Times (2012) and the award winning animated Abyssus Abyssum Invocat (2013). Ohliger is currently set to release Willpilot & The Acoustic Shadows - NO Winter which was produced by longtime collaborator Jamie Siegel(JRockStudios) and working on various projects at his Lake Ronkonkoma NY studio where he lives with wife Janet Kurnatowski (Jewelry Designer) and their adoring son Max. Contact Info: [email protected]
In a very rare appearance on Long Island! We'll be performing at Mr.Beery's on Friday Dec. 2nd with some great bands! Can't wait to see some familiar faces. Come out and support your local indie music scene.
01/08/2022
Happy to announce the return of Willpilot at the Legendary Parkside Lounge Friday Aug. 12th 10PM. NO COVER. We've got some musical surprises in store! Come out for a great evening. We'd love to see you there. https://www.parksidelounge.nyc/ http://www.willpilot.com/
American Flag / Willpilot & The Acoustic Shadows
This is the video for "American Flag." Released on the album NO Winter by Willpilot & The Acoustic Shadows. Available on all streaming platforms. Music Publi...
15/02/2022
It's been a long time coming.....
We've been practicing in the shadows for a few months
Really looking forward to our coming out party Saturday March 5th at Rockwood Music Hall
NO Winter (vinyl) will be available as well
20/11/2022
01/08/2022
05/07/2022
15/02/2022
