Campfire Radio Theater: “Ghosts of Flannan Lighthouse”

Writing music is a pleasure. Writing creepy music is even better. Over the last month or so I have worked on just over thirty short pieces of music for the latest episode of Campfire Radio Theater. “Ghosts of Flannan Lighthouse” was written by Campfire Radio Theater creator, John Ballentine, and is based on an actual historical event. The Telegraph (UK) ran a short story about the event which occurred just over 100 years ago. It remains an unsolved mystery to this day.

I have seen lighthouses on the coasts of the US and in a handful of other countries and they all conjure up very specific emotions for me. Maybe it is the sense of isolation and solitude that makes me feel equally nostalgic, melancholy, and introspective. I remember a story about a lighthouse keeper who had to row his boat for hours in order to make it back to his home after his watch was over. There were no neighbors and any sort of emergency had to be dealt with on his own.

Being so alone…secluded, carrying the burden of maintaining the light without falter in order to save lives, and having to be entirely self-sufficient in so many ways seems like a rather mad way to live. Perhaps in another life where I was a lot smarter and stronger I would have taken on such a job, but in this life, I am quite content to write music in the comfort of my own home not far from grocery stores, hospitals, entertainment, friends, and family.

You can listen to the latest episode of Campfire Radio Theater below.

It was easy to visualize the lighthouse and the sea and a real pleasure to immerse myself into the atmosphere of being in such a place in my mind while writing the music. Here are some of my favorite tracks from the sessions.

I hope you enjoy the show!