The Bakersfield band Pilot Light was gaining in popularity until its lead singer of one and a half years quit.

Band members Brett Mallard, 17, Ryan Bright, 20, and J.P. Bellmet, 20, were “going somewhere,” said Mallard, the band’s drummer. Things were looking up for the group, when its lead singer quit over lyrical differences.

“Ryan and I have to start all over,” said Mallard.

Starting over is something the group has done before.

The band started as Keilow, with four band members: Jason Blunt, Brett Mallard, James Blankenship, and Ryan Bright. They kicked out Blunt, picked up Bellmet, and then changed their name to Stick Figures. They then kicked out Blankenship, and were left with Bellmet, Mallard and Bright.

Bellmet made up the name Pilot Light when he was “sitting there thinking,” he said.

The band met when Mallard and Bellmet had Spanish together at Highland High School. Bright and Mallard have always been friends, and wanted to start a band.

Pilot Light didn’t consider itself a band until the group played a few shows at Jerry’s Pizza.

Bright, who plays bass for the band, has been playing guitar since eighth grade. Mallard has been playing the drums since fourth grade.

Pilot Light does most of its shows at Jerry’s Pizza, but the band’s favorite place to play is The Gate.

“It has a nicer scene,” said Mallard.

“I’d say our biggest competition was Second Nature,” he said. “Their music is a little easier to like.”

Pilot Light plays underground punk. The band members hope one day to become the next AFI or NOFX, two popular underground punk bands.

To find out more information about the group’s concerts, news or to sample its music, go to www.pilotlightpunk.com.