Brian Roessler, Advocate for Songwriters

Common Chords By Randall Hill

Brian Roessler

At the beginning of this mild spring evening in mid-April, a cyan colored spotlight is adjusted and positioned on singer/songwriter Brian Roessler by Fresh Brewed Coffee House owner Kevin Turner.

From behind the coffee bar, the light bathes the backs of early arrivals sitting on comfortable sofas and chairs for the evening’s open mic session hosted by Roessler. The artificial light dances and contrasts with the orange daylight keeping the nighttime at bay and washing the small coffee house in orange through a large window in front of the coffee house and behind the stage.

As Roessler prepares to play his customary three-song set to start the session, he takes a deep breath to release the tension and make the transformation from his day job as a media producer for Horry County Schools to his nighttime passion.

“I feel I play and sing better when I have a passion for the songs I perform,” Roessler said about the craft of writing his own songs for his performances. “When I felt comfortable playing and singing together with cover songs, (songs written and made famous by other musicians) then I figured maybe I can make an extension and sing some of the things I’ve written.”

Since coming to the Strand in September 2000, the Pittsburgh native has been on a quest to connect with other musicians wanting to express themselves with original songs.

“It’s very fleeting,” the Conway resident said about the Strand’s bar and music scene where tourists crave Jimmy Buffett songs like sand between their toes and a crowded beach. “There’s not much of a chance for original music to get the showcase it properly deserves.”

Roessler decided to use some tried and true and new concepts to bring songwriters and audiences together.

In addition to the Thursday night open mic at Fresh Brewed, Roessler hosts another on Tuesday nights at the Crafty Rooster in downtown Conway. “What I’ve tried to do in my time here is to gather songwriters together because the more you have in one room, be it a song circle or an open mic, the more you’re going to have a place for common ground.”

Roessler has also found a new way to gather performing songwriters together with his Songwriters In The Round performance series on the second Friday of each month at Fresh Brewed Coffee House. “We have four songwriters up on the stage playing original music right down the line. Person A will go, person B will go, person C and D. Then we will start over again. It’s really intimate and they share the stories behind the songs. When it’s over the audience gets to know all the songwriters.”

Throughout the series, Roessler has joined the circle only once as a performer. “We have so many great songwriters here, and if I played every month, I’d be taking the space of another songwriter who might not get the chance to showcase their talents.”

Roessler has used the craft of songwriting to give back by creating a community of artists and allowing others to share his spotlight.

“The chance to be able to give back and give young songwriters a chance to play with veteran writers and to give those veteran songwriters a chance to see what’s coming up.

That’s worth a show.”

Posted by
Randall Hill

Brian Roessler performs his original song "Fine Print"
in this music only video for Common Chords

Brian performs his original song "Never Meant To Last"
in this music only video for Common Chords.

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Listen to three songs from Brian's April 22nd performance as host of the open mic at Fresh Brewed Coffee House in Myrtle Beach.

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Comments

[Myrtle Beached Whale]

Fitting tribute to one of the good guys.

[beachbum12]

What a great person to feature. Brian is truly a great guy and a very talented songwriter. I have heard him many times at the Fresh Brewed Coffee House, and he is so great at bringing people together. I don't think he realizes what a difference he is making.

[Brian Roessler]

I want to thank you, Randall, for portraying me in such a fantastic light.

The comments that I have gotten on this piece have been fantastic. I don't really see myself as doing anymore than someone else in my position would do, I am happy and humbled that it is noticed and appreciated.

Thank you, again - and we'll see you at an open mic soon!

[Phil Whittaker]

really glad to see that the sun news is out there with the local musicians, Brian does an incredible job of promoting the original music scene in Horry County. He is by far one of the most quality individuals I have met since moving to Myrtle Beach.

[Gentry Dodd]

We love you Brian. You have helped and continue to help all of the local musicians thriving for a place to showcase their music. You have helped mold the Myrtle Beach music scene into a fine piece of art. We thank you.

Gentry Dodd and Cameron Permenter

[Mikal]

Brian has been bringing music to people in unexpected ways for many, many years- Myrtle Beach is lucky that he landed there! If you have not been out to see one of his events- YOU'VE GOT TO GO! You definitely won't regret it! Keep up the great work, Brian!!

[jordan 3]

He who would do well to another must do it in minute particulars; general good is the plea of the scoundrel, hypocrite and flatterer. What do you think?

[Dan Barnhart]

Brian is a great songwriter and I enjoy listening to him,me and my daughter really enjoy playing music and Brian gives us an outlet for that...thanks Brian
Dan Barnhart