Steve Pethel,Voice for the Young

Common Chords By Randall Hill

Steve Pethel


A strand of dark brown hair partially covers the face of 17-year-old Steve Pethel as he emphasizes a note recently during a practice session at his parent’s home in North Myrtle Beach. The rising North Myrtle Beach High School senior has used his skills with songwriting and music to help make it through the sometimes tough and turbulent teenage years. “The message I want to tell is just getting out the fact that we’ve all got a story. We’ve all been through the same troubles. You are not alone. I want people to hear my music and go, ‘ I’m not the only one that feels like this.’ I want to pull every one together.”

Playing the guitar started early for Pethel. His father Steve Pethel Sr. got his oldest son playing chords at the age of 7. The influences of seeing the elder Pethel gigging at local bars and restaurants set in motion the continuing legacy of music for the family.

“I want to send out a message of truth, honesty and really being who you are,” the young Pethel said after playing one of his signature songs about relationships. His compositions are honest and straightforward and sometimes dark. It’s almost as if he is channeling the spirit of J. D. Salinger’s Holden Caulfield with song only in a more edgy, modern feel.

“I’ve struggled with a lot of friends getting into drugs and getting into trouble. Songwriting has been like an escape. I can come home and with my guitar get it out of me by just writing how I feel. I put bits and pieces together and it forms an expression.”

Pethel works constantly honing his skills as a songwriter. “Since the time I wake up till the time I go to sleep, I’m playing the guitar. I put it down to eat and drink and that’s about it. I feel more comfortable with a guitar in hand than not having anything there.”

Pethel has started performing live, which has helped the young troubadour to connect with other like-minded musicians in the area. With the help of his mother, Sue Pethel, Pethel has started to show his talents at local open mics and music venues.

“It really helps to have that there,” he said about songwriting. “Sometimes you feel like you’re breaking down. Everything is going to somewhere bad. You just go in your room and write music. It saves you.” 

Posted by
Randall Hill

Please check out these exclusively music only videos performed for Common Chords.

Sound recorded by James Rimes

Steve Pethel performs "Never Meant to Hurt You"

Steve Pethel performs "Good Friend"

Steve Pethel performs "Out of Your Way"

Comments

[Kendall]

A rare thing that you see is not only is steve pethel a left handed guitarist but he plays only a right handed guitar. so where he learned to play left handed he had to know the chords backwards. He has been a musical inspiration to me and has kept me playing.

[Patricia Robinson]

A Musician's Love
Many don't know what this love is about- - it's a gift from God, a need to speak out.
From a little child this love is peeping from the clouds-waiting for the time to stand before a crowd.
You see , the musician and the singer are a special breed- - feeling things most people wouldn't believe.
Something as simple as a child falling to the ground-to the musician it brings a tune, a sound.
It brings lyrics, a beat- - as they pick up your their guitar and blend words as he or she taps their feet.
Yes , most wouldn't believe what helps to create a song - -it takes good, bad, right and wrong.
Because the musician hears what we can' t see-those things that lay just beneath this earthly society.
They hear your laughter, your pain- - with the keys of the piano, the words come frame by frame.
They create songs to tell of truth - -of God's precious love as the Bible gives us proof.
They sing in melodies and rhyme- - as the beat of the drum keeps time.
Now let's not forget the poet and their words- - looking to the musician to give melody and be heard.
Because if it wasn't for a poets need- - many songs would be like a empty seed.
A seed without growth or height- - a song dark as night.
So thank God for the music that touches and hugs-lets thank the musicians for their love. By: Patricia Robinson-8/8/08-2:45am

[Patricia Robinson]

Im so glad U R using Randall's photo's and brain B/C for a man he has such a gentle way. He brings that feeling when he shoots U. The first time he snapped me I felt something special. A TV show sent a couple to snap me. I didnt get that from them, they wanted me to pretend. Randall wanted me and truth. Love U so much for caring for those who dont feel caring much THE ARTIST

[Katie]

This is an amazingly well wrote article. The other articles are great too, but these videos are really terrific. The sound is crisp. Great job to everybody involved and I really enjoy the music!

[Rick Wainright]

yeah, well wrote.

[chris]

nice article.. it's good to have somebody like this in the community. The video shows an odd vibe to all of this..i like it.

[Brandon]

Not a huge fan of his music, he's a really nice guy though. The video and sound quality is outstanding..and i agree with that Rick guy up above, the article was written very well. Top notch

[Jess]

congratz man, proud of you steve, i told you before that you had something special bro, you just didn't listen at the time

[Jeff]

This kid goes to my school, that's cool as hell

[Alexis]

love you steve! this is SO good!

[Nikki]

the music is badass!!!

[taylor]

Not gonna lie, I'm impressed. I told you how many times from the start that you had something goin for ya? haha. congrats man, this is awesome.

[Karen Riggs]

Steve, you are a special young man,with lots of talent. I think you are very gifted. I loved all of your songs, they keep playing over and over in my mind. The interview and especially the video's were superb! You ROCK!

[Ryan Baker]

Steve, to be honest. I love you like a brother, you have inspired me to take a more serious approach to all music (because you play it so fluently.) I remember back when you played songs from Nirvana and The Vines, now you're up there playing with the big boys. Your original songs make me want to ride a unicorn through a meaddow. nah but seriously, I love you man.

[Susie]

Steve I love your songs you are so talented and you have a very bright future ahead of you.

[Earl H. Pethel Jr.]

Glad to hear you preform before the camera.Its,s a good soud you have [most execellant]Hope and pray that this opens the doors you are playing for .After all you also have my name ...Steve Earl...may God bless your talent and all that you do ...love uncle Earl

[Mary McNeill]

Steve you have an amazing voice and I love your music. I can see you going places. I hope you continue to play. You have grown into a handsome young man. I wish you the very best in life.

[Addy Lee]

You rock Steve!!!! Keep working toward your dream 'cause you definitely got the talent to make it.

[supra vaider shoes]

Liked you on Facebook, too. =)