Darren Bruestle grew up in San Jose, CA and began writing songs and playing in bands as an addition to his athletic pursuits in high school. He went on to play NCAA soccer on scholarship for Cal Poly and De Anza colleges, and during this time, toured with his first band, Liquid Courage. The band experienced some great initial successes, sharing the stage with Sugar Ray, Papa Roach, Smashmouth, Linkin Park, and The Urge.
Shortly thereafter, Darren was recruited to play Division 1 soccer at UC Davis, where he earned a B.A. in International Relations. He persistently continued his song writing there and soon formed "Griswald" in nearby Chico, CA. Darren moved to Chico and toured the west coast over the next 4 years as the guitarist, songwriter, and manager for Griswald, befriending fellow Chico band, Mystic Roots, along the way. Griswald and Mystic Roots supported each other's musical ideals, playing shows together in Chico and other cities across California when their tours crossed paths. In fact, Mystic Roots first called on Griswald in an emergency situation in Rosarito, Mexico in Spring Break, 2001. Mystic Roots Guitarist, Eric Iverson, had broken his wrist on the 2nd night there, and Darren happily jumped in to help, learning approx. 20 Mystic Roots tunes that night, and performing the very next afternoon. Darren played the remaining 3 shows there in Rosarito, and thus began the relationship: when Mystic Roots needed him (and when Griswald's touring schedule permitted), Darren filled in on guitar from summer 2001 'til fall 2004.
In the interim, Darren's band signed to Half Pint Records and released a full-length album, touring for 3 years in its support (opening for such acts as Aerosmith, Fuel, Sugarcult, Pepper, Slightly Stoopid, Pressure 4-5, and many more). Griswald released a follow-up, 3-song EP before the band parted ways in fall, 2004, and to this day, their songs are played on Fox Sports and ESPN 2. Darren joined Mystic Roots full-time on guitar (and bass) in March 2005.
Darren is currently both a contributing songwriter and first-call studio and touring guitarist for Mystic Roots, Pato Banton, and Southbase. Darren holds endorsements with: Mesa/Boogie Amplifiers, Framus Guitars, Warwick Basses, GHS Strings, Kordstar Cables, Pedalsnake, and 70sixDesigns clothing.
©2005