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 went on to earn a B.A.
in International Relations from UC Davis. 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 5 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. 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. He 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 till 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
was able to release a follow-up 3 song EP before
the band parted ways in fall, 2004. Griswald's songs
are still played on Fox Sports and ESPN 2, and Darren
still holds endorsements with Framus Guitars and
amplifiers, Warwick Basses and amplifiers, Everly
Strings, Kordex Cables, and 70sixDesigns clothing.
Darren joined Mystic Roots full-time on bass and
guitar in March 2005.
©2003