You might know him as the "Cherry Coke" guy. "Cherry Coke is where it's at, won't get you drunk, won't make you fat" is the catchy chorus of one of Britt Myers' '00 most popular songs. It was inspired by his roommate Dave Gordon's '00 goofiness in drinking the caffeine-packed soda. Although the song has gotten him recognized, Myers has to admit, he still hates the drink.
"I needed a simple, catchy chorus, a fun song for the Lone Pine," says Myers, who used to hand out Cherry Cokes to his audiences. "The problem with the performance space is that no one listens to you unless you're loud." A music major, he has also played in talent shows, the festival D'Artmouth, Fusion performance intermissions and coffeehouses. Myers' other songs tend to be "more thoughtful, subtle and emotional. 'Cherry Coke' is none of those; it's loud, obnoxious, and fun."
Myers, who started the guitar in sixth grade, has a loyal following at the Lone Pine Tavern. He livens up the place with husky versions of Cake songs, Madonna's "Like a Prayer" and "I Will Survive," but the majority of his songs are originals.
Meghan Dowd '01, who lived next to Myers last year, used to gather with her other hallmates in his room and listen to him play guitar while they studied.
"Britt has the ability to create great songs overnight. Often I'd come home and discover him playing something completely new."
Back home in California's bay area, Myers has created his own studio and already recorded five albums. His latest, "Standing in a Conversation" (under his recording name My Friend Henderson), took three months to record.
His music is rock/pop with a twinge of folk, sometimes smooth ballads like "Pirate Ship," sometimes rougher, faster grooves such as "Action Movie" or "Dirty Talk." On this latest album he incorporates other Dartmouth musicians, such as graduate Owen Grace, who plays trumpet in "Bride and Groom."
Myers will sell copies of "Standing on a Conversation" at the Dartmouth Bookstore, Thayer, his performances and over blitz for $12 each.
Looking into the future, Myers jokes, "What am I going to do when I graduate? Become a famous musician and producer, of course."
That's not as far off as it may sound.
