When Scott Bell and the Reasons Why performed their rock numbers last Wednesday the response from the crowd more than inspired Bell to further his career in music.

The regular gig has not only provided him with an outlet to perform his music, but has also snagged him a music manager and immediate plans to record his original songs.

At 22, the songwriter from Pakenham, who performed his first gig at the Battle of the Bands this year with Brodie Carver, has come a long way since his dark days when he was 18.

"It was a bit of a struggle in those days. I almost lost my mum and had a lot of heartbreak," he said. "It was a rough time and although I had family close to me there was something missing and I was very alone.

"My music reflects these emotional times, so my songs can be very dark, but music was always my counsellor.

"When I'm in a fix I just have to say, 'Come on baby, talk to me'. I'd play this tune on the guitar and trigger the emotion.

"After I play I feel regrets for my actions, why I didn't make an effort, so on. But then I feel better.

"The emotion that came from my heart eases away and I solve the problem."

Bell says his songs are revolutionary with a mix of cool melodies, hard rock match-box , grungy and darkness. "It's not unlike Nirvana, those dark and grungy solos."

Bell says his accompanying guitarist Brodie Carver plays heavy metal guitar, which blends well with his acoustic style, particularly when they play '90s style rock music in the dark and grungy melodies.

Music consultant and Bell's manager, Mark Haughton, who runs the Beehive at the Bezza, says the night gave the region's soloists and bands a chance to show their talents.

"They can just jam here or play to audiences to further their career. We are planning to record some of the music played at the Beehive on our own record label, Beescene Records," he said.

The Beehive at Bezza is held each Wednesday from 8-10.30pm at the Berwick Inn. Entry is free.