We’re looking forward to introducing you to Brenessa Roach. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Brenessa, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of work, I read a lot and most of my time away from a screen is spent reading. I enjoy immersing myself in different fictional worlds.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Brenessa Roach, a multifaceted music industry professional with experience in A&R, PR management, artist development, live events, content creation, journalism, and photography. I’m also the founder and lead editor of B-Side Rituals (formerly Beyond The Beat), a Toronto and UK-based community dedicated to discovering hidden gems, uplifting independent artists, and inviting fans to celebrate sounds beyond the mainstream. I launched B-Side Rituals in January 2023 to continue my passion for A&R and supporting artists early in their careers.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed that getting into the music industry was impossible. Did that stop me? Not at all. Growing up, I was fascinated by the world of music and initially dreamed of becoming an artist (a journey I still hope to pursue someday). Even in university, while studying media production with a concentration in audio and radio, I felt that breaking into the industry was daunting, especially if you didn’t already know the right people.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: Being a fangirl isn’t a bad thing. That passion will shape who you are and give you a unique understanding of artists and fandom knowledge that will make you powerful in marketing and connecting with audiences, often without you even realizing it. Embrace it, and use that fangirl energy to your advantage.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my closest friends would say that I’m deeply passionate about helping people, and it shows through B-Side Rituals, where I support artists by giving them a platform to share their music and stories. With the showcases I organize in Toronto, my friends know how much I genuinely care about the artists themselves. I’ve been running B-Side Rituals for almost three years with little financial gain, but the real reward comes from the passion, growth, and happiness of the artists I work with and I think my friends can all see that about me.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely—100%. Even when it’s hard. When I first started concert photography, I received little to no feedback on my work. While I was proud of myself for breaking into the field, that only motivated me more to improve and prove that I could stand out. Now, seeing artists use my photos is incredibly rewarding. I’ve realized that in anything I do, there will be times when my efforts go unpraised and that’s okay. I’m not doing it for others; I’m doing it for myself. As long as I’m happy and motivated, that’s what truly matters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bsiderituals.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brenessaroach/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenessaroach/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/bsiderituals/
Image Credits
Image 4 (photo of me): Daniel D’Souza @50mmlive
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