FROM OUR INTERN ROCHELLE

Ko Hikurangi tōku maunga Ko Waiapu tōku awa Ko Ngati Porou tōku iwi Ko Rochelle Sykes tōku ingoa

My name is Rochelle Sykes and I come from the small towns of Kawerau, Bay of Plenty and Ruatoria, East Coast.

Growing up in a musical whanau, I have always been surrounded by talented creatives and could not help but be inspired to take up a career in the industry. After many years of playing in bands and learning the basics of multiple instruments such as drums, piano and guitar, I became fascinated with sound manipulation and engineering and found a strong passion for helping other creatives bring their thoughts and ideas to life. After graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Commercial music at the Waikato Institute of Technology I applied through the NZ Music Commission for an internship position and found myself here at Depot Sound.

My time at Depot Sound has truly been life changing. Not only have I had the opportunity to work with some amazing artists and projects, I have had the chance to make long time friends and connections.

The skills that I have developed and the knowledge that I have gained has grown my confidence and I know that it will continue to grow further along in my career. I will never forget my time here and I am super grateful for the opportunity to have been able to work in such an amazing environment, with the nicest people on the planet who have made me feel so welcomed from the beginning!

A big thank you to Depot Sound and Depot Artspace for helping a small town girl plant the seed for her future, she will never forget it.

- Rochelle Sykes