AT just 11 years old, Rohan Evans is already showing he is a bright young musical talent.

Rohan was the youngest entrant at the recent Smokefree Rockquest, competition, featuring musical talent mostly of high school age from across the country performing original music.

Though he did not win any prizes, the feedback he received from the judges was invaluable.

They praised his songwriting and musical prowess and offered constructive advice.  

“The judges told me my song was cool and unique, but I need to work on my breathing because the lyrics are quite complicated,” said Rohan.

Rohan’s parents, Lisa and Carwyn Evans, said they were super proud of their son, who has just in the past month begun playing at open mic nights, such as those offered at Mata Brewery, and other events, and is already catching the attention of other more seasoned musicians.

“He has a gift for music, writing his own songs and smashing out covers from the likes of The Eagles, LAB, Six60, and more,” said Carwyn.

“He played at an open mic night at Mata Brewery and received great feedback,” he said.

“Musicians Casey Magee and Kauri Jackson encouraged him to enter Rockquest.”

Rohan, who is in year 7 at Whakatāne Intermediate School, began his musical journey when he was around eight or nine.

“I started with the keyboard and piano with Beth Logan after teaching myself and then taught myself guitar and drums until I got lessons with Casey and Hani [Totorewa], he said.

“I listen to a lot of rock, reggae and pop rock, which influences my music.”

Despite his young age, Rohan has written several songs, including Synthetic Horizon, Lose Yourself, Lost in the Beat and I Needed You.  

“Synthetic Horizon is about not believing everything is real,” he said.

“I Needed You is about feeling lost without someone and realising how much you need them when you find them.”

He wrote his first song while still at Apanui Primary, inspired by a performance by LAB at the school.

Rohan can usually be found in his mini music studio he has set up in his dad’s garage, with guitars, drums, keyboard, amplifier, mic and more.

Rohan and his parents are grateful to the music community in Whakatāne for the interest and time they have given the young musician.  

“We’ve been fortunate to have top-notch musicians in Whakatāne mentoring him,” Carwyn said, mentioning names like Magee, Totorewa of Katchafire, Tristan Luke, Logan, Jackson, and Tait Kora, as well as Trace Tidd, who takes Rohan for singing.

“They’ve been incredibly supportive and have provided valuable guidance.”

Looking ahead, Rohan is focused on honing his craft and performing as much as possible.

“I go to open mic nights, and I’m also working on new songs,” he said. “It’s my dream to be a musician.”

Is he nervous standing up in front of a crowd to perform?

“No,” he quickly responds, adding that he likes to busk at school.

“Last week I made fourteen dollars.”

And as for Mum and Dad, they are just there to support Rohan in his ambitions.

“Every weekend was full of basketball, squash, hockey and football with our eldest, whereas it is now all pubs and gigs and open mic nights, which is cool,” Carwyn laughed.

He acknowledges the importance of nurturing Rohan’s passion.

“When you see such a strong passion, you want to support it.

“We’re here to help him stay grounded while giving him the freedom to develop his own style.”

With a bright future ahead, Rohan Evans is a name to watch in the music industry.

Story by Kathy Forsyth - Whakatane Beacon