TWELVE-YEAR-OLD Rohan Evans is well on the way to releasing his first single with the support of local musicians and music studio Te Wai Orooro, The Sound Project.

The young singer songwriter brought his first song, Synthetic Horizons, to the studio last weekend, working on it with some of the Eastern Bay’s best known musical names.

“Hopefully I’ll be able to get it on the radio and Spotify, and I think it’ll help me to play it better live,” he said.

Rohan was well-prepared to spend two full days in the studio with the likes of Hani Totorewa of Katchafire leading the project and playing keys.

Fraser Browne of Paper Cranes was on the sound desk and local musicians were there playing and producing with Casey Magee on bass and The Sound King’s Kauri Jackson on drums.

But Rohan remained the driving force. He played drum parts, guitar rhythm and lead, and performed vocals, as well as writing and giving ideas for further drum, bass and keyboard parts.

The song Synthetic Horizons, written and arranged by Rohan, is about exploring the unknown. He wrote it at age 10 when he was learning about space and technology at Apanui School.

“There’s no way we can make synthetic horizons,” he said.

“I was just happy I wrote my first song before the age Ed Sheeran was when he wrote his,” he said.

His mum, Lisa Evans, said Rohan wrote the song as he was preparing to transition to intermediate.

“He was about to take on new chances and a new start; I think that influenced the writing,” she said.

Rohan has been working hard for the past few months to pay for the production and recording costs, with his final busking venture being eventful – but worthwhile.

“We went to Tauranga, and I got kicked out of three places, once after just one song,” he said.

“But I made $50 from that one song I played."

Many involved with the track offered their services as a koha to support the up-and-coming talent.

The Sound Project founder Anthony Clyde also offered the studio hire on koha.

Totorewa said it was exciting working alongside Rohan.

“He came to me as a guitar student in 2023 with the Whakatāne music for kids programme. Within 10 minutes, I knew he was super-talented, and in two weeks we had switched from guitar lessons to songwriting.

“To be there recording one of the many songs he will have, is awesome. He’s got so much potential and so many years ahead as a guitarist, singer, songwriter or sound engineer.

“Rohan has a lot of support here in Whakatāne. It is important that we continue to foster and develop his talent.”

Magee, Rohan’s guitar teacher of two years, considers the young musician to have a bright future.

“For his age, his songwriting is very mature, even lyrically. It’s not generic what he’s writing about.”

He said it was great to see Rohan explore a different element of being a musician.

“You can forget sometimes that he’s just turned 12. I’m looking forward to what he does in the next 5 to 10 years,” he said.

Rohan’s dad and driver, Carwyn Evans, regularly visited the studio throughout the two days, keeping the musical troops fed and watered.

“We really appreciate all the support, so we wanted to make sure everyone helping was looked after,” he said

Story by Alisha McLennan - Whakatane Beacon - Troy Baker Photography