Life & Work with Devyn Rochelle

Today we’d like to introduce you to Devyn Rochelle.

Hi Devyn, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Raised in Los Angeles, CA I am blessed that I come from a musical family, I was always privileged to hear amazing musicians in my house, whether it was my older brother, Lyndon Rochelle, or my cousin, Jerohn Garnett playing drums in the garage, or my father, Donald, playing piano for church services, I always had an ear and appreciation for music and was inspired since I was a baby. I started playing drums in church when I was 7 or 8 years old at West Angeles COGIC (Children Church), and then I was able to be one of the drummers for my elementary/middle school choir, West Angeles Christian Academy, from the 3rd grade until I graduated the 8th grade. Then I was able to be apart of my church’s youth and young adult choir, New Generation Choir. I was mentored by great musicians such as my brother Lyndon, my cousins Jerohn and Aaron, “Uncle” Michael Neuble, Michael Bereal, Nelson Jackson, Jimmy Neuble, Freddie “Boom-Boom”, Flewelen and Eric Walls, aka The West A Band (at the time).

At 15, I was able to start my professional drumming career with local inspirational rapper who attended my church, Sens Musiq, and COGIC 1st Jurisdiction State Choir. After graduating from New Designs Charter School, I developed my skill as a drum tech for my brother, Lyndon, where I was working with him alongside artists like Kamasi Washington, De La Soul, Brenna Whitaker, Eric Darius, David Foster and others. While in college, I joined “The 27 Brand”, who hosted events like “Tha Crockpot and The Juice Joint”, finding myself in the role of what I am now, a Musical Director. Backing such artists like Stacey Barthe, Lucky Daye, Durand Bernarr, Olivia Walker (Just Liv), Tay Walker, and Preston Harris to name a few artists who were on the roster for some events. I am now the Musical Director for Reggie Becton, Tay Walker, Cocoa Sarai, and 3Blackkids.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Wow! Well, you know the song says, “They never said it would be easy, but we are a WINNER in the end”. Honestly, please take care of your mental health. I have endured some crazy things in my life, but I am a work in progress towards bettering myself everyday, I know and understand I was not made to be perfect. I will say in 2018 was the worst year of my life because I was out of it mentally. From losing a job, a car, living situation, and a few friends, both failed friendships and untimely deaths as well?!?! It did send me to a crazy place, thinking I couldn’t even bounce back, or I would not be able to do what makes me happy anymore, or to think I DESERVED anything? Yea, that was a low point. Also in the same year, I messed up my knee playing basketball and couldn’t even walk for almost four months. Crazy, how I can look back and say I made it out alright. In everything I overcame, my passion and love for music never wavered. Lastly, I am grateful for the friends I have, as well as the professional associations I have established.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a drummer who considers myself to be an Artist and also and a support to Artists in Live shows, Vocal and Musical Arranging, Productions and Sound Engineering. I specialize in helping artists’ vision, in a musical way, come to life. I commit to providing not only top-notch work but also 100% of my time and dedication to their music. What am I known for? I would say for being a great drummer and an all-around great guy who loves God, sports, food, terrible comedies and a good time aha. What sets me apart from others? My Patience, my will and drive for excellence, and my determination to sacrifice to get there.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Let’s see, I can move my ears. That is pretty cool. I think lol I am the baby of the family, which makes me an honorary momma’s boy, LOL. I was apart of a Sign Language Dance group in middle school, and we had a lot of fans LOL I grew up in a home of faith as well as music, and that still drives me today. Shout out to Lorenzo Johnson for lending me a job to help create a successful drumline that is still being run to this day (shout out to Krystal). I grew up at West Angeles, if you only knew how many people in the industry I know because of my church. I don’t speak on this much,

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devthursdayrochelle/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dev.thursday/

Image Credits
Ethan Smith (@ethansmithh15) Jeffery Thomas (@sosojefff)