It started with a muffin tray.
When Gosnells local Rochelle O’Reilly knocked on her neighbour’s door in Perth to borrow some bakeware, she never expected to end up in a cover band.
But that knock unlocked the next chapter of her musical journey; one that’s taken her from church halls in rural New Zealand to centre stage at Blues at Bridgetown. And now into a full-blown regional tour with an eight-piece band, original tracks, and a soul-deep message of resilience.
Born in Huntly, on New Zealand’s North Island, Rochelle’s love affair with music began at a young age.
“With all the church services, celebrations or funerals in the small towns there was always a waiata (Maori song),” she said.
Rochelle’s story isn’t just about music.
Being a mother of four, a creative and having a partner, there have been pauses, pivots, and moments of doubt. She’s had to step back from music at times to raise kids, to work night shifts but she’s always returned.
“I’ve got itchy feet; I can’t sit still. If someone says I shouldn’t do something, it pushes me harder to prove them wrong.”
However, she still finds time to write, perform, and produce her own work.
“Nursing keeps me grounded and healthy,” she said. “It pays the bills, yes. But it also feeds my soul in a different way.”
According to Rochelle, the music she produces draws heavily on life’s highs and lows, often emerging during tough times or deep reflection. “Most songs come when I’m wrestling with something. Then, the lyrics and the melody arrive, often at once.”
With over 50 songs written and 20 recorded, her work is rich with themes of healing, empowerment, and joy. Her latest release, The Hustler, is a reflection of Rochelle’s multifaceted identity and her refusal to be boxed in.
One of her most personal songs, The Water, won the global category at the 2024 WAM Song of the Year Awards. Rochelle explained it’s about the invisible weight many women carry. The labor that goes unnoticed but builds strength over time.
“I imagined a woman carrying a pail of water up a hill. No one helps her. But when she gets to the top, the water becomes a crown. That’s what it means to carry your own weight. It becomes part of your power.”
Rochelle’s creativity often spills beyond songwriting. While hunting for stage outfits for her shows, she found herself drawn to Second Chance Opshop in Kelmscott, a place filled with vintage clothing and kind staff. It sparked an idea for a music video to accompany her blues track Cathy, a song about a woman who refuses to give up on her dreams.
“The song is about me, really. Cathy represents every woman who’s tired but keeps going. I thought what better way to show that than filming her flouncing through an op shop, trying on different lives?”
The music video, filmed in March, is a small but joyful collaboration between an independent artist and a local community store both navigating tight budgets and big dreams.
Looking ahead, Rochelle hopes to bring her music to more regional communities, especially around her home suburb of Gosnells. She’s not chasing fame, but building something more grounded.
“I want to be part of events that bring people together, that celebrate local talent. There’s something really powerful about sharing your songs in the place you call home,” she added.
When asked what advice she’d give others trying to chase a dream while balancing life’s responsibilities, Rochelle doesn’t hesitate.
“The Nike sign. Just do it,” she says. “You may have to skip the social stuff, but once you’re in your groove, those things come back.”
“Be fearless. Say yes, even when it’s scary or inconvenient. There are enough hours in the day. Maybe not for everything, but definitely for the thing you love,” she added.
Rochelle’s story isn’t about overnight success. It’s about consistency, community, and the quiet determination to keep creating, no matter how many hats you have to wear.
“I guess I’m the underdog,” she stated. “But I believe in my songs. And I think people are starting to hear them.”
As her star rises, Rochelle remains firmly rooted in her community. She’s passionate about supporting local artists, promoting kindness through music, and playing free community gigs when she can.
She’s also eyeing future collaborations with local legends like Michael Vdelli, and hoping to bring her sound to more regional festivals, including the 2025 FeNaClNG Festival in Karratha.
“I believe in giving back. That’s what community is. Lifting each other up, on and off the stage.”
Meanwhile, Rochelle’s upcoming regional tour launches an exciting mixture of pop, jazz, blues and reggae.
The Hustler Album. According to her, there will be a huge sound from my eight-piece band including trumpet, flute and violin and award-winning guitarist Abe Dunovits from Melbourne.
She will also be performing her original classics like ‘The Water’ WAMSTOY winner 2024 and a few covers, during the tour.
