Eli Scholer and Ryan Shelfold Hendriks Photo: Stjohn Milgrew
The Grow Room is a creative space in Auckland that's home to a increasing collective of music producers, who've garnered a lot of buzz in just a few years. Initially focused on hip hop, the variety of music has broadened as more people have joined. Some pay rent, some use the equipment on offer, some just hang out. Word of mouth has spread online through the performance videos The Grow Room post online, and through a series of free-to-download compilations.
After being forced out of their space in St Kevin's Arcade by creeping gentrification, they're now based in Samoa House. It feels a bit like walking into someone's lounge. People are slumped over the couches that line the walls, arcade games are played, and the beer fridge is fully stocked. Most importantly, a wealth of music-making machines sit temptingly on a desk, on offer to anyone who wants to have a go.
We visited The Grow Room to chat to some of the producers, social media managers, videographers and event managers who make up the team, starting with Ryan Shelford Hendriks, who along with Ethan King, co-founded the space.
