The journey of international JMC Masters of Creative Industries student Tim Laroche - from growing up in the Caribbean nation of Haiti to studying robotics in China to producing music in Australia, is one such composition. The story of the producer and ‘sonic architect’ who also goes by the artist name The Godfather is one of passion, perseverance, and finding the right stage for creativity. At JMC Academy, Tim found not just an education but a platform to turn his dreams into reality.

Tim’s earliest musical memories as a child growing up in Haiti were of playing drums in his family’s local church and learning flamenco-style guitar from one of the priests there (at around the same time Apple first released GarageBand…). With family in the United States, hip hop and rap music also became a prevalent force in Tim’s personal music taste, with its rhythm-forward production captivating his imagination.

Tim’s professional path began on a different note however, when he was awarded a scholarship to study robotics and automation in China. Immersed in the world of circuits and algorithms, he discovered an unexpected harmony: music. A conversation with his supervisor sparked an idea to combine these worlds. The result? An innovative project where AI classified music by genre, streamlining the creative process for producers.

“It was like stepping behind the curtain of sound,” Tim said, reflecting on how the project revealed the mechanics of plugins like EQs and compressors. "At a certain moment, I could see the music—I could feel its structure. It changed everything for me."

Tim’s newfound passion led him to seek a deeper connection to music. Though accepted into Berklee College’s celebrated program in New York City, financial limitations and a yearning for a fresh start steered him toward Australia. That’s when JMC Academy came into view.

“A movie made Australia seemed like a dream,” Tim laughed. "I Googled music schools, and JMC stood out immediately. The state-of-the-art studios, the quick and welcoming responses—it all felt right."

JMC’s inclusive community and dedicated International Services Team helped Tim settle in quickly, making Sydney feel like home.

Even the pandemic couldn’t dim his resolve. Moving to a new country under such challenging circumstances was daunting, but for Tim, JMC’s guidance made all the difference. “They made me feel at home before I even arrived,” Tim said. “It was like the universe was nudging me in the right direction."

“The funny side of it is I came, I got my visa, but I was still sort of scared of coming ‘cause it was a new experience for me. It took me about three weeks to actually come. I was like, wow, am I really doing this? I had a whole life in China at the time. I'd been in China for eight years.”

Tim’s first day in Sydney unfolded like a scene from a feel-good movie. He met a fellow student who offered him a place to stay and invited him to a music event that very night.

At JMC, Tim immersed himself in his coursework but also began the search for his musical identity, leading him to his current project at The Godfather. Inspired by the melodic trap sounds of Playboi Carti and Ken Carson, he started creating music that resonated with his own experiences and emotions, with these sounds emerging as the framework around which he might centre his studies.

“I didn’t want to make music just to look cool,” Tim explained. “I wanted to make music that genuinely made me happy.” 

Drawing from a palette of punk, rock, and trap influences, Tim has developed a sound that’s unmistakably his own. Collaborating with fellow students, he’s honed his craft and embraced a fearless approach to creativity.

Tim credits JMC Academy with being more than just a school—it’s been the springboard for his ambitions. From the practical support on his very first day to the inclusive and inspiring community, JMC has provided the perfect environment for Tim to thrive.

“At JMC, I found the tools, the people, and the courage to chase my passion,” Tim said. “I can’t wait to see what’s next."