We gave these young guns of the kiwi music scene the space to show themselves to the world, 100% unfiltered. We recorded them in their rehearsal spaces: in bedrooms, garages, schools, factories, flats and roof tops—everywhere their music was born. The vibe was freedom and mayhem.
We made each band 2 music videos and recorded an interview with them. Each episode we showcased 3 bands – we played their videos we made and if they couldn’t make it into the studio we would play their recorded interview instead. It was an unadulterated window into their world.
Our People Our audience was made up of fans, bands, and peers plus those inside the industry with ears tuned to the future, and our hosts were some of the coolest kids on the block. Led by the inimitable John Whiteside, who not only anchored the show with his interviews, but also co-produced and filmed the episodes himself. His grounded style and hands-on approach gave the show its authentic edge.
AltTV
Airing on Alt TV - the perfect platform for us, Welcome to the Gun Show shattered all expectations, claiming the network’s top ratings for two consecutive years. But it was more than just a show; it became a scene. We covered music competitions, youth events, album launches, live gigs, youth events, and even hosted our own, building a grassroots ecosystem around the show.
What We Aimed For
Our mission was simple: create a launchpad for new talent across Aotearoa. And we did. Over 200 bands and performers were featured during our run, many of whom found broader audiences as a result. We were driven by a simple truth: great music deserves to be heard, and people should be able to see themselves reflected on tv.
Who We Were Our presenters were students, musicians, and media makers deeply immersed in the culture. We deliberately mixed voices, aesthetics, and genres so the show could speak fluently across generations, scenes and subcultures.
Today, the legacy of Welcome to the Gun Show feels more vital than ever. In a landscape that’s become increasingly polished, we held space for the messy, the raw, the beautiful beginnings. And in doing so, we captured more than just music, we captured moments of becoming.
Back in the day, Welcome to the Gun Show carved out its own unruly corner of New Zealand television as the only show unapologetically championing emerging musical talent. Long before algorithms dictated taste, we offered something visceral and real - access to the creative pulse of Aotearoa’s young music scene.
I co-founded this show along with John Whiteside, and worked as Creative Director, producer, and editor
Welcome to the Gun Show
