BIG FAN x NEW FANS

Tell us about New Fan, how it came to be, what you’re hoping comes from it.
‍New Fans is a bi-monthly all ages live music series programme created by Big Fan to give rangatahi paid opportunities to be part of live music, not just as audience, but as the people making it happen. It came from seeing a gap in the music ecosystem. Young people often have limited opportunities to attend gigs, and even fewer opportunities to learn how the industry works behind the scenes, and get hands-on experience.

We know that going to local shows from a young age helps people discover local music, find their community, and build confidence. New Fans is about creating those entry points and helping develop the next generation of music fans, artists promoters, and crew. Our hope is that people gain skills, connections and confidence, and that we help build a stronger culture of supporting local music in Aotearoa.

New Fans gives young people the reins across every role, performer, promoter, lighting, photography, front-of-house. What was the thinking behind making it so comprehensive rather than just focusing on artists or audiences?
‍The music industry is much bigger than the people on stage. Every show relies on a huge range of roles, from promoters and venue managers through to sound engineers, photographers, etc. We wanted rangatahi to see that there are many pathways into the music industry, and that you don't have to be a musician to have a career in music. By involving young people across all aspects of putting on a show, they gain practical experience, understand how the different pieces fit together, and build relationships across the community.

Why bi-monthly specifically, what was the thinking behind that frequency rather than monthly or quarterly?
‍We wanted a series that was regular enough to build momentum and keep young people engaged, while also allowing enough time between events for planning, promotion and development, as well as other awesome all ages shows that happen at Big Fan and across Tāmaki Makaurau.

What support do those involved in the programme receive from Big Fan and partners?
‍Participants receive one-on-one mentoring and hands-on experience from the Big Fan team. The promoter will get resources, guidance, support, and contact for organising the show, including the production elements of the show. The crew will also receive resources and support on the day to work on the day. The goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment where young people can try things, make mistakes, build skills and gain confidence while being guided by people working in the industry.

What was the main driver behind creating an all-ages gig series?
‍Access! Many music venues are R18, meaning that young people are often excluded from live music experiences during some of the most formative years of their lives. If we want a healthy music ecosystem, we need young people to be able to discover local artists, attend shows and feel part of the music community. All ages shows create that opportunity. They help develop future audiences, future artists and future industry people. For many people, their first local gig is a life-changing experience. We want more young people to be able to experience that!

Have you found that there are gaps in the current venue options, especially for all ages gigs? Is this something you think young people want more of? Absolutely. Through our own experience and conversations with young people, we've seen a clear lack of regular opportunities for all ages shows. There are still shows here and there but there aren't many dedicated, ongoing pathways for young people to continue to engage with live music. Whenever we've run or held all ages shows, we've seen strong interest from both music fans and emerging artists looking for opportunities to perform.

Is there a plan for what happens after this programme? What further support will they get?
‍People who take part in New Fans become part of the Big Fan alumni and can continue engaging through our other programmes, shows, workshops and further opportunities. One of our goals is to create clear pathways so that people can continue developing their skills and involvement in music over time.

What do you have coming up that you can share with us?
‍Alongside New Fans, we'll continue delivering programmes such as Ignite, our music industry training programme for young people, as well as studio residencies, songwriting camps and workshops. We’ll also be celebrating turning four in November so watch this space.

Learn more about this new programme here and get involved!