Gus

I was born in 2000. I’m Dad’s only child but have two half siblings through Mum. It was just Mum, Dad and me — and a cat. I never lived with my siblings.

I was four when I got my first guitar. I’d just strum until I got blisters. I was captivated. I didn’t know what I was doing. I got an electric guitar when I was ten, a full-size one. That was awesome. I still remember the feeling. At my first gig I played in front of a thousand people. I was ten. I felt in control and I loved it. I had no technique and ruined my voice box.

Ninety per cent of the time I play for myself — practising and running through chords, in my bedroom, with my headphones on. My parents have been really supportive. I’m studying music at university but I’m a country boy at heart. My dream is to sell out Wembley. I want to make a living doing what I love.

I used to dream of being a long-distance runner. It’s about competing against myself. I’ll finish my degree and then travel — Nashville, New York. These days it’s about who you know, so I have to get out there. I do drink but to be honest I’d rather drink water. And smoking . . . why would you put smoke in your lungs?

I’m a Kiwi through and through. I love seeing the All Blacks win. Being a Kiwi for me is eating your greens and doing the dishes. If everyone did that, the world would be a better place.

Ali

I stopped working for the media about five years ago. I’d had a good r