Dancing To His Own Beat Jesse's Time To Shine

A drum roll, please! The popular presenter is hosting music’s big night

- Marilynn McLachlan

He’s passionate about music – Kiwi music in particular – and so when he was called to host this year’s Aotearoa Music Awards, Jesse Mulligan gulped and said yes.

It is a role that the 45-year-old never thought he’d be asked to do and admits he’s feeling nervous but says that’s not a bad thing.

“I actually think nerves are a bit of a superpower for a performer,” he tells the Weekly. “I don’t try and stifle them or get rid of them, I just try to turn them into adrenaline.”

“For people who have given up jobs to follow their passion, it’s been particularly tough,” Jesse says. “This year there are going to be 18 performances unlike the usual six or seven. It will really focus on the musicians. But there will still be a party, there will still be the red carpet and there’s probably going to be some misbehaviour!”

Quick fire:

Favourite New Zealand band or artist: The Beths

Best song for a bad day: The Greatest by Six60

Anthem of your life: Dog Days are Over by Florence + The Machine

Musician,dead or alive, to have dinner with:Paul McCartney

Music festival to attend

I’d love to take the kids to Splore one day. We have family camping on our bucket list and doing it at an event like Splore would be a really lovely way to do it.