Teddy Swims ‘Cure Kids NZ’ Pop-up Busking Gig

Turning a surprise street gig into a citywide moment for Cure Kids NZ

Client:

Warner Music

The brief

Warner Music New Zealand wanted to amplify excitement ahead of Teddy Swims’ sold-out Spark Arena show by creating a memorable, community-driven moment. The goal was to connect more deeply with fans while raising funds and awareness for Cure Kids NZ and Red Nose Day.

Our curious spark

Instead of a standard promo push, we asked: What if Teddy Swims popped up unannounced to busk in the heart of the city? A move designed to stir up the kind of buzz only a spontaneous, in-the-wild experience can deliver—up close, human, and unforgettable.
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Why this campaign mattered

In an age of hyper-digital everything, it reminded us that the most powerful connections are still made face-to-face. This was an activation that didn’t just promote a show—it created an unrepeatable moment between artist and fan. Plus, it harnessed the momentum for good, raising awareness and support for a cause close to Kiwi hearts.

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Activating curiosity and creativity

Teddy Swims teased the location of a surprise busking session at Auckland’s Commercial Bay via his social channels. It would take place on Red Nose Day, with a call-out to join him in supporting Cure Kids NZ. He’d be the guy with the big red nose — hard to miss.

Together with Warner Music NZ, we handled everything from on-ground logistics to crowd control. The performance kicked off at 5:30 pm, perfectly timed to catch the post-work crowd. And just when fans thought it couldn’t get better, Six60’s Matiu Walters jumped in for a duet — sending the crowd (and socials) into overdrive.
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Our curious crew at work

Turning a pop-up into a purpose-led moment takes more than just a great idea — it takes coordination, instinct, and trust. Our crew worked closely with Warner Music NZ to make the impossible feel effortless: securing a high-footfall location, liaising with city authorities, managing event permits, handling live crowd dynamics, and ensuring everything from audio to artist logistics ran smooth as a Teddy Swims vocal.

From first brainstorm to final beat, our team brought the chaos of surprise to life with calm confidence—proof that curiosity backed by planning delivers real-world magic.

Proof that curiosity pays off

Crowd magnet

Thousands showed up, drawn by word-of-mouth and the thrill of witnessing something unannounced and unmissable. And for those who couldn’t make it? They saw it blow up across headlines and social feeds.

Charity impact

The stunt raised funds and boosted visibility for Cure Kids NZ and Red Nose Day.

Brand lift

Warner Music NZ reinforced its position as an artist-first, community-conscious label unafraid to do things differently.

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