Raised in Christchurch, Ian began his performance career with theatre roles and band gigs, most notably the New Zealand and Australia tour of rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar. He then returned to Christchurch for a Bachelor of Broadcasting Communications degree at the New Zealand Broadcasting School. Post his qualification Ian worked in creative, voice, production and marketing roles in Christchurch and Nelson, while continuing to work in music theatre and with local bands. This was followed by a move to London, to establish himself as one of the United Kingdom’s leading on-air fundraisers. Ian returned to Christchurch in early 2017 with his wife Natasha (co-founder of The Nephalist) to bring alcohol free events incorporating music and the arts to the mainland.