Catch Up: Jesse Giddings

When we first sat down with Jesse Giddings, we were at the MuchMusic studios, a place where he had worked for three years. He was about to depart to Punta Cana to film MuchMusic’s Spring Break special, but now he’s going in a different direction. He’s left his post as a VJ and heading on a solo mission as a musician.

He recently released his first single ‘Sunshine’ which is a feel good end of summer anthem with a dreamy music video to match. This fall he’ll be hitting the road to tour with Down With Webster and Mariana’s Trench. We followed up with Giddings to get the low down on his departure from Much and his definition of success.

Meredith Gillies: How did you decide that it was time to leave Much and pursue music?
Jesse Giddings: It was obviously difficult to leave such an amazing job, but it just felt like the right time. I came back from a couple of weeks in Kenya, Africa a few weeks ago where I had a lot of time to think about what my goals were and what direction I wanted to be heading in, and I realized that although my time at MuchMusic was amazing, my heart was now moving in another direction. I’ve had an amazing 3 years working at MuchMusic and felt like I had accomplished what I set out to do and that it was time to face the next obstacle.

MG:  What’s the most exciting thing about starting something new?
JG: I’m a dreamer at heart. I’ve been dreaming and coming up with crazy ideas since I was a kid, so I love starting a new challenge, adventure, and trying something new. I can’t sit still for very long. So I’m very excited to be going on tour this fall with Mariana’s Trench and Down With Webster. I’m not going to lie, it’s a little nerve-racking. It’s going to be hard to stand out opening for such amazing bands, but I’ll try my best. I can’t wait to finally share my music with my fans.

MG: Do you think that having worked at Much gives you a better platform to go out and succeed?
JG: I think the people I’ve met and the connections I’ve been able to make while at MuchMusic can’t hurt my future ventures. I’m grateful for the opportunities Much has provided and for the people across the country it has introduced me to. Liking someone’s music is different than liking them as a TV host though, and peoples’ musical tastes vary, so hopefully the people that have watched me on MuchMusic for the last three years like the music I’m making and continue to follow my career. Only time will tell. Either way it’s going to be a crazy adventure. Here’s to following your dreams!

MG: How do you define success?
JG: Success is living out your dreams, and having the ability to impact other peoples’ lives for the better.

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