Jesse Giddings has carved a path from MuchMusic VJ to a full‑fledged musician, weaving performance with storytelling and human connection across Canada and the United States. Ahead of a tour featuring Marianas Trench and Down with Webster that kicked off that weekend, he reflects on the journey and the horizon ahead. The road is built on music, connection, and the courage to chase a dream with both hands.
Growing up with a mother who teaches music and a father who runs a recording studio meant sound lived in every corner of his world. He absorbed melodies, rhythms, and the stories behind them through long hours in studios, late‑night rehearsals, and the energy of live jams. While MuchMusic offered a vibrant stage that celebrated music and the people who love it, it was never the end goal. It was a bridge to something larger—a way to blend performance with storytelling and human connection.
Leaving MuchMusic followed deep reflection. Trying to balance two demanding paths rarely holds. Three years on the channel delivered incredible experiences and friendships, yet the pull toward music and writing proved stronger. A turning point came after a life‑changing trip to Kenya with Free the Children, where he witnessed people relentlessly pursuing their dreams despite obstacles. The example he saw—to pursue a future with grit and heart—made him bet on himself and take a bold step forward. — Free the Children
Looking back, what he will miss most are the people and the electricity of a live broadcast day. The MuchMusic crew felt like family, and he recalls warmly working with teammates such as Liz, Phoebe, T‑Rex, Damien, and Lauren. The pace of live television kept the day exciting and unpredictable. He has had a month off now, and it feels odd not waking up to prep for an interview. The fans, so dedicated, packed New Music Live every week to share their stories and listen to his music; staying in touch on social media is part of the job, though life often gets busy.
The upcoming tour marks a significant milestone. Sharing the stage with Marianas Trench and Down with Webster is thrilling, especially since both bands are at the top of their game. The members of Down with Webster are among his closest friends, with shared journeys that include a Dominican Republic trip last spring for MuchMusic. He has interviewed both bands many times and built genuine friendships through those conversations. Now stepping out with his own project, there is a sense of responsibility to prove himself on this larger platform while staying true to the music that inspired the collaboration in the first place.
Choosing a favorite track on Brighter is no easy task, as each song resonates for a different reason and carries its own story. The album threads a common theme of romance and narrative, and the artist admits to a hopeful romantic streak that runs through the work. One track imagines love as cinematic as the movies, a longing that feels timeless and patient while waiting for the right moment. Another song, Back to Me, is set to feature a Jamaica‑shot video with Exco Levi, adding a reggae texture. It also samples a celebrated Canadian voice, hinting at a bridge between familiar roots and new horizons, and inviting listeners to hear how the music will be received.
Do you write your own songs? He answers yes, describing a process shaped by collaboration. A number of talented friends joined in, turning writing sessions into creative conversations. Justin Richards from A Rocket to the Moon and David Fischer, who performs as Prince Caspian, contributed ideas that helped shape the record. Nat from 3OH3 and Paul Zacharias from Alberta also joined, along with many other friends eager to contribute. He believes the best songs emerge when collaborators feed off each other’s energy and inspiration, making the process generous and productive.
How did he become involved with designing T-shirts? Design has always been a personal outlet, a thread running through his life since he was twelve. Before MuchMusic, he created merchandise for bands and tours, and his involvement with Free the Children deepened his creative impulse. He designed a shirt for Me to We and Free the Children that found a home at We Days, and this year’s shirt, which he wears, is scheduled to debut in a few months. The photo shoot for the new design is done, and the project remains a labor of love that channels his art into something positive. Proceeds continue to support communities in Kenya and tie into this year’s We Are Silent Campaign launching in spring.
In the end, the narrative highlights the ongoing work of Free the Children and the way art and design intersect with community campaigns that empower people to pursue their dreams. This blend of music, merchandise, and mission continues to shape Jesse Giddings’ path as he moves forward.