About

Giles Bidder

Right now it’s the toughest it’s ever been to be an independent musician. It seems to be a weird unspoken rule that bands don’t talk about doing everything they can, including working multiple part-time jobs during the day, to make their music work.

But it turns out lots of artists are up for talking about it. That’s why we’re here.

I have played in bands since I was 14, booked my first tour at 16 and travelled around the world playing music. Working it out as I went along, one thing I could never get my head around was how people make time for their music and allow for the mental headspace of feeling like an artist. I got a degree in journalism, wrote about music in The Independent and various magazines, then became a producer at Soho Radio.

I learned how to record and edit radio/podcasts and started 101 Part Time Jobs. First I asked all my friends who were musicians, then friends of friends, and my contact book grew. After 300 episodes, I’ve been lucky enough to speak with some of the world’s most interesting artists: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Kurt Vile, Lucy Dacus, Self Esteem included.

I’m interested in learning about people’s attitudes and lifestyles. I like people who think for themselves and make their own mistakes. It’s about free will, exploration and starting ideas.

101 Part Time Jobs has been profiled by BBC 6 Music, NME, Kerrang! and Loud and Quiet.