I'm Wayne Gidden, a vocalist, songwriter, and composer with a career spanning from signing with Island Records and touring with bands such as UB40. I have collaborated with world class songwriters who have written for Beyoncé, Leanne Rimes, John Legend etc. I love crafting songs that connect with audiences and enjoy featuring as a vocalist. In 2025 I wrote and performed on music with Sticman from the legendary hip hop group Dead Prez.

Wayne Gidden

I'm Wayne Gidden, a vocalist, songwriter, and composer with a career spanning from signing with Island Records and touring with bands such as UB40. I have collaborated with world class songwriters who have written for Beyoncé, Leanne Rimes, John Legend etc. I love crafting songs that connect with audiences and enjoy featuring as a vocalist. In 2025 I wrote and performed on music with Sticman from the legendary hip hop group Dead Prez.

Available to hire

I’m Wayne Gidden, a vocalist, songwriter, and composer with a career spanning from signing with Island Records and touring with bands such as UB40. I have collaborated with world class songwriters who have written for Beyoncé, Leanne Rimes, John Legend etc. I love crafting songs that connect with audiences and enjoy featuring as a vocalist.

In 2025 I wrote and performed on music with Sticman from the legendary hip hop group Dead Prez.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate

Language

English
Fluent
French
Advanced

Work Experience

Composer / Performer at Self / Various London Venues
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2008
Wrote and recorded an album of original songs; used Pro Tools and Reason; performed acoustically across London.
Theatre Musician at Musical Flying Squad / Theatre Venture
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2006
Worked in theatre performing music for Musical Flying Squad and Theatre Venture.
Composer / Songwriter at Fried
January 1, 2004 - December 31, 2005
Wrote the track Whatever I Choose I Lose; Radio 2 record of the week; contributed songs to Fried album; performed at V festival and on Later with Jools Holland.
Songwriter / Composer at Fried (Warner Brothers)
January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2003
Wrote for the Warner Brothers band Fried; gospel studies and teaching activities documented in education.
Songwriter at London Records
January 1, 1997 - December 31, 1999
Worked as a songwriter; collaborated with former Fine Young Cannibals writer David Steele.
Solo Artist at Latitude Records
January 1, 1995 - December 31, 1996
Signed as a solo artist; worked with The Boilerhouse Boys (Gabrielle, Texas); released the single Ghetto; Video of the Week on The Chart Show.
Band Member at Beneath The Underdog
January 1, 1993 - December 31, 1994
Formed rock band Beneath The Underdog and toured the UK.
Entrepreneur / Studio Owner at Redgate Studios
January 1, 1990 - December 31, 1993
Set up Redgate Studios in Birmingham to record and work with local bands using Atari and Logic; collaborated with Guy Chambers.
Vocalist at Wet Wet Wet / UB40 (British leg)
January 1, 1990 - January 1, 1991
Toured with Wet Wet Wet and UB40 on the British leg; released Move Your Skin (Top 20 album); toured America; appeared on Top of the Pops.
Vocalist / Performer at Transvision Vamp (European Tour)
January 1, 1989 - January 1, 1990
Toured Europe with Transvision Vamp.
Musician / Singer at Island Records
January 1, 1988 - January 1, 1989
Signed a record deal with Island Records; released Restless Days (Top 40) and toured with major acts.

Education

Music Production Studies at Alan Shacklock's Production
January 1, 1989 - January 1, 1990
Voice Techniques at Tona De Brett
January 1, 1990 - January 1, 1991
Gospel Studies and Composition at Morley College London / City Lit
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2003
Certificate in Introduction to Teaching at South Thames College London
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2003
Voice Studies at City Lit College London
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2004
Piano Studies for Pop Compositions at Self-Directed
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2006
The Songwriting Academy Program at The Songwriting Academy
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2018

Qualifications

Counseling Certificate
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2013
Certificate in Gospel and Composition
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2003
Certificate in Introduction to Teaching
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2003
Counseling Certificate
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2013
The Songwriting Academy Program
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2018

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Other