From London to the World: Full Time Hobby and Hassle Records
It all started in the buzzing offices of Mushroom/Infectious Records. Back then, it was one of the biggest independent labels around, home to names like Muse, Garbage, and Ash. That is, until 2003, when the company was acquired by Warner.
This was the spark for something new. Nigel Adams and Ian “Wez” Westley—colleagues at the label—weren’t ready to let go of their independent spirit. If anything, it felt like the perfect time to start their own adventure.
Straight out of the gate, they launched not one but two labels. Same economic model, different A&R directions. Nigel headed Full Time Hobby, which was all about eclectic sounds, while Wez ran Hassle, searching for heavier, more underground acts. But the mission was simple: build labels with soul, follow the music wherever it leads you, and never get stuck in a single genre.
Full Time Hobby soon developed a diverse roster of artists—The Leisure Society, Michael Nau, School of Seven Bells, and more—while Hassle Records went all-in with bands like Alexisonfire, Alkaline Trio, Juliette and the Licks and Cancer Bats. They weren’t afraid to get loud, quiet, or anything in between. What mattered was the artist, the passion, the music.
They didn’t just stick to the UK, either. They had a knack for going global, long before Zoom and HD webcams made it easy. Back then, it was all about grainy Skype calls and a whole lot of hustle. The US gave them White Denim. Canada brought Timber Timbre. Holland? Jacco Gardner. And from Australia, Bananagun. This approach enabled them to broaden their horizons and establish a truly global network without the need to travel constantly.
Their commitment to independent music aside, the two labels are involved in environmental causes. They’re active in Music Declares Emergency as well as Second Chance, a vinyl recycling initiative that gives perfect records with damaged sleeves a second life.
The partnership with IDOL
Full Time Hobby and Hassle Records are entering a new chapter with this partnership. IDOL handle worldwide digital distribution, marketing, and audience development for both labels. That includes new releases from artists like Bananagun, Canty, and Tunng, along with Hassle Records’s latest signings: Brutus, Dead Pioneers, and Jools.
With the marketing and audience development team, IDOL will work to build a global audience for these labels and enhance online fan engagement.
Nigel Adams, co-founder of Full Time Hobby and Hassle Records summed it up perfectly:
“In an ever-changing music industry landscape, Wez and I were drawn to work with IDOL as they’re independent, have a focus and attention to detail combined with an ability to compete on a global scale. We share much the same ethos and feel like we’ve found the ideal partner to grow our labels further – we’re excited to celebrate our 21st anniversary with them next year and work together on new releases from artists like Tunng, Canty, Dead Pioneers, Ghostwoman and more …”
Roo Currier, IDOL’s UK general manager, added: