Stuart Braithwaite

Stuart Braithwaite
Braithwaite in 2018
Background information
Birth name	Stuart Leslie Braithwaite
Born	(1976-05-10) 10 May 1976
Origin	Dalserf, South Lanarkshire, Scotland
Genres	Post rock, instrumental rock, art rock
Instruments	Guitar, vocals, bass guitar, piano, synthesizer, drums
Years active	1995–present
Labels	Rock Action, Wall of Sound, Matador
Website	mogwai.co.uk

Stuart Leslie Braithwaite (born 10 May 1976) is a Scottish guitarist, bassist, drummer, singer and songwriter. He is the guitarist of post rock band Mogwai, with whom he has recorded nine studio albums.

Early life (1976–1994)

Braithwaite grew up listening to records by The Cure, Joy Division, The Stooges, The Velvet Underground, Black Sabbath and other artists. He attended Strathaven Academy from 1987 - 1993. Before playing in Mogwai, Braithwaite fronted a band called Deadcat Motorbike, who broke up in June 1995. Braithwaite also drummed for Scottish band Eska at one point.

Formation and first years of Mogwai (1995–1996)

Braithwaite met Dominic Aitchison at a Ned's Atomic Dustbin show at the Queen Margaret Union in Glasgow on 10 April 1991, and four years later, along with school friend Martin Bulloch, they formed Mogwai.

Stuart Braithwaite with Mogwai

Solo work and Rock Action (2000–2002)

In 2000, Braithwaite played with a band called Mighty Joe Young Trio. In 2000 and 2002, Braithwaite performed solo acoustic shows. In 2002, Braithwaite, Aidan Moffat and Colin "Sheepy" McPherson released an eponymously titled EP called The Sick Anchors. He is also a member of the British alternative rock supergroup Minor Victories.

Film

In 2016 Braithwaite took part in a documentary about Glasgow music, and Chemikal Underground Records, called Lost in France. The film was directed by Niall McCann and brought Braithwaite (along with members of The Delgados, Franz Ferdinand and others) to Mauron, Brittany, to recreate a gig they played just after Mogwai had formed. The film features Mogwai live, as well as footage of Braithwaite playing Mogwai tracks solo. It also shows Braithwaite playing live with Alex Kapranos of Franz Ferdinand, and musicians such as Emma Pollock, RM Hubbert, and Holy Mountain, and interviews with Braithwaite and his old label-mates. Lost in France premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival to wholly positive reviews and was called "Funny, vital and sobering^[1]” by Scotland's arts bible The Skinny.

Musical style

Braithwaite's musical technique is characterised by the heavy usage of effects pedals,^[2] used to create ambient instrumental guitar sounds. As with much music associated with the post-rock style, his playing emphasizes melody and dynamic contrast over virtuosity.

Personal life

Braithwaite's family originate from Flesherin on the Isle of Lewis; he was born and raised in Glasgow. He is a vegan and has worked with PETA.^[3]

Discography

References