Stuart Braithwaite

Stuart Braithwaite
Braithwaite with Mogwai at the Avalon, New York City, New York on 3 March 2006
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
Notable instruments
Fender Telecaster Standard Gibson Les Paul Deluxe

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

Biography

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.

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.

Musical style

Technique

Braithwaite's musical technique is characterized by the heavy usage of effects pedals,^[1] 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.

Discography

References