Stuart Murdoch
Stuart Murdoch, frontman of indie pop collective Belle and Sebastian, talks to Matt about the first key musical moments in his life and career to date.
Stuart Murdoch, the frontman of indie pop collective Belle and Sebastian, talks to Matt about the first key musical moments in his life and career to date.
Belle and Sebastian were formed in Glasgow in 1994 by Stuart Murdoch and Stuart David, both of whom had enrolled at Stow College's Beatbox programme for unemployed musicians. Together, with music professor Alan Rankine (formerly of The Associates), they recorded some demos, which were picked up by the college's Music Business course that produces and releases one single each year on the college's label, Electric Honey. As the band had a number of songs already and the label was extremely impressed with the demos, Belle and Sebastian were allowed to record a full-length album 'Tigermilk', which was recorded mostly live over three days. The warm reception the album received inspired Murdoch and David to turn the band into a full-time project, recruiting Stevie Jackson (guitar and vocals), Isobel Campbell (cello/vocals), Chris Geddes (keys) and Richard Colburn (drums) to fill out the group. They signed with Jeepster in 1996 and recorded their second album 'If You're Feeling Sinister' to critical acclaim. By 1999 the band was awarded with Best Newcomer (for their third album) at the BRIT Awards, upsetting better-known acts such as Steps and 5ive.
In this episode, recorded back in 2013 and never before aired, Stuart talks about the song that haunted him after his first heartbreak, head banging at his first gig at Ayr Pavillion, and his many influences including The Smiths and The Stone Roses. He also talks about the band's early days in Glasgow, cracking America, and working with production legend Trevor Horn. Stuart also talks to Matt about living with chronic fatigue syndrome and his Dad's honest appraisals of his songs.
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Music Played
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Belle and Sebastian
I'm a Cuckoo
- Rough Trade Records.
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Belle and Sebastian
Step Into My Office Baby
- Rough Trade Records.
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Belle and Sebastian
Step Into My Office Baby
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Lesley Gore
Sunshine, Lollipops & Rainbows
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Dawn
Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Old Oak Tree (feat. Tony Orlando)
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Pilot
January
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Pinky & Perky
Ape Man
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Simon & Garfunkel
Bridge Over Troubled Water
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Simon & Garfunkel
Cecilia
-
Blondie
Denis
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Dexys Midnight Runners & The Emerald Express
Come On Eileen
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The Smiths
Bigmouth Strikes Again
- The Sound Of The Smiths.
- Rhino.
- 14.
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Orange Juice
Falling And Laughing
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Left Banke
Pretty Ballerina
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Belle and Sebastian
The State I Am In
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Belle and Sebastian
Expectations
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The Stone Roses
Made Of Stone
- Silvertone.
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Belle and Sebastian
The Boy With the Arab Strap
- Jeepster Recordings.
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Public Enemy
Bring The Noise
- Def Jam.
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Belle and Sebastian
If She Wants Me
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Felt
Primitive Painters
- ABSOLUTE CLASSIC MASTERPIECES.
- CHERRY RED.
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The Sundays
Can't Be Sure
- Rough Trade Records.
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Left Banke
I've Got Something On My Mind
Broadcasts
- Sun 27 Sep 2020 13:0091Èȱ¬ Radio 6 Music
- Thu 5 Aug 2021 02:0091Èȱ¬ Radio 6 Music
- Thu 31 Mar 2022 02:0091Èȱ¬ Radio 6 Music
- Wed 2 Nov 2022 02:0091Èȱ¬ Radio 6 Music
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A selection of major artists reveal their first musical purchase.
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The First Time With...
Interviews with major artists revealing the moments and songs that shaped their careers.