Mogwai
are a Scottish rock band from Glasgow. Formed by Stuart Braithwaite and Dominic Aitchison in 1995, Mogwai have since become one of the most influential and best known names in post-rock. [1] They typically compose instrumental, sometimes lengthy guitar-based pieces in the post-rock tradition. They are usually focused around the elaboration of a single theme and are known for dynamic contrast, melodic bass guitar riffs, their use of guitar distortion and effects. Braithwaite has commented on the absence of lyrics in most of Mogwai's music, saying
I think most people are not used to having no lyrics to focus on. Lyrics are a real comfort to some people. I guess they like to sing along and when they can't do that with us they can get a bit upset. [2]
The band was originally signed to renowned Glasgow indie label Chemikal Underground, but are now distributed by different labels, such as Matador in the US and Play It Again Sam in the UK. They have also developed their own label, Rock Action Records, named after Stooges drummer Scott Asheton, who had his name changed to Rock Action. [3]
Their style has been influenced by bands including Dirty Three, Joy Division, Pink Floyd, The Jesus and Mary Chain, My Bloody Valentine and post-rock pioneers Slint. During 2004, the band supported tours by two major influences, Pixies and The Cure. Mogwai's style has easily identifiable connections to genres like shoegaze, math rock, art rock and occasionally instrumental metal.
Mogwai (meaning "ghost" or "devil" in Cantonese) are named after the creatures from the film Gremlins
, although guitarist Stuart Braithwaite comments that "it has no significant meaning and we always intended on getting a better one, but like a lot of other things we never got 'round to it."
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MOGWAI TICKETS
| EVENT | DATE | AVAILABILITY |
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| Mogwai Tickets 4/7 | Apr 07, 2025
Mon, 7:00 PM |  | | Mogwai Tickets 4/8 | Apr 08, 2025
Tue, 8:00 PM | | | Mogwai Tickets 4/10 | Apr 10, 2025
Thu, 8:00 PM | | | Mogwai Tickets 4/11 | Apr 11, 2025
Fri, 8:00 PM | | | Mogwai Tickets 4/11 | Apr 11, 2025
Fri, 6:30 PM | |
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History
Stuart Braithwaite and Dominic Aitchison originally met at a gig for
Ned's Atomic Dustbin in April 1991, and four years later added old schoolfriend
Martin Bulloch to their ranks, forming the band Mogwai in the process. Stuart had been playing lead guitar in a band called "Deadcat Motorbike" up until that point. After playing a few shows the band expanded with the introduction of
John Cummings on
guitar, and
Teenage Fanclub drummer
Brendan O'Hare joined whilst they recorded their debut album
Mogwai Young Team
.
O'Hare left after the release of the album, before
Barry Burns was brought in prior to the recording of
Come On Die Young
, the band's second album. He had already played a few shows with the band, as a
flautist and as an occasional
pianist. According to Stuart, the reason Barry was invited into the band was because he was a good laugh.
Since 1998, and for the recording of every album since
Young Team
, the band line up has remained unchanged. However, fellow Scot musician
Luke Sutherland has contributed violin to Mogwai's records and live performances. In 2000 the band curated the first edition of the British
All Tomorrow's Parties festival. In 2004 they returned to curate one day of the
Director's Cut
of
ATP.
Barry Burns once stated in an interview with Chillville that he and the rest of the band don't like the categorization of post-rock because he believes it overanalyses everything.
Discography
Studio albums
- Mogwai Young Team
(1997)
- Come on Die Young
(1999)
- Rock Action
(2001)
- Happy Songs for Happy People
(2003)
- Mr Beast
(2006)
- The Hawk Is Howling
(2008)
References
- Ink 19 :: Mogwai
- ''The Express'' Interview with Mogwai
- FAQ