Mogwai are a Scottish
post-rock band, formed in 1995 in
Glasgow. The band consists of
Stuart Braithwaite (guitar, vocals),
Barry Burns (guitar, piano, synthesizer, vocals),
Dominic Aitchison (bass guitar), and
Martin Bulloch (drums). The band typically compose lengthy guitar-based instrumental pieces that feature
dynamic contrast, melodic bass guitar lines, and heavy use of
distortion and
effects. The band were for several years signed to renowned
Glasgow indie label
Chemikal Underground, and have been distributed by different labels such as
Matador in the US and
Play It Again Sam in the UK, but now use their own label
Rock Action Records in the UK, and
Sub Pop in North America. The band were frequently championed by
John Peel from their early days, and recorded seven
Peel Sessions between 1996 and 2004. Peel also recorded a brief introduction for the compilation
Government Commissions: BBC Sessions 1996–2003.