Glasgow, UK · alternative · indie pop · twee pop · chamber pop

Belle and Sebastian

No festival dates we track

Glasgow group whose soft-voiced chamber pop about awkward teenagers gave way to records you can dance to, without dropping the wit.

Belle and Sebastian began in Glasgow in 1996, when Stuart Murdoch and Stuart David recorded 'Tigermilk' as part of a college music course. The early records set Murdoch's soft, conversational singing against strings, trumpet and acoustic guitar, with songs about lonely students, church halls and unhappy jobs. 'If You're Feeling Sinister' remains the album most often cited.

Later albums, particularly those made with Trevor Horn and Tony Hoffer, brought in brighter production and a steady disco pulse. Sarah Martin and Stevie Jackson both sing lead on occasion, and Murdoch has also written and directed a film, 'God Help the Girl'.

alternativeindie poptwee popchamber popbaroque popdance-pop