Getting To Know You: Mogwai’s and Minor Victories’ Stuart Braithwaite
"People's biggest misconception about me? That I'm very serious."
Stuart Braithwaite’s latest project away from Mogwai is Minor Victories – a group he’s formed with Rachel Goswell of Slowdive, The Editors’ Justin Lockey, and Lockey’s brother, James. He likes animals and curry, and can take or leave Madonna, self-obsession and prison.
Your favourite word
‘Curry’.
Your pet-hate
Negativity.
If you could only eat one food forever, it would be…
Dahl.
The worst job you’ve had
I’m lucky in that I’ve only had one non-music-related job (doctor’s receptionist) and I quite liked it.
The film you can quote the most of
Spinal Tap.
Favourite place in the world
Koh Lipe in Thailand is lovely.
Your style icon
Jimi Hendrix.
The one song you wished you’d written
‘Street Hassle’ by Lou Reed.
The most famous person you’ve met
I’ve met Kate Moss a few times. She was really nice.
The thing you’d rescue from a burning building
My blue Telecaster and my skateboard if I had a spare arm.
The worst date you’ve been on
I’ve hardly been on any dates to be honest.
Your guilty pleasure
Vegan chocolate. I’m so rock and roll!
Your biggest extravagance
I bought a pretty great hi-fi amp recently.
The worst present you’ve received
My mum bought me a Rangers FC annual once. Martin our drummer also bought me a royal wedding cushion.
The characteristic you most like about yourself
I’m nice to animals.
Your hidden talent
I’m good at Tetris.
Your favourite item of clothing
’80s Skull Skates hoody.
Your biggest disappointment
The end of the Scottish national football team’s campaign for the European championships.
The celebrity that pisses you off the most even though you’ve never met them
Madonna.
Your biggest fear
Incarceration.
The best book in the world
‘Stoner’ by John Williams.
People’s biggest misconception about yourself
That I’m very serious.
Who would play you in a film of your life?
Steve Buscemi.
What is success to you?
Being happy.
What talent do you wish you had?
I wish I was multilingual.
How would you choose to die?
Peacefully, whilst asleep and very old.
What is the most overrated thing in the world?
Wealth.
What would you change about your physical appearance?
I’m fine with it. Flaws are interesting.
What’s your biggest turn-off?
Self-obsession.
What would you tell your 15-year-old self?
Stick in – it’s all going to be fine.
Your best piece of advice for others
As above.
