Stuart Murdoch's Listening Chair

Elizabeth Alker welcomes Belle and Sebastian’s lead singer and songwriter Stuart Murdoch to the Unclassified Listening Chair to share a track that transports him elsewhere. Belle and Sebastian formed in Stuart’s home city of Glasgow; and since then, his has become one of the most distinctive and best-loved voices in British art-pop music. He’s also the author of two books: the memoir ‘The Celestial Cafe’ and the novel ‘Nobody’s Empire’, inspired by his years living with ME and also by his love of singing in a choir. As the band prepare for a run of UK dates in Dundee, Halifax, Glasgow and Aldermaston, Stuart shares a transcendental gig-going experience that shaped him as a musician.

Elsewhere in the programme, more classically minded art-pop and crafted ambient-electronica from the Scottish music scene, including tracks by The Pictish Trail, Arab Strap and Boards of Canada.

Produced by Geoff Bird
A Reduced Listening production for BBC Radio 3

To listen on most smart speakers, just say “ask BBC Sounds to play Unclassified”.