I have worked in the music industry since 1996, when I
signed to Epic Records whilst playing with Glasgow based
trip hop outfit Hardbody. In 1998 I joined Belle and Sebastian full time,
having played as session musician on the first two
albums, "Tigermilk" and "If You're Feeling Sinister".
With Belle and Sebastian, I have toured the world
several times over, and played sold out shows at such
prestigious venues as London's Albert Hall and Los
Angeles' Hollywood Bowl. The band have filled headline
slots at Japan's Fuji Rock and Spain's Summercase festivals, and set the
template for the All Tomorrow's Parties festival
series with our "Bowlie" festival in 1999. Our most
recent album, The Life Pursuit, peaked in the UK
charts at #8, and on the US Billboard at #65.
Belle and Sebastian have produced 7 studio albums, 13 EPs,
a live album and DVD to date, and worked with top record
producers, including Trevor Horn and Tony Hoffer. We famously beat Steps
to Best British Newcomers at the 1999 BRIT Awards and have been nominated
for the Mercury Music Prize and an Ivor Novello Award. In the 2005 List
magazine poll Belle and Sebastian were voted "Best Scottish Band of All Time".
As the years went on, I became more interested in arranging for the band, and for
other projects. I have also been in demand as session musician with many bands,
as a solo trumpet player, and as part of a brass
section.
In 2006, I conceived, curated and wrote a track for the
successful Colours are Brighter compilation
album for children, which was released on Rough Trade
Records. All proceeds went to Save the Children.
