During our interview with Glasgow four-piece Mogwai, one word consistently surfaced – "weird."
Their last album, As The Love Continues, soaring to number one unexpectedly in 2021 was described as "psychedelically weird."
This achievement was made "even weirder" by occurring amidst the pandemic. Frontman Stuart Braithwaite humorously mentioned, "so we couldn't even go to the pub to talk about how weird it was."
Their success led them to the Mercury Prize gala, an event Braithwaite termed as "such a weird ceremony," yet it had no impact on their new album, The Bad Fire.
Despite reaching such heights, the band even forgot to inform their new producer, John Congleton, of their chart success until a French journalist raised the topic.
The band's unconventional journey to the top spot, shaped by their unique sound and dedicated fanbase, was aided by chart rules favoring physical record sales.
With their vinyl-prizing followers, Mogwai outsold the likes of Dua Lipa and Harry Styles for a week, a "huge surprise" Braithwaite affirms.
The album's creation was marked by personal struggles, from keyboardist Barry Burns's daughter's illness to the loss of a close collaborator and family members.
Despite the challenges, their latest work, The Bad Fire, maintains Mogwai's signature instrumental style, leaving room for interpretation with cryptic titles and impressionistic lyrics.
The album's release faced competition on the UK charts, but physical sales give Mogwai an edge against streaming-dominant tracks, a trend Braithwaite supports.
Mogwai’s stance against the pervasiveness of generic AI music on streaming services aligns with their belief in the enduring power of authentic artistry, evidenced by fan connections and interpretations that outlast the artists themselves.
For Braithwaite, the possibility of art transcending time and societal norms, as exemplified by William Blake's legacy, holds a special fascination.
As Mogwai celebrates their 30th year, evolving from rebellious youth to respected figures in British rock, Braithwaite reflects on the unpredictability of their journey, considering the milestone with a humorously "weird" perspective.