Introduction
Dominic Aitchison may not be a household name, but chances are you’ve heard of his band, Mogwai. The bassist of the Scottish post-rock band has been making music for over two decades. While many are familiar with his musical prowess, few know the man behind the bass. In this blog post, we will explore ten interesting facts about Dominic Aitchison that you probably didn’t know.
Fact #1: Early Beginnings
Dominic Aitchison was born on April 21, 1974, in Glasgow, Scotland. Aitchison picked up the bass guitar at the age of 16 and started playing in local bands. Before joining Mogwai, Aitchison played in other Scottish bands, including the band Eska, which released two singles in the mid-1990s.
Fact #2: Dominant Influence
One of Aitchison’s biggest musical influences is Kim Deal, the bassist of The Pixies and The Breeders. Aitchison says that he has “always loved her style of playing and how heavily it’s been a part of both the bands she plays in.”
Fact #3: Mogwai’s Formation
Aitchison joined Mogwai in the mid-1990s, replacing the band’s original bassist, John Cummings. The band, which formed in Glasgow in 1995, was named after the creatures in the film Gremlins. Mogwai’s sound is often described as post-rock, a genre characterized by the use of electric guitars and dynamic structures.
Fact #4: A Collaborator
Aside from playing with Mogwai, Aitchison has collaborated with several different musicians. In 2006, he worked on the album “Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space” by the British band Spiritualized. He also collaborated with artist Aidan Moffat on the album “The Most Important Place in the World.”
Fact #5: An EP Collaborator
In 2019, Aitchison collaborated with fellow Scottish musician Stuart Braithwaite on the EP “Outliers.” The two musicians, who have been longtime friends, released the EP under the name “Minor Victories.”
Fact #6: A Father
Aitchison is a father to two children. In a 2017 interview, he spoke about how being a father has impacted his music. “It’s definitely given me a bit of perspective,” he said. “It’s made me realize what’s really important and what’s not, which I think is quite useful when you’re trying to write music.”
Fact #7: Sports Fanatic
Aitchison is a big sports fan, with a particular love for football (or soccer, as it’s known in the United States). He supports the Glasgow-based football club Celtic and has been spotted wearing their colors on stage.
Fact #8: An Environmentalist
In addition to his love of music, Aitchison is also passionate about the environment. He has spoken out about climate change and has urged his fans to do their part in protecting the planet.
FAQs
Q: What is Mogwai’s most famous song?
A: Mogwai’s most famous song is arguably “Mogwai Fear Satan,” which appears on their 1997 debut album, “Young Team.”
Q: Has Dominic Aitchison ever won any awards?
A: In 2018, Mogwai won the Ivor Novello Award for Best Album for their 2017 album, “Every Country’s Sun.”
Q: Has Aitchison released any solo material?
A: No, Aitchison has not released any solo material as of yet.
Q: What kind of equipment does Aitchison use?
A: Aitchison primarily plays a Fender Precision Bass. He also uses an Orange AD200B amplifier and a Boss TU-3 Chromatic Tuner.
Q: How many albums has Mogwai released?
A: As of 2021, Mogwai has released ten studio albums, four live albums, and several EPs and singles.
Q: What is Aitchison’s favorite Mogwai album?
A: When asked in a 2017 interview, Aitchison said that his favorite Mogwai album is “Young Team.”
Q: What is Aitchison’s favorite Mogwai song?
A: Aitchison has said that his favorite Mogwai song is “Remurdered,” which appears on the band’s 2014 album “Rave Tapes.”
Conclusion
Dominic Aitchison may not be the most well-known musician, but his contributions to Mogwai have been significant. From his early beginnings in Glasgow to his passion for the environment, Aitchison is a fascinating individual. With ten albums under their belt, Mogwai shows no signs of slowing down, and we can’t wait to see what Aitchison does next. If you haven’t already, check out some of Mogwai’s music and experience the magic for yourself.