Stuart Murdoch (musician)

Stuart Murdoch (born 25 August 1968) is a Scottish musician, songwriter, and filmmaker, best known as the lead singer and songwriter for the indie pop band Belle & Sebastian.

Murdoch was born in Clarkston, East Renfrewshire, Scotland. He studied at the University of Glasgow, where he met fellow band member Stuart David. Before forming Belle & Sebastian, Murdoch suffered from chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), which severely limited his ability to work and perform.

Belle & Sebastian was formed in 1996 and quickly gained critical acclaim for their literate lyrics, melodic compositions, and wistful, melancholic sound. Murdoch is the primary songwriter for the band, and his lyrics often explore themes of love, faith, and the everyday experiences of ordinary people, often drawing inspiration from literature and film.

Beyond his work with Belle & Sebastian, Murdoch has also pursued other creative projects. In 2009, he released a solo album, God Help the Girl, which was accompanied by a film of the same name, written and directed by Murdoch. He has also contributed to various film soundtracks and collaborated with other musicians.

Murdoch is also known for his devout Christian faith, which is often reflected in his songwriting. He has been open about his spiritual beliefs and how they influence his creative process.

He currently resides in Glasgow and continues to record and tour with Belle & Sebastian.