Malcolm Middleton

Malcolm Middleton

Malcolm Middleton is a Scottish singer-songwriter from Dumfries, born in 1973 and raised in Falkirk. He is best known for his work with Aidan Moffat in Arab Strap and for his solo recordings and production work. His music is associated with folk and post-folk indie, and he also works in indie rock contexts.

Early work and Arab Strap

Middleton begins performing in the 1990s on bass and guitar, and sometimes as a singer, in bands including Purple Bass Plectrum, Rabid Lettuce, Pigtube and The Laughing Stock. In 1995, he and Aidan Moffat start Arab Strap after bonding over artists such as Smog and Will Oldham. Arab Strap releases six studio albums over the course of the project.

Solo career

While still in Arab Strap, Middleton begins solo work in 2002 with 5:14 Fluoxytine Seagull Alcohol John Nicotine, recorded for Chemikal Underground and notable for featuring his own lyrics and lead vocals for the first time. He follows this with Into The Woods in 2005. After Arab Strap splits in 2006, he focuses on solo work and signs to Full Time Hobby. His third album, A Brighter Beat, appears in 2007.

Middleton later releases We're All Going To Die, which enters the festive chart at No. 31 as the only independent entry in that run. His most recent album under his own name is Waxing Gibbous.

Human Don't Be Angry and later work

In 2012, Middleton releases a self-titled album under the name Human Don't Be Angry. Although he has previously said he would retire solo work, he continues performing both under his own name and as Human Don't Be Angry.