The Belle & Sebastian Diaries

Stuart Murdoch writes new book

Belle & Sebastian songwriter Stuart Murdoch has written a new book covering his online diaries.

Belle & Sebastian have always been a deeply personal project for Stuart Murdoch. Beginning as a lo-fi indie pop group, his whispered intonations seemed to speak about problems direct from his own life.

Now evolving into something rather more slick, the seemingly autobiographical element of Belle & Sebastian’s songwriting remains.

Doggedly keeping a diary, Stuart Murdoch has decided to publish some of his entries. The Belle & Sebastian songwriter wrote an online diary between 2002 and 2006, with these entries set to be published.

‘The Celestial Cafe’ contains the singer’s every thought for around five years, including visits to the studio and live shows.

In this period Belle & Sebastian completed two studio albums – ‘Dear Catastrophe Waitress’ and ‘The Life Pursuit’ – which saw them evolve beyond their twee roots. Stuart Murdoch endured personal strife, while the band became much more than a cult concern.

Issuing a statement, the songwriter explained that the book will strip back the trademark excess of rock diaries. Available through Pomona Books, fans will be able to pick up ‘The Celestial Cafe’ in early 2011.

Meanwhile, Stuart Murdoch will unveil elements of the book at Belle & Sebastian’s Bowlie 2 event. An ATP festival, the songwriter will read excerpts from ‘The Celestial Cafe’ at Minehead on December 12th.

Alongside this, the new collection of diaries will be available to purchase from the band’s live shows this December.

‘The Celestial Cafe’ will go on general sale in early 2011.

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