#244. Editors’ Tom Smith on Debut Solo Album ‘There Is Nothing In The Dark That Isn’t There In The Light’
Release Date: 09/09/2025
Roland Gift: 40 Years of Fine Young Cannibals & New Christmas Single (#259)
The XS Noize Podcast
In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Roland Gift — the iconic voice of Fine Young Cannibals and one of the most instantly recognisable singers in British music. With era-defining hits like “She Drives Me Crazy,” “Good Thing,” “Johnny Come Home,” and their electrifying version of “Ever Fallen In Love,” Fine Young Cannibals became global chart-toppers — selling over five million records and earning two BRIT Awards, an Ivor Novello, and three Grammy nominations. Their sharp, soulful sound continues to influence generations. Roland returns with two...
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ALKY on Breaking the Cycle with His Debut Album ‘Rinse & Repeat’ (#258)
The XS Noize Podcast
In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by — the Dublin-born indie-rock artist and former Emmy-nominated audio engineer whose raw, heartfelt songwriting is making serious waves across Ireland’s indie scene. From his breakout singles “Dirty Tricks,” “All Because of Love,” “Perfect,” and “How Do You?” to sold-out shows at Whelan’s and The Workman’s Club, ALKY has built a growing reputation for pairing widescreen anthems with brutally honest storytelling. Now, he’s stepping into a defining new chapter with the release of his debut album Rinse...
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Martin Blunt: The Charlatans: Inside ‘We Are Love’ (#257)
The XS Noize Podcast
In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Martin Blunt — founding member and bassist of The Charlatans, one of Britain’s most enduring and beloved bands. From their breakthrough with Some Friendly to the anthemic Tellin’ Stories and the reflective Modern Nature, The Charlatans have spent more than three decades making music that moves between euphoria and heart. Now, with We Are Love, they’ve created a record that feels like a true celebration — warm, hopeful, and full of connection. Martin talks about the chemistry that’s kept the band together, the highs...
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Mani: The Stone Roses, Primal Scream & the Resurrection (#256)
The XS Noize Podcast
In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Mani — legendary bassist of The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, and one of the most influential figures in British rock history. From the euphoric rise of The Stone Roses — the band that defined a generation and changed the sound of British music — to the wild creative freedom of Primal Scream, Mani’s journey has been nothing short of iconic. In this conversation, Mani looks back on the moments that shaped him — from the late-’80s Manchester underground, when The Roses’ mix of psychedelic swagger and...
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Moya Brennan on ‘Macalla’ at 40 — Clannad’s Timeless Legacy (#255)
The XS Noize Podcast
In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Moya Brennan — the unmistakable voice of Clannad, often hailed as the First Lady of Celtic Music. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Clannad’s landmark 1985 album Macalla — a record that bridged ancient Celtic roots with modern pop and ambient textures. Produced by Steve Nye (Japan, David Sylvian) and recorded across Dublin, Surrey, and Switzerland, Macalla captured the moment when Irish music stepped confidently onto the global stage — featuring the iconic duet with Bono, In a Lifetime. In this conversation, Moya...
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Glen Matlock: Reclaiming His Story in ‘I Was a Teenage Sex Pistol’ (#254)
The XS Noize Podcast
In this episode, #254 of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by a true architect of punk — Glen Matlock, the original bassist and founding spark of The Sex Pistols. Glen co-wrote ten of the twelve songs on the band’s legendary 1977 album Never Mind the Bollocks, giving its chaos a melodic backbone that helped define an era. Now, he’s reclaiming his story in the new documentary I Was a Teenage Sex Pistol — a compelling, filmic portrait of the Pistols’ rise told through wry, honest, and often hilarious first-hand accounts. In this conversation, Glen looks back on the bleak yet...
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#253. White Lies: Inside the Sonic Freedom and Creative Telepathy of "Night Light"
The XS Noize Podcast
In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Charles Cave and Jack Lawrence-Brown from White Lies to discuss their electrifying seventh album "Night Light". This bold, live-driven reinvention captures the band at their most instinctive and free-flowing. Recorded live in the room for the first time, Night Light sees White Lies embracing spontaneity and creative risk — from the motorik rush of “Nothing On Me” and the 70s-inspired swagger of “Going Nowhere”, to the sweeping ambition of “All The Best” and the hypnotic finale “In The Middle.” Charles and...
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#252. The Slow Readers Club’s Aaron Starkie: Celebrating “A Decade of Cavalcade”
The XS Noize Podcast
In this episode, #252 of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar talks with Aaron Starkie of The Slow Readers Club to celebrate A Decade of Cavalcade — the Manchester band’s breakthrough album that defined their sound and changed everything. As Aaron reflects: “Cavalcade was the moment where it all started to click — we found our sound, our confidence, and that connection with the audience that’s carried us ever since.” — Aaron Starkie Across its ten tracks, Cavalcade captured The Slow Readers Club’s signature blend of brooding intensity and euphoric release — from the pulsating...
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#251. Miles Kane on New Album ‘Sunlight in the Shadows’ & Working with Dan Auerbach
The XS Noize Podcast
In this episode, Mark Millar is joined by Miles Kane to discuss his new album Sunlight in the Shadows — a swaggering, soulful record made with Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys. Recorded live in Nashville over three days, the album blends British beat energy, Motown soul, and Miles’ unmistakable tremolo swagger. He opens up about the instant chemistry with Auerbach, finding calm and spirituality in his music, and why this feels like the defining moment of his career. About The XS Noize Podcast With over 250 episodes to its name, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music’s...
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#250. Bear’s Den & Ciaran Lavery discuss their new collaborative EP "Promiser"
The XS Noize Podcast
In episode #250 of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Andrew Davie from Bear’s Den and Irish singer-songwriter Ciaran Lavery to discuss their beautiful new collaborative EP Promiser — a stripped-back collection celebrating love, simplicity, and connection. Quietly recorded over just five days in Andrew’s home studio and released via Communion Records, Promiser explores the art of restraint — capturing songs in one-take performances filled with birdsong, rain, and real human imperfection. “There was this lyrical idea early on of trying to write songs that didn’t need...
info_outlineIn Episode #244 of the XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar chats with Tom Smith — frontman of Editors — about his debut solo album There Is Nothing In The Dark That Isn’t There In The Light, released 5 December on Play It Again Sam.
After two decades leading Editors through seven acclaimed albums and two records with Smith & Burrows, Tom is stepping into solo territory for the first time. Motivated by a desire to reconnect with the raw, acoustic beginnings of his songwriting, he set out to create something more intimate and personal — a world away from the collaborative nature of his band projects.
Produced with Iain Archer, the album blends stripped-back honesty with cinematic flourishes, moving from the nostalgic ache of Lights Of New York City to the soaring drama of Life Is For Living. Along the way, Tom explores themes of memory, resilience, and connection, balancing melancholy with hope.
In this episode, Tom talks about finding his voice as a solo artist, the stories and emotions behind these songs, and we also revisit the Editors' back catalogue that made him one of the UK’s most distinctive frontmen.
Whether you’ve followed Tom’s journey from the very first Editors record or are meeting him here for the first time, this is an intimate and revealing look at an artist entering a bold new chapter.
Previous XS Noize Podcast Guests
Over 240 episodes in, XS Noize has welcomed legends and trailblazers, including:
Matt Beringer, Saint Etienne, D:Ream, Gavin Rossdale, The Farm, Snow Patrol, John Lydon, Will Sergeant, Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Doves, Gavin Friday, David Gray, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, Razorlight, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, The Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, Michael Head — and many more.
Find The XS Noize Podcast’s complete archive of episodes here.