#252. The Slow Readers Club’s Aaron Starkie: Celebrating “A Decade of Cavalcade”

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 urgency of “Forever In Your Debt” and the anthemic hope of “Plant The Seed,” to the haunting emotion of “Days Like This Will Break Your Heart” and the hypnotic title track itself.

In this conversation, Aaron takes us inside that pivotal era — from writing and recording Cavalcade to creating the album’s striking geometric artwork himself, and how those songs continue to evolve a decade later. He also discusses the band’s creative growth, the importance of their DIY ethos, and the emotional power of seeing those tracks come alive again onstage.

The episode arrives as The Slow Readers Club prepare to hit the road for their A Decade of Cavalcade tour — revisiting the record in full while celebrating a new chapter of momentum following the Top 20 success of their latest album, Out Of A Dream.

Listen now and follow the XS Noize Podcast for more in-depth conversations with music’s most inspiring artists.

About The XS Noize Podcast

With over 250 episodes to its name, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music’s legends and trailblazers — a space where real conversations meet real stories. Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has welcomed an extraordinary lineup including Miles Kane, Matt Berninger, 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, and Michael Head — among many more.

Explore the complete XS Noize Podcast archive here.