The XS Noize Podcast

The XS Noize Podcast is a long-form music interview show hosted by Mark Millar, featuring in-depth conversations with iconic artists, influential newcomers, and defining voices in modern music. Guests have included John Lydon, Peter Hook, Gary Numan, Mani, Shaun Ryder, Graham Coxon, Neil Finn, and Matt Berninger. Each episode goes beyond promotion to uncover the stories, turning points, and creative lives behind the work. Part of XS Noize, the independent music platform founded in Belfast.

LE BOOM on Immersive Shows, Irish Identity & Community (#294) 08/04/2026

Danny O’Donoghue on The Script’s New Album, Songwriting & Being Human (#293) 07/29/2026

Tim Wheeler on Ash’s 1977 at 30, Girl From Mars & Coming of Age at 19 (#292) 07/14/2026

Tim Wheeler on Ash’s 1977 at 30, Girl From Mars & Coming of Age at 19 (#292) Tim Wheeler joins Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to discuss Ash’s landmark debut album 1977, its 30th Anniversary Edition, “Girl From Mars,” “Goldfinger,” Owen Morris, young fame, Northern Ireland and taking the album back out on the road. Originally released in 1996, 1977 turned Ash from teenage upstarts from Downpatrick into one of the defining guitar bands of the era. Featuring “Girl From Mars,” “Goldfinger,” “Kung Fu,” “Oh Yeah,” “Angel Interceptor” and “Lose Control,” the album captured a young band moving at full speed — melodic, noisy, chaotic and full of life. In this conversation, Tim reflects on what it feels like to see 1977 turn 30, why the album still belongs to both the band and the fans, and how Ash managed to stay together when so many bands from that era did not. Tim also looks back on working with producer Owen Morris, who brought energy, chaos and confidence to the sessions. He talks about recording “Kung Fu,” “Angel Interceptor,” “Girl From Mars” and “Goldfinger,” how Owen pushed the band in the studio, and why “Goldfinger” became such a major step forward for Ash as songwriters. The episode also explores the new 30th Anniversary Edition of 1977, including the B-sides, the long-lost track “Bittersweet Blue,” the band’s live STABAL performance, and why the B-sides from that era might be the strangest Ash album of all. Elsewhere, Tim opens up about the pressure of becoming successful at 19, having a number one album, appearing on Top of the Pops, touring the world, and trying to deal with the mental and emotional weight of dreams coming true while everything was moving too fast. Tim also discusses the Northern Irish identity in Ash’s music, the humour, melancholy and resilience that helped carry the band through, the emotional pull of playing Belfast, and why the 1977 anniversary tour feels like a celebration rather than simple nostalgia. At its heart, this episode is about youth, friendship, pressure, survival, guitar music, and a record that became a coming-of-age story for both Ash and their fans. Subscribe to the XS Noize Podcast for more in-depth conversations with music’s legends, innovators and trailblazers. Website: YouTube: @thexsnoizepodcast Instagram: @xsnoizemusic X: @xsnoizemusic /episode/index/show/xsnoize/id/42083965

Tony Visconti on David Bowie, Marc Bolan, Thin Lizzy & Blackstar (#291) 07/06/2026

Tony Visconti on David Bowie, Marc Bolan, Thin Lizzy & Blackstar (#291) Tony Visconti joins Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to discuss David Bowie, Marc Bolan, T. Rex, Thin Lizzy, Phil Lynott, Blackstar, Scary Monsters, Holy Holy and the art of producing timeless records. Best known as one of the most celebrated producers in music history, Tony played on Bowie’s early records and went on to produce some of the most important albums of David Bowie’s career. He also worked closely with Marc Bolan and T. Rex, worked on classic Thin Lizzy records, and remains a vital part of Bowie’s musical legacy through Holy Holy. In this conversation, Tony discusses Holy Holy’s Final Tour – A Celebration of Bowie. He reflects on keeping Bowie’s music alive on stage, why he still practises bass every day at 82, and what performing gives him that producing doesn’t. Tony also opens up about the craft of production — what a great producer gives an artist, how he listens to a song in its earliest form, and why vocal performance is so important. He shares a brilliant story about Bowie recording “Where Are We Now?” in one take, and explains how they kept the surprise return of Bowie’s music completely secret. The conversation also explores Tony’s long creative relationship with Bowie, from The Man Who Sold The World and Heathen to Blackstar and Scary Monsters. Tony discusses Bowie’s voice, his constant reinvention, the secrecy around his later recordings, the creative vitality of Blackstar, and why Scary Monsters became his favourite Bowie album to work on. Elsewhere, Tony looks back on Marc Bolan and T. Rex, explaining the difference between Bolan’s fast, instinctive studio approach and Bowie’s more meticulous creative process. He also shares memories of working with Thin Lizzy and Phil Lynott, describing Phil’s presence in the studio, his bass playing, and the brotherhood within the band. Tony also talks about the Bowie archive, Glenn Gregory singing Bowie without impersonating him, what younger artists should understand beyond Bowie’s image and fashion, and what it means for Holy Holy to keep Bowie’s music alive with love. Listen to more XS Noize Podcast episodes: Subscribe / follow for weekly in-depth music interviews. /episode/index/show/xsnoize/id/41983195

Rosa Walton on ‘Tell Me It’s A Dream,’ Let’s Eat Grandma and Cyberpunk 2077 (#290) 06/23/2026

Dea Matrona on ‘Hate That I Care,’ Self-Producing and Creative Independence (#289) 06/14/2026

Dea Matrona on ‘Hate That I Care,’ Self-Producing and Creative Independence (#289) Belfast rock duo Dea Matrona join Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to discuss their second album, Hate That I Care — a bold, more personal and self-assured new chapter for Mollie McGinn and Orláith Forsythe. Written, recorded and produced entirely by the band, Hate That I Care finds Dea Matrona leaning further into alt-rock while exploring vulnerability, identity, pressure, friendship, self-production and the feeling of not fitting neatly into other people’s expectations. In this conversation, Mollie and Orláith look back on what they learned from their debut album, For Your Sins, how that record helped them understand who Dea Matrona were, and why Hate That I Care feels like the album where they are now telling people who they really are. They discuss the title track, which Mollie describes as being written to herself, the exhaustion of masking emotions, and how the album became a way of processing difficult feelings through songwriting. The conversation also explores “My Own Party” and the powerful line “always feeling like an outsider at my own party,” the heavier emotional world of “John Doe,” the deeply personal story behind “Aisling,” and the moment “Magic Spell” helped unlock the direction of the record. Mollie and Orláith also talk about producing the album themselves, writing and finishing music while on tour, their creative partnership, the early school-day rivalry that turned into a band, and how they continue to push each other as writers, musicians and producers. They also reflect on Dea Matrona’s journey from busking in Belfast to playing Reading and Leeds, Electric Picnic and Rock Werchter, touring with The Beaches, and preparing to join Sting on tour across Europe. As Orláith says near the end of the conversation: “For Your Sins was introducing who we are, and Hate That I Care is telling you who we are.” Listen to episode #289 of the XS Noize Podcast with Dea Matrona. /episode/index/show/xsnoize/id/41637715

Embrace’s Danny McNamara on The Good Will Out, Avalanche and 30 Years of the Band (#288) 06/08/2026

The Hoosiers on New Album ‘Compassion,’ Toxicity & Finding Joy Again (#287) 06/02/2026

Robert Arkins on The Commitments, Jimmy Rabbitte and Life After the Film (#286) 05/25/2026

Robert Arkins on The Commitments, Jimmy Rabbitte and Life After the Film (#286) In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Robert Arkins, best known to millions as Jimmy Rabbitte in Alan Parker’s classic 1991 film The Commitments. Robert looks back on life before the film, his musical roots, fronting his own band Housebroken, and how his sister first introduced him to Roddy Doyle’s book. He reflects on why he initially saw The Commitments as a possible distraction from his music, before becoming the face and voice of one of the most beloved music films ever made. In this warm and honest conversation, Robert talks about working with Alan Parker, finding Jimmy Rabbitte’s natural Dublin rhythm, the humour and energy that still make the film resonate, and the moment he realised The Commitments had become much bigger than just a film. He also shares brilliant behind-the-scenes stories from the shoot, including Van Morrison auditioning for Joey “The Lips,” memories of the famous bath scene, Johnny Murphy’s motorbike mishap, and what fans still say to him more than three decades later. The conversation also goes deeper into what happened after The Commitments — the pressure of sudden fame, travelling to Los Angeles, signing to MCA, working on an unfinished Housebroken album, and the frustration of being recognised as Jimmy Rabbitte when he wanted to be seen as an artist in his own right. Now, Robert is returning to the music with Robert Arkins’ Commitments, marking the 35th anniversary of The Commitments with UK and Ireland shows. He talks about bringing those songs back to the stage, adding Detroit and Northern Soul into the live set, and why the audience energy still reminds him of watching the film with a crowd. At its heart, this episode is about music, identity, second chances, and what happens when one role follows you for the rest of your life. Listen to the full episode now. /episode/index/show/xsnoize/id/41415420

Nerina Pallot on 25 Years of Music and Why Hope Still Matters (#285) 05/19/2026

Broken Social Scene on "Remember The Humans," grief and why music still saves people (#284) 05/11/2026

Deb Googe & Cara Tivey on da Googie, The Golden Thread & My Bloody Valentine (#283) 05/05/2026

Glen Hansard on Don+t Settle - (Vol 1 Transmissions East), Bob Dylan, Busking and Capturing Songs in the Moment (#282) 04/29/2026

Miles Hunt on 40 Years of The Wonder Stuff, Burnout, Vent 414 and Starting Over (#281) 04/22/2026

Carol Decker on success, heartbreak, and finding her way back with T’Pau (#280) 04/14/2026

The Boxer Rebellion on 'The Second I’m Asleep' and 25 years together (#279) 04/07/2026

The Dandy Warhols: Courtney Taylor-Taylor on Dig!, Pin Ups & the “Assassination Piece” (#278) 04/01/2026

Scouting For Girls’ Roy Stride on ‘These Are The Good Days’, wildfires and perspective (#277) 03/24/2026

Scouting For Girls’ Roy Stride on ‘These Are The Good Days’, wildfires and perspective (#277) In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Roy Stride — frontman, songwriter and driving force behind Scouting For Girls — to talk about the band’s uplifting new album These Are The Good Days. The album follows 2023’s The Place We Used To Meet, which became the band’s highest-charting record in eight years. This time, the focus is on perspective — and finding joy in the present moment. Much of the album was shaped by Roy’s move to Los Angeles to focus on songwriting — a long-held ambition that took a dramatic turn when he and his family were caught in California’s wildfire season and forced to evacuate, expecting to lose everything. That experience became the emotional core of both the album and its title track. During the conversation, Roy reflects on how that period changed his outlook — leading him to reframe difficult moments as the ones that ultimately define and shape us. In this wide-ranging conversation, he discusses writing and producing the album himself, recording across California, Dublin and the UK with Greg Churchouse and Pete Ellard, and how bringing in guitarist Connor McDonald added a new dimension to the band’s sound. The record itself captures that balance — from the high-energy immediacy of Get What You Give to the orchestral closer Alright In The End, alongside more reflective moments like Stars Never Fade and Don’t You Go Solo. Across it all runs a clear theme: optimism, gratitude, and living in the moment. The conversation also looks back at the band’s journey — from their 3x Platinum, chart-topping debut through a run of hits including This Ain’t A Love Song, She’s So Lovely, Elvis Ain’t Dead and Heartbeat — and how they’ve sustained that connection with audiences over nearly two decades. Along the way, Roy shares insights into his songwriting process, the role of collaboration, and why his children have become his most honest critics. Whether you’ve followed Scouting For Girls from the start or are discovering them now, this is an honest, uplifting conversation about perspective, creativity and making the most of the time you have. About The XS Noize Podcast Hosted by Mark Millar, the XS Noize Podcast features in-depth conversations with some of the most influential artists in modern music. With over 270 episodes, guests have included Steve Lillywhite, Matt Berninger, Gary Numan, Peter Hook, Bernard Butler, The Charlatans, Sleaford Mods, Snow Patrol, Elbow, Travis and many more. New episodes drop weekly. /episode/index/show/xsnoize/id/40610165

The Twilight Sad: James Graham & Andy MacFarlane on ‘It’s The Long Goodbye’ (#276) 03/17/2026

Damon Minchella on Ocean Colour Scene, Paul Weller & ‘You’d Look Good on a Donkey’ 03/09/2026

Damon Minchella on Ocean Colour Scene, Paul Weller & ‘You’d Look Good on a Donkey’ In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Damon Minchella — founder of Ocean Colour Scene, longtime bass player for Paul Weller, and collaborator with Richard Ashcroft — to talk about his candid and often hilarious memoir You’d Look Good on a Donkey. Across a musical life that has ricocheted between some of the biggest names in music — from Paul McCartney and Jimmy Page to Diana Ross, Dr. John and The Who — Minchella has built a career full of extraordinary stories, unlikely encounters, and a deep love of music that runs through everything he does. During the conversation, Damon reflects on the creation of You’d Look Good on a Donkey, a memoir that captures the highs, chaos, humour and survival instincts required to navigate life in the music industry. In this wide-ranging conversation, Damon opens up about the early days of Ocean Colour Scene, the Birmingham music scene that shaped the band, and how their sound developed during the Britpop era. He also shares memories of working closely with Paul Weller — one of Britain’s most influential songwriters — and what he learned from being inside Weller’s musical world for so many years. The conversation explores the realities of band life, the strange rhythm of touring and recording, and the delicate balance between personal life and the pressures that come with a career in music. Along the way, Damon discusses the process of writing the book itself — revisiting decades of experiences that range from hilarious and absurd to deeply personal — and explains why honesty and self-reflection were essential to telling the story properly. Whether you’re a fan of Ocean Colour Scene, interested in the behind-the-scenes realities of the music industry, or simply enjoy a great rock memoir, this conversation offers an entertaining and revealing look at a life spent in and around music. Related topics: Ocean Colour Scene, Paul Weller, Richard Ashcroft, Britpop, rock memoirs, British rock history, You’d Look Good on a Donkey About The XS Noize Podcast With more than 270 episodes, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music’s legends, innovators, and trailblazers — a place where real conversations meet real stories. Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has featured an extraordinary lineup including Steve Lillywhite, Paul Draper, Sleaford Mods, The Charlatans, Gary “Mani” Mounfield, Glen Matlock, 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, and Michael Head — among many more. Explore the complete XS Noize Podcast archive. New episodes drop weekly — subscribe for in-depth conversations with the artists who shape modern music. /episode/index/show/xsnoize/id/40373450

Steve Lillywhite on Producing U2 — From Boy to Achtung Baby (#274) 03/06/2026

Steve Lillywhite on Producing U2 — From Boy to Achtung Baby (#274) In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with legendary U2 producer Steve Lillywhite to discuss his work on landmark albums including Boy, War, The Joshua Tree, Achtung Baby, All That You Can’t Leave Behind, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, and No Line on the Horizon. Across a career spanning more than four decades, Lillywhite has worked with some of the most influential artists in modern music. But his work with U2 — from their earliest recordings through some of their biggest albums — helped define the sound of one of the world’s most important bands. During the conversation, Lillywhite reflects on the creative environment around Achtung Baby, one of the most influential records in U2’s catalogue, and explains what a producer actually does in the studio — describing his role as the “captain of the ship” guiding a band through the creative process of making an album. He shares memories of first encountering U2 before the mythology existed, when four young musicians from Dublin were still discovering their identity — and explains why he immediately sensed something different about them. The conversation explores the band’s creative evolution across landmark albums including Boy, War, The Joshua Tree, Achtung Baby, All That You Can’t Leave Behind, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, and No Line on the Horizon, and how U2’s sound developed in the studio over the years. Lillywhite also offers insights into the craft of record production — from capturing the distinctive guitar sound of The Edge to shaping Bono’s vocal performances and finding the emotional centre of a song. Along the way, he reflects on the collaborative nature of the studio, the controlled chaos of working alongside producers like Brian Eno, Daniel Lanois and Flood, and the moments when a record suddenly comes alive. Whether you're a U2 fan, a musician, or simply fascinated by the craft of record-making, this conversation offers a rare look inside the creative process behind some of the most iconic albums of the last forty years. About The XS Noize Podcast With more than 270 episodes, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music’s legends, innovators, and trailblazers — a place where real conversations meet real stories. Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has featured an extraordinary lineup including Paul Draper, Sleaford Mods, The Charlatans, Gary “Mani” Mounfield, Glen Matlock, 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, and Michael Head — among many more. Explore the complete XS Noize Podcast archive. New episodes drop weekly — subscribe for in-depth conversations with the artists who shape modern music. /episode/index/show/xsnoize/id/40342140

Zak & Matty of The Dream Machine on Fort Perch Rock (#273) 03/02/2026

Zak & Matty of The Dream Machine on Fort Perch Rock (#273) In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Zak and Matty from The Dream Machine to talk about Fort Perch Rock — the band’s third studio album and a record shaped by instinct, friendship and a deep connection to place. Formed in 2021, the band first emerged with their 2022 debut Thank God! It’s The Dream Machine, followed by 2024’s James Skelly-produced Small Time Monsters. With Fort Perch Rock, they move further into their own identity — self-produced and recorded between studios on the Wirral and in Liverpool. Built with a DIY spirit, Fort Perch Rock leans into creative freedom. Zak and Matty discuss embracing a hands-on production approach, allowing songs to evolve naturally rather than chasing polish for its own sake. The local environment plays a strong role in the record’s atmosphere, grounding it in memory, shared experience and the energy of the Wirral and Liverpool music communities. In this conversation, they reflect on their songwriting process — how ideas often begin with a riff or a feeling before being shaped collaboratively. They also talk about balancing nostalgia with originality, making music primarily for themselves rather than trends, and why live performance remains central to how their songs continue to grow and connect with audiences. About The XS Noize Podcast With over 270 episodes, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music’s legends, innovators, and trailblazers — a place where real conversations meet real stories. Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has featured an extraordinary lineup including Paul Draper, Sleaford Mods, The Charlatans, Gary “Mani” Mounfield, Glen Matlock, 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, and Michael Head — among many more. . /episode/index/show/xsnoize/id/40284145

Archive’s Dave Pen on 'Glass Minds' and 30 Years of Evolution (#272) 02/23/2026

Archive’s Dave Pen on 'Glass Minds' and 30 Years of Evolution (#272) In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Dave Pen of Archive to talk about Glass Minds — the band’s 13th studio album and a bold new chapter in a 30-year journey defined by reinvention, collaboration and creative risk. Formed in Croydon, South London in 1994, Archive have evolved from trip-hop pioneers into one of Europe’s most respected alternative collectives. Glass Minds, released Friday 27th February 2026 via Dangervisit through [PIAS], follows the ambitious 2022 triple-album Call to Arms & Angels, which charted Top 10 across Europe and culminated in their biggest headline show to date at Paris’ Accor Arena. Produced by Archive alongside long-time collaborator Jerome Devoise, and recorded in Brighton, London and Paris, Glass Minds marks a shift toward a more minimal, down-tempo sound — built on space and emotional weight. New textures emerge through Essex rapper Jimmy Collins on “Heads Are Gonna Roll,” while Lisa Mottram shines on the title track and “The Love The Light.” At its core is the eight-minute “So Far From Losing You,” one of the band’s most personal and expansive pieces to date. In this conversation, Dave Pen reflects on joining Archive and becoming part of a true creative collective. He discusses the trust and experimentation that shape the band’s process, the evolution of their sound over three decades, embracing AI in the album’s visual identity, and why live performance remains the ultimate space where Archive’s songs continue to grow and transform. About The XS Noize Podcast With over 250 episodes, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music’s legends, innovators, and trailblazers — a place where real conversations meet real stories. Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has featured an extraordinary lineup including Paul Draper, Sleaford Mods, The Charlatans, Gary “Mani” Mounfield, Glen Matlock, 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, and Michael Head — among many more. . New episodes drop weekly — subscribe for more in-depth conversations with the artists who shape our lives. /episode/index/show/xsnoize/id/40205170

Robert Levon Been of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club on Re-Examining Howl (#271) 02/17/2026

Robert Levon Been of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club on Re-Examining Howl (#271) Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s third album Howl was a risk — one that nearly broke the band. In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Robert Levon Been to revisit the record that stripped away the noise and reshaped their identity. Originally released in 2005, Howl arrived as an unexpected curveball. The reverb-drenched guitars and white noise that defined the band’s early records were stripped back, replaced with folk, blues and gospel-inspired arrangements built around space, restraint and raw emotion. It was a risk — one that confused some at the time, but has since come to feel essential within the band’s catalogue. In this conversation, Robert Levon Been reflects on the creative decisions that shaped the album, the deliberate use of silence and atmosphere, and how stepping away from distortion opened up a deeper emotional register in the songwriting. He discusses the impact of critical reception, the perspective that comes with revisiting the record years later, and what it feels like to bring that material back to life on tour. Robert also shares insights into the band’s current creative landscape, highlights key entry points for new listeners, and speaks about protecting the spirit of music in an era driven by speed and algorithms. A thoughtful and reflective conversation about evolution, instinct, and trusting your creative compass — even when it takes you somewhere unexpected. About The XS Noize Podcast With over 250 episodes, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music’s legends, innovators, and trailblazers — a place where real conversations meet real stories. Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has featured an extraordinary lineup including Paul Draper, Sleaford Mods, The Charlatans, Gary “Mani” Mounfield, Glen Matlock, 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, and Michael Head — among many more. . New episodes drop weekly — subscribe for more in-depth conversations with the artists who shape our lives. /episode/index/show/xsnoize/id/40136060

Mark Shaw of Then Jerico on The Return and bringing the band back on stage (#270) 02/10/2026

Mark Shaw of Then Jerico on The Return and bringing the band back on stage (#270) In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Mark Shaw of Then Jerico to talk about The Return — a moment that reconnects legacy, live energy, and purpose as the band bring their full show to Ireland for the first time. Watch the full XS Noize Podcast conversation below. Then Jerico are currently touring the UK and Europe, with debut full-band Irish headline shows at Belfast’s Limelight 2 on Thursday 19 February and Dublin’s Whelan’s Main Room on Friday 20 February 2026. The tour features a 90-minute set spanning the band’s classic first two albums — First (The Sound of Music) and The Big Area (Outside) — alongside material from Mark Shaw’s 1990s solo releases. In this conversation, Mark Shaw reflects on a four-decade journey through success, setbacks, and survival. He talks about the importance of audience connection, shaping setlists that balance momentum with meaning, and the breakthrough impact of Big Area. Shaw also opens up about carrying the legacy of Then Jerico as the sole founder, revisiting early recordings and B-sides with fresh perspective, and why he’s still driven to write songs that speak directly to the present moment. About The XS Noize Podcast With over 250 episodes, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music’s legends, innovators, and trailblazers — a place where real conversations meet real stories. Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has featured an extraordinary lineup including Paul Draper, Sleaford Mods, The Charlatans, Gary “Mani” Mounfield, Glen Matlock, 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, and Michael Head — among many more. . New episodes drop weekly — subscribe for more in-depth conversations with the artists who shape our lives. /episode/index/show/xsnoize/id/40061220

Crispian Mills of Kula Shaker on Wormslayer (#269) 02/06/2026

Crispian Mills of Kula Shaker on Wormslayer (#269) In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Kula Shaker frontman Crispian Mills to talk about Wormslayer — a record that captures the band feeling revitalised, confident, and creatively fearless. Watch the full video conversation. Released on 30 January 2026, Wormslayer is Kula Shaker’s eighth studio album and sees the original line-up distil their explosive live energy into something cinematic, playful, and expansive. Often described as a natural companion to Natural Magic, the album allows songs to stretch and evolve, blending tight pop instincts with longer, more exploratory moments. In this conversation, Crispian Mills reflects on trust, chemistry, and why the band feels more alive now than at any point in their history. He talks about symbolism and synchronicity, the meaning behind key tracks including Lucky Number, Charge of the Light Brigade, and Broke as Folk, and the idea of creativity as an ongoing quest rather than a destination. About The XS Noize Podcast With over 250 episodes, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music’s legends, innovators, and trailblazers — a place where real conversations meet real stories. Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has featured an extraordinary lineup including Paul Draper, Sleaford Mods, The Charlatans, Gary “Mani” Mounfield, Glen Matlock, 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, and Michael Head — among many more. . New episodes drop weekly — subscribe for more in-depth conversations with the artists who shape our lives. /episode/index/show/xsnoize/id/40023355

Dani Larkin on Next Of Kin (#268) 02/03/2026

Dani Larkin on Next Of Kin (#268) In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Dani Larkin to talk about Next Of Kin — a deeply emotive record shaped by time, patience, and a renewed sense of creative clarity. Released on 23 January 2026, Next Of Kin marks a bold progression in Larkin’s sound and vision. Co-produced with Ruth O’Mahony Brady, the album expands her acclaimed storytelling into a cinematic, emotionally rich landscape that explores life’s most universal milestones — from birth and coming of age to love, loss, and acceptance. Structured as a trilogy, the record moves through distinct phases. Part I traces a journey from darkness toward revelation and youth. Part II sits in the complexity of adulthood, weaving love, fear, doubt, courage, and hope through expansive orchestral arrangements and intimate songwriting. Part III closes with a sense of resolution and homecoming, culminating in the poignant farewell Danny Boy. In this conversation, Larkin reflects on how releasing her debut Notes For A Maiden Warrior during the COVID era shaped her outlook, and why Next Of Kin feels like a true arrival moment. She talks about patience, self-acceptance, and the importance of creating space — both personally and creatively — between records. She also discusses the album’s lead single End Of It All, a striking and urgent track that blends industrial drum beats, raw guitar, and a haunting reimagining of Row, Row, Row Your Boat — capturing the contradictions, anxiety, and fragile hope of modern life. About The XS Noize Podcast With over 250 episodes, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music’s legends, innovators, and trailblazers — a place where real conversations meet real stories. Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has featured an extraordinary lineup including Sleaford Mods, The Charlatans, Gary “Mani” Mounfield, Glen Matlock, 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, and Michael Head — among many more. . /episode/index/show/xsnoize/id/39972885

Paul Draper on Mansun Retold: revisiting old songs with new perspective (#267) 01/27/2026

Paul Draper on Mansun Retold: revisiting old songs with new perspective (#267) In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Paul Draper to talk about Mansun Retold — a project shaped by distance, perspective, and the strange experience of meeting your younger self through song. Watch the full video conversation. Releasing on 20 February, Mansun Retold sees Draper revisit and reimagine key songs from the Mansun catalogue, rebuilding them from the ground up as full-band, acoustic unplugged recordings. Rather than revisiting the past for nostalgia’s sake, the album is about clarity — hearing familiar songs anew, stripped of urgency, ego, and expectation. Recorded at The Loft Studios in Surrey, the album was co-produced by Paul Draper alongside Paul “PDub” Walton (The Cure, U2, Björk, Massive Attack, Oasis). The sessions feature a string quartet arranged and led by Audrey Riley (Muse, Coldplay, Nick Cave), with drums performed by Julian Fenton — Mansun’s original early-era drummer. Draper performs acoustic bass, acoustic lead and rhythm guitar, and piano throughout the record. In this conversation, Draper reflects on the emotional weight of returning to songs so closely tied to his own life, how he decided which tracks felt ready to be retold, and the responsibility he feels toward fans who have lived with this music for decades. He also talks about life beyond music, creative fulfilment, and how Mansun Retold is intended to be experienced — not as a retrospective, but as a living record, rooted firmly in the present. About The XS Noize Podcast With over 250 episodes, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music’s legends, innovators, and trailblazers — a place where real conversations meet real stories. Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has featured an extraordinary lineup including Sleaford Mods, The Charlatans, Gary “Mani” Mounfield, Glen Matlock, 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, and Michael Head — among many more. . New episodes drop weekly — subscribe for more in-depth conversations with the artists who shape our lives. /episode/index/show/xsnoize/id/39895140

Alexander Wolfe on 'Everythinglessness' and confronting masculinity through music (#266) 01/20/2026

Alexander Wolfe on 'Everythinglessness' and confronting masculinity through music (#266) In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Alexander Wolfe to talk about his deeply personal new album Everythinglessness. Watch the full video conversation. Written after a period of intense personal reckoning — including time spent in a mental health rehabilitation facility in 2023 — explores masculinity, mental health, and emotional survival. Drawing on experiences of depression, anxiety, and ADHD, Wolfe turns vulnerability into something raw, intimate, and quietly powerful. Raised in 1990s Woolwich, Wolfe blends observational grit with cinematic songwriting, using analogue textures, layered harmonies, and stark piano lines to create a record that unfolds like a coming-of-age story — moving through grief, identity, and acceptance. In this conversation, Wolfe reflects on the mindset behind the album, the challenge of expressing softness in a culture shaped by silence and stoicism, and how music became a form of recovery rather than escape. About The XS Noize Podcast With over 250 episodes, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music’s legends, innovators, and trailblazers — a place where real conversations meet real stories. Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has featured an extraordinary lineup including Sleaford Mods, The Charlatans, Gary “Mani” Mounfield, Glen Matlock, 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, and Michael Head — among many more. . New episodes drop weekly — subscribe for more in-depth conversations with the artists who shape our lives. /episode/index/show/xsnoize/id/39802510

Callum Beattie on new album INDI and trusting his instinct (#265) 01/13/2026

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