The XS Noize Podcast

XS Noize

The XS Noize Podcast is a dynamic weekly exploration of the music world hosted by Mark Millar, editor-in-chief of XS Noize. Through insightful and in-depth interviews with musicians, producers, and managers, the podcast delves into the heart of today’s music industry. Previous guests include Elbow, Crowded House, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, John Lydon, Nick Heyward, Steven Wilson, Matt Goss, Billy Nomates, Tom Meighan, Toyah Wilcox, Midge Ure, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, The Brand New Heavies—& many more. read less
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Episodes

#207. Sarah Cracknell of Saint Etienne delves into the stories and inspirations behind their latest album, The Night
12-12-2024
#207. Sarah Cracknell of Saint Etienne delves into the stories and inspirations behind their latest album, The Night
In Episode #207 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar chats with Sarah Cracknell of Saint Etienne to delve into the stories and inspirations behind their latest album, The Night. Saint Etienne's twelfth album, The Night, released via Heavenly Recordings, offers an ambient escape from modern life's chaos. A follow-up to 2021's I've Been Trying to Tell You, it delivers layered tranquillity and immersive storytelling, capturing the essence of the after-hours. Produced by Saint Etienne in collaboration with composer and producer Augustin Bousfield, The Night was recorded from January to August 2024 at two locations in Saltaire and Hove. In this episode, Sarah Cracknell takes us behind the scenes of writing and recording The Night, shares her top five Saint Etienne songs, and much more.  Or listen via YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS – Find The XS Noize Podcast's complete archive of episodes here. Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have included Gavin Friday, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, The Twang, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, John Lydon, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Midge Ure, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, The Brand New Heavies, Villagers, and many more.
#206. KillerStar's Rob Fleming on 'KillerStar Reimagined' the reworks album
10-12-2024
#206. KillerStar's Rob Fleming on 'KillerStar Reimagined' the reworks album
In Episode #206 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar chats with Rob Fleming, one half of Killerstar, to discuss KillerStar Reimagined, the reworks album. KillerStar’s debut album earned widespread acclaim for blending art rock innovation with timeless classic rock. Now, the band unveils KillerStar Reimagined, a reworked collection that deepens their vision. KillerStar is a new band led by Rob Fleming (vocals, guitar, synths) and James Sedge (drums). The original album featured legendary Bowie collaborators, including Mike Garson, Earl Slick, Mark Plati, Gail Ann Dorsey, Tim Lefebvre, Emm Gryner, and Donny McCaslin. This new release, primarily produced by Mark Plati, includes fresh takes on the songs and a remix of Should’ve Known Better by The Anchoress, known for her solo work and collaborations with Manic Street Preachers. In this episode of The XS Noize Podcast, Rob Fleming takes us inside KillerStar’s debut album, its reimagined edition, upcoming live shows, and more.  Or listen via YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS – Find The XS Noize Podcast’s complete archive of episodes here. Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have included Gavin Friday, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, The Twang, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, John Lydon, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Midge Ure, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, The Brand New Heavies, Villagers, and many more.
#205. Tony Mortimer on 30 Years of ‘Stay Another Day’: The Story Behind East 17’s Timeless Christmas Classic
05-12-2024
#205. Tony Mortimer on 30 Years of ‘Stay Another Day’: The Story Behind East 17’s Timeless Christmas Classic
In Episode #205 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar chats with Tony Mortimer to discuss The 30th Anniversary of The East 17 Christmas Classic ‘Stay Another Day’  East 17’s Stay Another Day is a beloved Christmas classic. It spent five weeks at #1 in 1994, surpassing Mariah Carey’s All I Want for Christmas Is You. It achieved double-platinum status, topped charts in eight countries, and earned Tony Mortimer an Ivor Novello Award. For its 30th anniversary, Tony is partnering with Nordoff and Robbins, the UK’s largest music therapy charity, to highlight how music can offer hope, healing, and connection to those facing illness, disability, or social isolation. In this episode, Tony Mortimer reflects on the creation of Stay Another Day, his collaboration with Nordoff and Robbins, and shares memories from his time with East 17. Or listen via YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS – Find The XS Noize Podcast’s complete archive of episodes here. Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have included Gavin Friday, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, The Twang, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, John Lydon, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Midge Ure, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, The Brand New Heavies, Villagers, and many more.
#203. Anton Newcombe on Creativity, Collaboration, and the Ever-Evolving Journey of Brian Jonestown Massacre
26-11-2024
#203. Anton Newcombe on Creativity, Collaboration, and the Ever-Evolving Journey of Brian Jonestown Massacre
In Episode #203 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar interviews Anton Newcombe, the visionary founder and driving force behind the legendary Brian Jonestown Massacre, one of the most compelling bands in modern music. A true Renaissance figure, Anton Newcombe is not only a frontman and prolific songwriter but also a composer, producer, engineer, multi-instrumentalist, studio owner, and dedicated father—a creative powerhouse whose influence resonates deeply in the music world. In this engaging conversation, Anton delves into Parallel, his latest collaborative album with Scottish singer-songwriter Dot Allison, released under All Seeing Dolls. He also shares insights on the new Brian Jonestown Massacre single, "Don't Look at Me," featuring Aimee Nash and gives an inside look at the band's highly anticipated European and UK tour. Or listen via YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS – Find The XS Noize Podcast's complete archive of episodes here. Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have included Gavin Friday, Fairground Attraction, Peter Hook, Humanist, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, John Lydon, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Midge Ure, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, The Brand New Heavies, Villagers, and many more.
#200. Ciaran Lavery Unveils the World of 'Light Entertainment'
12-11-2024
#200. Ciaran Lavery Unveils the World of 'Light Entertainment'
In Episode #200 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar interviews acclaimed Northern Irish singer-songwriter Ciaran Lavery about his stunning new album Light Entertainment. Light Entertainment, Lavery's fifth studio album and first since 2020's acclaimed Plz Stay, bb, is his most multi-layered work yet. It features his trademark wit and invites listeners into a strange, intense world. Shaun Doogan and Ciarán McCann at Re-Act Productions have also adapted the album into a striking short film. The film follows Lavery through surreal, film noir-inspired scenarios, even featuring Daniel O'Donnell as a phantasmagorical version of himself. It mirrors the album's theme of feeling overwhelmed by a constant stream of information, news, and social media. In this episode, Ciaran discusses the inspiration behind the album, working with Daniel O'Donnell, how he nearly became a rapper and much more.  Or listen via YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS – Find The XS Noize Podcast's complete archive of episodes here. Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have included Gavin Friday, Fairground Attraction, Peter Hook, Humanist, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, John Lydon, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Anton Newcombe, Midge Ure, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, The Brand New Heavies, Villagers, and many more.
#199. Richard Archer on New Music, Hard-Fi's Journey and Whats Next
05-11-2024
#199. Richard Archer on New Music, Hard-Fi's Journey and Whats Next
In Episode #199 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar interviews Hard-Fi frontman Richard Archer about their forthcoming Don't Go Making Plans EP. Hard-Fi makes a highly anticipated return with their new Don't Go Making Plans EP, marking their first release of new material in a decade. The band will embark on an extensive UK headline tour this November to celebrate. Hard-Fi has been a major force in British music with over a million UK album sales, two Number 1 albums (and three in the Top 10), plus five Top 20 singles. Their Mercury Prize-shortlisted debut, Stars of CCTV (2005), offered relatable tales of everyday life and weekend escapism, featuring hits like "Hard to Beat," "Living for the Weekend," and "Cash Machine." The album went double platinum in the UK. Their second album, Once Upon a Time in the West, also reached Number 1, led by the single "Suburban Knights," while Killer Sounds secured a Top 10 spot. Hard-Fi famously played five consecutive, sold-out nights at the O2 Academy Brixton in 2006, a record they share with legends like Bob Dylan and The Clash. In this episode, Richard Archer discusses the inspiration behind the EP, their upcoming live shows, and much more.  Or listen via YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS – Find The XS Noize Podcast's complete archive of episodes here. Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have included Gavin Friday, Fairground Attraction, Peter Hook, Humanist, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, John Lydon, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Anton Newcombe, Midge Ure, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, The Brand New Heavies, Villagers, and many more.
#196. Gavin Friday discusses his new solo album "Ecce Homo"
15-10-2024
#196. Gavin Friday discusses his new solo album "Ecce Homo"
In Episode #196 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar interviews Irish renaissance man Gavin Friday about his highly anticipated new solo album Ecce Homo out 25th October. The new album – produced by Soft Cell’s Dave Ball and Michael Heffernan – marks his first since 2011’s Catholic.  Gavin Friday, founding frontman of cult Irish post-punk band Virgin Prunes, has had a genre-defying, four-decade career as a songwriter, composer, actor, visual artist, and creative director. He’s collaborated with artists, including childhood friends U2, Colin Newman, Laurie Anderson, Sinéad O’Connor, and Quincy Jones. Friday’s music has earned Ivor Novello and Golden Globe nominations for films like In the Name of the Father and In America. He’s also showcased his visual art in exhibitions, worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and recently scored and narrated the animated Peter and the Wolf. His seminal work with Virgin Prunes has been celebrated through the reissue of classic albums and EPs on vinyl. In this interview, Gavin discusses writing and recording Ecce Homo, upcoming live shows, Virgin Prunes, his role as U2’s creative director and more. Listen via YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS – Find The XS Noize Podcast’s complete archive of episodes here. Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have included Fairground Attraction, Peter Hook, Humanist, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, John Lydon, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Betty Boo, Midge Ure, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, The Brand New Heavies, Villagers, and many more.
#194. Fairground Attraction: Eddi Reader and Mark Nevin on the Magic Behind 'Beautiful Happening' After 35 Years
24-09-2024
#194. Fairground Attraction: Eddi Reader and Mark Nevin on the Magic Behind 'Beautiful Happening' After 35 Years
In Episode #194 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar sits down with Eddi Reader and Mark Nevin of Fairground Attraction to discuss Beautiful Happening, their first album in 35 years. Fairground Attraction is best known for their 1988 Number 1 hit, Perfect, as well as their two BRIT Awards and platinum-selling debut album. However, the band split shortly after their success and didn't speak again—until now. Reuniting after 35 years, they're back with a new album, Beautiful Happening, a heartwarming story of reconciliation paired with a stunning record. Eddi Reader's vocals have never sounded better, and to top it off, the band will be hitting the road for a UK tour just days after the album's release! Eddi and Mark discuss getting back together, writing and recording the album, upcoming live shows, and more in this interview.  Or listen via YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS – Find The XS Noize Podcast's complete archive of episodes here. Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have included Peter Hook, Humanist, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, John Lydon, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Betty Boo, Midge Ure, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, The Brand New Heavies, Villagers, and many more.
#193. Mat Peters on IST IST’s New Album ‘Light a Bigger Fire’
18-09-2024
#193. Mat Peters on IST IST’s New Album ‘Light a Bigger Fire’
In Episode #193 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to Mat Peters from Manchester four-piece IST IST about their fourth studio album, Light a Bigger Fire. IST IST will release its eagerly anticipated fourth album, Light A Bigger Fire, on Friday, September 20th. It is the follow-up to the Top 50 record Protagonists. IST IST has forged a formidable reputation from uncompromisingly intense live shows, a fierce Mancunian DIY work ethic, and an ever-growing back catalogue of successful studio and live releases; all self-released through their own Kind Violence Records imprint. Joe Cross's production skills were enlisted for Light a Bigger Fire, whose impressive CV features Courteeners, Hurts, Louis Tomlinson, and the Slow Readers Club. Mat Peters talks about writing and recording the album, upcoming live shows, and more in this interview.   Listen via YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS – Find The XS Noize Podcast's complete archive of episodes here. Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have included Peter Hook, Humanist, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, John Lydon, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Billy Nomates, Midge Ure, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, The Brand New Heavies, Villagers, and many more.
#192. Betty Boo on Defying Expectations with new album “Rip Up The Rulebook”
10-09-2024
#192. Betty Boo on Defying Expectations with new album “Rip Up The Rulebook”
In Episode #192 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to Betty Boo about her new album Rip Up The Rulebook.  Rip Up The Rulebook, Betty Boo's fourth studio album, is a tribute to her formative years as a trailblazer in the UK hip-hop scene of the 1980s. She made a name for herself during that era by writing and self-producing music as part of the all-female rap group She Rockers. Their success led to an unforgettable tour across the United States, where they opened for Public Enemy—long before Betty Boo's breakout as a pop sensation with chart-topping hits in the early 1990s. The album's title track is a standout collaboration, featuring Betty Boo alongside one of hip-hop's foundational figures, Grandmaster Caz, the legendary writer behind "Rapper's Delight." This duet not only underscores the album's deep connection to hip-hop history but also highlights Betty Boo's ongoing commitment to her roots while pushing creative boundaries. In this interview, Betty Boo opens up about the writing and recording process behind her new album. We also dive into her 90s hits, memorable performances on Top of the Pops, upcoming live shows, and much more. Listen to episode #192 of The XS Noize Podcast with Betty Boo – BELOW: Listen to episode #192 of The XS Noize Podcast with Betty Boo – BELOW: Listen via YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS – Find The XS Noize Podcast's complete archive of episodes here. Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have included Peter Hook, Humanist, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, John Lydon, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Billy Nomates, Midge Ure, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, The Brand New Heavies, Villagers, and many more.
#190. Legendary Bassist Peter Hook on Joy Division, New Order, and The Light
12-08-2024
#190. Legendary Bassist Peter Hook on Joy Division, New Order, and The Light
In Episode #190 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to legendary bassist Peter Hook, co-founder of Joy Division and New Order. Peter Hook & the Light will soon tour North America, the UK, and Ireland. The band will perform the full Substance albums by Joy Division and New Order on live dates. Peter Hook first revisited the seminal Joy Division album Unknown Pleasures in May 2010 for a commemorative charity concert and has followed it each year by performing subsequent albums from the repertoire of his bands, Joy Division and New Order. Peter Hook & The Light have since moved through each of those albums, culminating in the Factory Records Substance compilations, and recently celebrated over four decades of the continuing influence of Joy Division and Ian Curtis with the Joy Division: A Celebration concerts where both of the band’s albums were played in full. In this interview, Peter discusses his time with Joy Division and New Order, working with Damon Albarn on Gorillaz, the upcoming tour, and more.  Listen via YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS – Find The XS Noize Podcast’s complete archive of episodes here. Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have included Humanist, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, John Lydon, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Matt Goss, Billy Nomates, Midge Ure, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, The Brand New Heavies, Villagers, and many more.
#188. Hifi Sean discusses "Daylight" the new album with David McAlmont
24-07-2024
#188. Hifi Sean discusses "Daylight" the new album with David McAlmont
In Episode #188 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to Hifi Sean, one-half of Hifi Sean and David McAlmont, about their new album Daylight. Hifi Sean & David McAlmont proudly present their sophomore album Daylight, an exhilarating suite of twelve songs which celebrates, expresses and explores the colours of summer. It will be the first of two albums from the duo, with the nocturnal sister album Twilight released in early 2025. The record glows with confidence and vigour, featuring a decadent mix of club sounds, gospel, new wave, synth-pop, and soul. A rush of tracks evokes the shimmering haze of summer days, hot and balmy, with songs tumbling out one after another like a sequence of bright, dazzling pop flashes. With an impressive roster of past collaborations, including Yoko Ono, Crystal Waters, and Bootsy Collins, Hifi Sean teams up with David McAlmont to create a unique palette of alternative electronica. Their new album, Daylight, is an exhilarating suite of twelve songs that celebrates, expresses, and explores the colours of summer. In this interview, Hifi Sean talks about how he started the band with David McAlmont, the writing and recording of the new album, and lots more.  Listen via YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS – Find The XS Noize Podcast’s complete archive of episodes here. Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have included Humanist, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, John Lydon, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Matt Goss, Billy Nomates, Tom Meighan, Midge Ure, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, The Brand New Heavies, Villagers, and many more.