In Episode #174 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to Neil Finn and Nick Seymour from Crowded House about their eighth studio album 'Gravity Stairs.' Produced by the band with Steven Schram (Paul Kelly, San Cisco), Gravity Stairs shows Crowded House’s current incarnation featuring Neil Finn, Nick Seymour, Mitchell Froom, Elroy Finn and Liam Finn. In this interview, Neil Finn and Nick Seymour discuss the writing and recording of Gravity Stairs. We also discuss their favourite Crowded House songs, songwriting, Neil getting abducted in Belfast and more. Listen to episode #174 of The ..read more

In Episode #173 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to Michael Smyth, guitarist and founder of Belfast shoegaze band Virgins, about their highly anticipated debut album ‘Nothing Hurt and Everything Was Beautiful’.  The album finds the band exploring a broader sonic palette, seamlessly moving between the gaze-pop of s l o w l y, l o n g and d i s a p p e a r e r to the dance-influenced s o f t e r. To the ethereal, heavy expansiveness of p a l e f i r e and t e n d. Their captivating sound doesn’t rely on recycling shoegaze tropes but brings a fresh and contemporary approach t ..read more

In Episode #172 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to acclaimed songwriter and former Mansun frontman Paul Draper to discuss his upcoming live shows to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the iconic Mansun album Six. To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Six, in April 2024, Paul Draper and his live band are hitting the road, playing legendary venues up and down the UK. This will be the last chance for fans to see Paul perform Six live in its entirety. For these very special headline shows, Draper is playing, in full, the iconic album by Mansun, the grou ..read more

In Episode #171 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar is delighted to engage in a captivating conversation with Peter Hooton and Keith Mullin from The Farm. After a triumphant series of festival appearances and the debut of fresh tunes during the summer of 2017, The Farm reunited, igniting a resurgence in their recording endeavours. Although their plans for the digital release of the Feel The Love EP across all streaming platforms were initially set, unforeseen circumstances, including illness and the onset of the pandemic, caused an unexpected delay. However, during the confines ..read more

In Episode #170 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar is thrilled to sit down with Guy Garvey, Elbow’s illustrious lead vocalist, for an enlightening conversation about their latest masterpiece, AUDIO VERTIGO. March heralds the much-anticipated return of Elbow with their tenth studio odyssey, AUDIO VERTIGO. Crafted throughout 2023 within the intimate confines of the band’s studios and Migration Studios in Gloucestershire before reaching its final form at their dedicated space in Blueprint Studios, Salford, this album emerges as a pivotal evolution in their journey since ..read more

In Episode #169 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar delves deep into a compelling dialogue with Mollie McGinn and Orlaith Forsythe, the dynamic Irish rock duo behind Dea Matrona. This discussion focuses on their eagerly awaited debut album, 'For Your Sins,' which is set to captivate listeners worldwide on May 3rd. Originating from shared school corridors, Mollie McGinn and Orlaith Forsythe's journey began with their mutual passion for rock 'n' roll. Their early days were spent busking on the lively streets of Belfast, breathing new life into classics such as Led Zeppelin's 'Whole Lotta L ..read more

In the captivating Episode #167 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar meets James Walsh from Starsailor to discuss their new album, Where The Wild Things Grow. Starsailor returns with Where The Wild Things Grow, their first album in six years, produced by Rick McNamara and set for release on 22nd March 2024. Formed in and around Wigan at the start of the millennium and featuring James Walsh (guitar, vocals), James Stelfox (bass), Barry Westhead (keyboards) and Ben Byrne (drums), Starsailor have released five albums to date, including Love Is Here in 2001, Silence Is Easy in 2003, On The Ou ..read more

In episode #165 of The XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar engages in a captivating conversation with John Power, the lead singer of Cast, exploring their latest musical endeavour, 'Love Is The Call.' This marks a significant return for Cast, with their first album in six years set to be released on February 16th. Love Is The Call doesn't just resonate with Cast's musical history but also draws inspiration from the influential band, The La's. Although reminiscent of their timeless hits like Alright, Walkaway, Sandstorm, and Flying, the album showcases a unique evolution ..read more

In episode #164 of The XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar meets James Atkin and Ian Dench from EMF to discuss their new album, 'The Beauty and The Chaos,' released on January 26th 2024. The Beauty and The Chaos finds the band at their full creative tilt, delivering Classic EMF! And sees the band reunited with Ralph Jezzard, who produced their first two albums, Schubert Dip and Stigma. This energetic and diverse album features ten finely crafted songs, with the opening track and first single, Hello People, setting the tone with its indie grove and its call to stand against the hate myths of imm ..read more

In episode #163 of The XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar meets the visionary mind behind Kula Shaker, the legendary Crispian Mills. We delve into the enchanting realms of their latest musical creation, "NATURAL MAGICK." As the frontman and creative force behind the band, Crispian takes us through the inspiration, creative process, and mystical elements that shape the album. Join us as we uncover the secrets and stories behind the sonic tapestry woven by Kula Shaker in this captivating exploration of NATURAL MAGICK. NATURAL MAGICK finds the original four members delivering the renewed wild energy w ..read more