The XS Noize Podcast

In episode #304 of the XS Noize Podcast, Nickelback bassist Mike Kroeger joins Mark Millar to discuss the band's new album, Everything Under The Sun, growing up with his brother Chad, and the brush with death that changed his outlook on life.

Mike explains why Nickelback wanted to make music at their own pace, shares his initial doubts about recording "Last Night Was Fun," and discusses bringing in John 5 to play on "Rattle the Cage."

He also explores the story behind "I Already Know," trusting Chad's songwriting instincts, and finding bass parts that serve the song.

Away from the studio, Mike opens up about discovering his Irish family, his close bond with Chad, and why he enjoys being in a famous band while keeping his everyday life away from the spotlight.

Reflecting on the health scare featured in Hate to Love: Nickelback, he explains why being right no longer matters to him and how the experience helped him let go of things he cannot control.

Looking ahead to Nickelback's 2027 world tour, including Dublin's 3Arena, Mike discusses choosing a setlist packed with hits. He also recalls discovering that Pantera's Abbott brothers were fans, shares his love of heavy metal, and reveals how he became a qualified gemologist.

Finally, Mike reflects on what he would miss most if Nickelback ended tomorrow.

Subscribe to the XS Noize Podcast for more in-depth conversations with the artists behind the music.

Website: https://www.xsnoize.com

In episode #303 of the XS Noize Podcast, Steven Wilson joins Mark Millar to discuss his new album, Requiem For A Village, embracing musical imperfections, and why he believes the human touch matters more than ever in an age of artificial intelligence.

Following the cosmic scale of The Overview, Steven explains why he wanted to explore British folklore, childhood memories and the unsettling atmosphere of folk-horror films such as The Wicker Man.

He discusses deliberately leaving instruments out of tune, experimenting with instruments he doesn't know how to play, and rediscovering the excitement of making music without everything being perfect.

Steven also talks about working with XTC's Andy Partridge and actor David Tennant, his concerns about AI-generated music, and what he's learned from remixing classic recordings by artists including Pink Floyd.

Looking ahead, he discusses performing The Overview at the Royal Albert Hall with an orchestra and choir, and reveals that he and Andy Partridge have discussed the possibility of a sequel — or even a trilogy — based around Requiem For A Village.

Finally, Steven reflects on the emotional power of music and why some of its magic may never be fully explained.

Subscribe to the XS Noize Podcast for more in-depth conversations with the artists behind the music.

Website: https://www.xsnoize.com

Gabriella Cilmi joins Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to discuss her new album, Pure Love, being signed at just 13, the worldwide success of 'Sweet About Me', and finding her way back to herself as an artist.

Gabriella reflects on the pressures of becoming famous at 16, losing creative control and eventually stepping away to rebuild on her own terms. She also reveals how watching footage of herself singing as a ten-year-old helped inspire Pure Love, discusses the stories behind the new songs and explains why she sees the album as "a comeback in the sense that I'm coming back to myself."

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Subscribe to the XS Noize Podcast for more in-depth conversations with artists, songwriters, producers and bands from around the world.

The XS Noize Podcast is hosted and produced by XS Noize founder and editor Mark Millar.

My Morning Jacket frontman Jim James joins Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to discuss his new solo album, Wowed Out, rediscovering music from his past, his journey towards sobriety and self-acceptance, and what's next for My Morning Jacket.

His fifth solo LP and first new solo album in eight years, Wowed Out grew from a collection of abandoned film-score recordings Jim created with composer Brian Reitzell more than 15 years ago. Jim reveals how revisiting those forgotten sessions inspired an entirely new record and why he has learned to embrace quieter musical moments rather than chasing big choruses and guitar solos.

The conversation explores the meaning behind Wowed Out, the overwhelming nature of social media and modern technology, and Jim's efforts to reconnect with the world beyond his phone. He also shares the stories behind 'Hands On', 'Lost Child' and 'Come Again', opening up about quitting drinking four years ago, his search for belonging and the healing power of music.

Finally, Jim reflects on nearly 30 years of My Morning Jacket, why the band feel more connected than ever, plans to record a new album in November and the possibility of bringing Wowed Out songs into their live shows.

Follow XS Noize:

Website: https://www.xsnoize.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xsnoizemusic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xsnoizemusic/ X: https://x.com/xsnoizemusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thexsnoizepodcast

Subscribe to the XS Noize Podcast for more in-depth conversations with artists, songwriters, producers and bands from around the world.

The XS Noize Podcast is hosted and produced by XS Noize founder and editor Mark Millar.

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Clint Boon to discuss his autobiography, Manchester Chronicles: True Tales of Music, Madness and Mayhem 1976–2006, the rise of Inspiral Carpets and the remarkable highs and lows of his life in music.

Clint recalls seeing the Sex Pistols at Manchester's Electric Circus in 1976—the night that convinced him he could form a band. He discusses joining Inspiral Carpets, introducing the Farfisa organ that helped define their sound and building the band independently through homemade recordings, merchandise, visuals and their own studio.

Clint also reflects on Noel Gallagher's journey from auditioning to become the Inspirals' singer to joining their touring crew, what Noel learned from watching the band at close range and when his songwriting with Oasis became impossible to ignore. He also remembers recording "I Want You" with Mark E. Smith and reveals what remains on the unfinished fifth Inspiral Carpets album.

The conversation becomes more personal as Clint recalls going from Glastonbury and Top of the Pops to signing on, hiding from bailiffs and relying on milk tokens to support his young family. He explains why he continued writing hopeful songs during that difficult period and how surviving a terrifying motorway crash changed his life.

Clint also discusses Mani's place in Manchester Chronicles, what success means to him now and what his 17-year-old self would make of the extraordinary life that followed that first Sex Pistols concert. Finally, he looks ahead to Burn Like the Sun, the first new Inspiral Carpets studio album in 12 years.

Buy Manchester Chronicles: https://geni.us/manchesterchronicles

Watch more XS Noize Podcast interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@thexsnoizepodcast

Visit XS Noize: https://www.xsnoize.com/

The XS Noize Podcast is hosted and produced by Mark Millar.

Stephen Mallinder joins Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to discuss Cabaret Voltaire's final tour, the return of Chris Watson, and the remastered edition of CODE.

Stephen reflects on why these final shows are both a celebration and an ending, and why he was determined not to let Cabaret Voltaire become its own tribute act.

He talks about reconnecting with Chris Watson, rebuilding the music using original technology and processes, and how revisiting the material brought Richard H. Kirk back into the room emotionally.

Stephen also looks back on CODE, working with Adrian Sherwood, and why he considers the album one of the most political records he and Richard made. He discusses the themes of technology, power, paranoia and greed, and why they still feel relevant today.

Elsewhere, Stephen talks about the rediscovered John Robie dub mix of "Thank You America", Cabaret Voltaire's roots in soul, dub, funk and electro, Gazelle Twin joining the final shows, and what it will mean to bring this chapter to a close in Sheffield.

Finally, Stephen looks ahead to what comes next after Cabaret Voltaire and explains why a limited-edition bottle of Henderson's Relish is such a fitting way to mark the end.

The XS Noize Podcast is hosted and produced by Mark Millar.

Jamie Webster joins Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to discuss his fourth studio album, Running Round The Sun, and the success, self-doubt and personal experiences behind his most reflective record yet.

Jamie looks back on his journey from playing Liverpool pubs for a pint of Coke and a packet of Quavers to huge headline shows, and reflects on why achieving his dreams hasn't necessarily made life easier to figure out.

He opens up about the more personal writing on the new album, including "Turning Point" and "Wherever You Are", discussing mental health, loneliness, asking for help and learning to recognise the good moments rather than constantly chasing what comes next.

Jamie also reveals how recording in New York shaped "Wherever You Are", the communities behind "Small Town Life", and why he wants his music to reach beyond his early association with Liverpool FC.

Elsewhere, Jamie explains what makes a Jamie Webster song, why he's returned to smaller venues, and whether making Running Round The Sun has helped him make sense of it all.

Running Round The Sun is released on 4 September 2026 via Modern Sky.

The XS Noize Podcast is hosted and produced by Mark Millar.

The Proclaimers have never been interested in becoming a nostalgia act. Craig and Charlie Reid join Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to discuss what still drives—and offends—them nearly 40 years after This Is the Story.

The brothers explore their uncompromising 13th studio album, You May Offend, whether people have become easier to offend and the political anger running through the record. They also reveal the stories behind "But It Is" and "The Grooming" and consider whether political songs can still change minds.

Craig and Charlie explain how their songwriting partnership continues to work after four decades, why they have never worried about being fashionable, and what it was like recording at Rockfield Studios with producer Dave Eringa and James Dean Bradfield.

The conversation also covers the dangers of nostalgia, "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" passing one billion streams, and what happens when songs such as "500 Miles" and "Sunshine on Leith" take on lives of their own.

Finally, they reflect on what they can write about in their sixties that the young men who made This Is the Story could never have understood.

You May Offend is released on 4 September via Cooking Vinyl.

The XS Noize Podcast is hosted and produced by Mark Millar.

Andros Georgiou joins Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to reveal the remarkable story behind Trojan Souls—the ambitious George Michael album that was never completed.

Andros discusses growing up alongside George, recognising his extraordinary musical ability at an early age and their work together on Boogie Box High's version of "Jive Talkin'," which featured an uncredited lead vocal from George.

He explains how Trojan Souls brought together an extraordinary line-up that included Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Janet Jackson, Seal, Sade and Bryan Ferry. Andros also reveals that complete vocals by George and Elton still exist for "This Kind of Love"—a song he hopes could one day be released as a duet.

The conversation explores George's remarkable songwriting and production process, the personal studio footage featured in the Trojan Souls film, what people still misunderstand about him and the emotional final conversation Andros shared with his lifelong friend.

Watch Trojan Souls – The Greatest Album That Was Never Made: https://trojansouls.com/

Follow and subscribe to the XS Noize Podcast for more in-depth conversations with the artists and musicians who shape our culture.

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Mystery Jets' Blaine Harrison and Ollie Taylor to discuss their seventh studio album, A Hole to See the Sky Through.

Blaine explains how a postcard artwork by Yoko Ono became the album's title, cover and guiding light. They also discuss recording with Leo Abrahams, the spontaneous creation of 'Black Sage' and how Ollie and his brother Eddie brought fresh energy to the band.

Elsewhere, Blaine shares the deeply personal story behind 'Soul River', written for a much-loved friend who died during the pandemic, and explains how 'Anaglypta' uses textured wallpaper as a metaphor for hiding the cracks in our lives.

They also reflect on the album's place alongside Curve of the Earth and A Billion Heartbeats, what keeps Mystery Jets moving forward after more than 20 years, and why songwriting remains a balance between "maths and magic."

A Hole to See the Sky Through is released on 21 August via Fiction Records.

Watch the XS Noize Podcast on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@thexsnoizepodcast

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xsnoizemusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xsnoizemusic X / Twitter: https://x.com/xsnoizemusic

Hosted and produced by Mark Millar.