The XS Noize Podcast

In Episode #201 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar interviews acclaimed singer-songwriter Ryan McMullan about his long-awaited debut album Redesign.

Early in his career, Ryan McMullan earned praise from icons like Ed Sheeran, who called his voice a "rare jewel," and Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol, who described it as angelic. His rise was remarkable, from supporting Sheeran to selling out tours.

In 2022, with his debut album Redesign and a world tour planned, his future seemed bright. However, a severe mental health crisis forced him to cancel his plans, halting his momentum.

In this episode, Ryan discusses all the above as we delve into the songwriting and inspiration behind Redesign 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.

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.

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.

In Episode #198 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar interviews Irish artist Sister Ghost about her long-awaited debut album, Beyond The Water.

Recorded in Los Angeles in the summer of 2022 with producer Brad Wood, Beyond The Water captures years of hard work and resilience honed in the underground music scene. This album is a dynamic portrait of Sister Ghost in her 20s, reflecting her journey from a small village in rural Ireland and her experiences at home and far beyond its shores.

In this episode, Sister Ghost talks about writing and recording Beyond The Water, winning the best live act at the 2019 NI Music Prize, and setting up the Girls Rock! NI chapter and much more.

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.

In Episode #197 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar interviews Wendy James about her new album, The Shape Of History.

English singer-songwriter Wendy James burst onto the British music scene in 1988 as the bold and dynamic frontwoman of the chart-topping alt-rock band Transvision Vamp.

Wendy is set to release her highly anticipated new album, The Shape of History, on October 25th. Wendy wrote, produced, and mixed her tenth album, recorded between West London and New York City. It showcases her continued evolution as an artist.

In this episode, Wendy James discusses writing and recording the Shape of History, Transvision Vamp, her upcoming in-store tour, and much more. 

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, 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.

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.

In Episode #195 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar interviews James Cox and Steve Goddard from Crows about their third studio album, Reason Enough.

On Reason Enough, Crows punk spirit remains intact. Sonically, they are more refined and cohesive than ever; it’s the most mature Crows have ever sounded – and more melodic than what the 4-piece have previously done.

In this interview, James and Steve discuss writing and recording the new album, 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 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.

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.

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.

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.