The XS Noize Podcast

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.

In Episode #204 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar chats with Phil Etheridge from The Twang to celebrate the 15th anniversary of their second album, Jewellery Quarter.

Originally released in 2009, Jewellery Quarter debuted at No. 20 on the UK charts and featured standout singles like Barney Rubble and Encouraging Sign. The album also delivered fan favourites such as Took the Fun and Back Where We Started, earning its status as a modern classic. This December, The Twang will release a special edition of the album—re-recorded, remastered, and available on vinyl for the first time ever.

In this episode, Phil reflects on the album's creation, sharing insights into the writing and recording process, the excitement of the new vinyl release, new music and the band's upcoming live shows.

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, 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.

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.

In Episode #202 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar interviews Louisa Roach, the frontwoman of She Drew the Gun, about her new album, Howl.

Howl is She Drew The Gun's fourth album, delving into a visceral musical landscape shaped by influences as diverse as 80s electronica, hip-hop, political poetry, and cosmic Scouse psychedelia.

In this episode, Louisa Roach shares insights into the album's writing and recording process, her spirituality, and more. Listen to episode #202 of The XS Noize Podcast with She Drew The Gun – BELOW:

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 #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.