The XS Noize Podcast

In Episode #185 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to Northern Irish Songstress Janet Devlin. Janet Devlin recently returned with her powerful new country-rock single, 'Emotional Rodeo.' Later this year, she will release her latest album, bearing the same name.

Facing her battles with Borderline Personality Disorder and bipolar disorder, Janet captures the essence of what it's like to love fiercely and fearlessly despite the challenges that come with it. Emotional Rodeo is a reflection of the soaring highs and plunging lows of living - and loving - with BPD, and she hopes it resonates with listeners who may be facing similar struggles.

Since her early beginnings as a standout performer on the UK X Factor at 16, Devlin has gone on to do so much more. Her debut album, Running With Scissors, heralded a defining moment, wherein she sculpted her singular artistic identity with finesse. Her most recent album, Confessional, served as a deeply personal narrative as she poured her heart out, transforming her struggles into a captivating folk-pop odyssey that resonated with audiences worldwide.

In addition to her musical endeavours, Devlin's compelling journey was captured in the 2022 BBC documentary Janet Devlin: Young, Female, and Addicted. The programme explored her own story of alcoholism and its effects on her life and others around her while exploring the stories of other young women suffering from the consequences of alcohol addiction in Northern Ireland.

In this interview, Janet discusses Emotional Rodeo, appearing on the X Factor, her documentary, new music, touring with Russell Crowe, 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 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.

In Episode #184 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to singer/songwriter and indie-dance pop icon Lisa Moorish about her new album, Divine Chaos. This is Moorish's first new music in 20 years, released on the sister label to Irvine Welsh's Jack Said What imprint.

Lisa wanted to work with a female co-producer on this new album and teamed up with Zoe Devlin Love (Alabama 3). Renowned producer Steve Mac brought an extra dimension to the collection's tougher electronic beats. Together, they have delivered many flavours—from dance-influenced tracks to indie electronica—amalgamating Lisa's varied sounds across the decades.

Lisa Moorish first made her name in music as a teenager when she had a club hit in 1989 with Rock To The Beat, a track written by Detroit techno luminaries Juan Atkins and Kevin Saunderson that fed into the UK's acid house explosion. She went on to work with the likes of Paul Weller and George Michael before being swept up in the Britpop scene and recording vocals on tracks by some of the biggest bands of that era — Oasis, Blur and Ash. She then started her indie electro-punk band, Kill City, in the early noughties, and they were snapped up by music mogul Alan McGee and signed to his new label, Poptones.

In this interview, Lisa discusses the writing and recording of Divine Chaos, duetting with George Michael, the Britpop scene 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 Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, John Lydon, Nick Heyward, 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.

In Episode #183 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to Sananda Maitreya about his new double album, The Pegasus Project: Pegasus & The Swan.

Sananda Maitreya should feel proud of the mesmerising journey his music has taken since Introducing The Hardline brought him to an unsuspecting world in 1987. Conceived initially as a 13-song guitar-led record staying on bass, drums and two guitars, his new album The Pegasus Project: Pegasus & The Swan now features 41 tracks presented as two sides - it is an epic album that soars, gallops and tumbles, revealing fresh insight with every listen.

In this interview, Sananda Maitreya discusses the writing and recording of the album. We also delved into his name change, Irish heritage, 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 James, Crowded House, Elbow, 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, Villagers, and many more.

In Episode #182 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to renowned Pop Artist Gareth Dunlop about his highly anticipated third album, 'Welcome To The House Of I Don't Know.'

Welcome To The House Of I Don't Know, invites listeners into the warm embrace of home—the cherished moments with loved ones and the nostalgic echoes of days gone by. Departing in sound from his previous works, Dunlop elevates his narratives with a full band, rich production, and thrilling performances.

A musical journey that has been nothing short of extraordinary, Dunlop's talent has been endorsed by a remarkable list of legendary artists that he has had the chance to perform with, including Van Morrison, Snow Patrol, James Morrison, Stereophonics, Bonnie Raitt, Foy Vance, and Jeff Beck, among others. With a dedicated following of over 122,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, his prowess as an artist continues to enthral audiences worldwide. Notably, his track Wrap Your Arms Around Me stands as a testament to this, amassing more than 5 million streams.

In this interview, Gareth Dunlop discusses the writing and recording of Welcome To The House Of I Don't Know, upcoming live shows and much 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 been James, Crowded House, Elbow, 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, Villagers & many more.

In Episode #181 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to songwriter and producer Bernard Butler to discuss Good Grief – his first new solo album in 25 years.

Between then and now, Butler had ventured into the world of pop songwriting and producing, including two seminal albums with folk musician Sam Lee, a Mercury nominated project with actor Jessie Buckley as well as working with Bert Jansch and Ben Watt from Everything But The Girl, The Libertines, Tricky and an eight-million selling, Grammy-winning record with Duffy.

In this interview, Bernard discusses the writing and recording of Good Grief, upcoming live shows, music production, and much more.

Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have been James, Crowded House, Elbow, 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, Villagers & many more.

Listen via YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS – Find The XS Noize Podcast's complete archive of episodes here.

In Episode #180 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to Tim Booth lead singer from JAMES about their latest album YUMMY and writing his debut novel "When I Died for the First Time."

JAMES have released their 18th studio album YUMMY which reached number one on the UK Albums Chart after 42 years in the music industry and in March Tim Booth published his first novel When I Died For The First Time.

In this interview, Tim discusses the writing and recording of YUMMY, upcoming live shows writing his first novel and lots more. Listen to episode #180 of The XS Noize Podcast with Tim Booth – BELOW:

Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have been Crowded House, Elbow, 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, Villagers & many more.

Listen via YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS – Find The XS Noize Podcast's complete archive of episodes here.

In Episode #179 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to legendary DJ/Producer Arthur Baker, credited as a leader, pioneer, and trailblazer in electronic music.

Masterminding breakthrough experimentation with tape edits and sampling. He left Boston for New York at the start of the 1980s. Initially DJing and producing disco and soul, he was drafted in by Tommy Boy Records to produce for hip-hop crew Afrika Bambaataa and the Soul Sonic Force. Planet Rock, the seminal single — with vocals by MC G.L.O.B.E. — that came out of those sessions, unwittingly kick-starting a revolution: electro.

Baker would go on to become an award-winning DJ and music and film producer, producing and mixing such artists as Bob Dylan, Hall & Oates, Al Green, Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, Diana Ross, Cyndi Lauper, New Order, The Pet Shop Boys, Fleetwood Mac and Hurts.

Fast-forward 40 years of hip-hop and electro street culture and Arthur is now a bona fide legendary music figure. Now he has teamed up with UK house rhythm master Steve Mac for the Sex Machine EP.

In this interview, Arthur discusses the early days of hip hop, The Sun City album, the Sex Machine EP, remixing huge hit records and lots more.

Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have been Crowded House, Elbow, 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, Villagers.

Listen via YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS – Find The XS Noize Podcast's complete archive of episodes here.

In Episode #178 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to Tom Bailey from The Thompson Twins about touring to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the classic album Into The Gap.

The Thompson Twins are widely regarded as one of the most iconic bands of the 1980s and provided the soundtrack to many people's lives during that incredible era of music.

On the eight-date UK tour in May, Tom will perform the legendary Thompson Twins' album Into The Gap, the 1984 lauded number 1 album in full along with other classic tracks. The album which has sold over five million copies worldwide spawned the distinctive new wave singles Hold Me Now, Doctor Doctor, You Take Me Up, Sister of Mercy and The Gap.

Along with the album Tom will also perform Thompson Twin favourites including If You Were Here, Lies, Lay Your Hands On Me, In the Name Of Love, We Are Detective and many more.

Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have been Crowded House, Elbow, 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, Villagers.

Listen via YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS – Find The XS Noize Podcast's complete archive of episodes here.

In Episode #177 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to award-winning Dublin singer-songwriter-instrumentalist-dramatist Conor O'Brien of Villagers about the new album That Golden Time.

The exquisite new album unfurls Conor O'Brien's trademark melodic flair, his gift for simultaneously vivid and subtle arrangements and lyrics that couch his hopes, fears and dreams in richly absorbing poetry. That Golden Time takes its name from the fifth track, which doubles as the album's lead single.

In this interview, Conor discusses the writing and recording of That Golden Time. He also looks back at Villagers previous albums, winning an Ivor Novello award, favourite songs and lots more.

Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have been Crowded House, Elbow, 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.

Listen via YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS – Find The XS Noize Podcast's complete archive of episodes here.

In Episode #176 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to Neil Arthur from Blancmange about the career-spanning compilation Everything is Connected (The Best of Blancmange 1979-2024).

Blancmange's story is one of two distinct chapters. In the early '80s, they infused the emergent synth-pop scene with oblique lyrics, wry British humour and occasionally tabla-tinged sonics, an unlikely mix which saw them soar into the Top 10 with singles such as Living On The Ceiling, Blind Vision and Don't Tell Me.

And since 2011's Blanc Burn album, they've taken that singular style into a new century and somehow become more prolific than ever. Now Blancmange brings all – well, 38 to be precise – of these highlights together with the career-spanning collection Everything Is Connected, released on London Records on 11th May 2024.

In this interview, Neil Arthur discusses the career-spanning collection Everything Is Connected, his love for Abba getting stopped by the police on his way to Top of the Pops and lots more.

Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have been Elbow, 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.

Listen via YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS – Find The XS Noize Podcast's complete archive of episodes here.