The XS Noize Podcast

In Episode #175 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to award-winning Liverpudlian pop singer, and songwriter BANNERS (aka Michael Nelson) about his new album All Back to Mine.

BANNERS is known for his effervescent melodies and immensely relatable lyrics about the human condition. With Nelson's latest full-length, All Back to Mine, it's safe to say he owns a market share in feel-good anthems streamlined to soundtrack your best life.

The album includes his highly praised singles The Best View In Liverpool, Anywhere For You, Have You Ever Loved Someone, Name In Lights, Tell You I Love You, and C'est La Vie and the mesmerising single Perfectly Broken (Duet Version) featuring the soulful voice of America's Got Talent 2022 breakout star Lily Meola.

In this interview, Michael Nelson discusses the writing and recording of All Back to Mine. We also discuss his favourite BANNERS songs, songwriting, his love for Liverpool and more. Listen to episode #175 of The XS Noize Podcast with BANNERS (aka Michael Nelson) – BELOW:

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.

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 XS Noize Podcast with Neil Finn and Nick Seymour – BELOW:

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.

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 to the genre. The album follows the critically acclaimed transmit a little heaven EP released in 2022.

In this interview, Michael discusses the writing and recording of the album, upcoming live shows, musical influences, Star Wars figures and more. Listen to episode #173 of The XS Noize Podcast with Michael Smyth from Virgins – BELOW:

Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have been Elbow, Crowded House, 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 #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 group he led and fronted until their breakup in 2003. He will be joined by his live band, capturing the unique vibe of Six while adding a fresh intensity to the songs.

In this interview, Paul Draper discusses the live shows The Dead Flowers Reject Reissue, his two upcoming solo albums, and more.

Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have been Elbow, Crowded House, 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 #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 of lockdown, the band persisted in their creative pursuits, culminating in the recent release of a compelling series of tracks via Ditto Music.

One such track, Let The Music (Take Control), emerges as a vibrant fusion of electronic elements, drawing inspiration from the innovative sounds of Kraftwerk and invigorated by dynamic guitar riffs. A pivotal moment in the genesis of this track occurred during a live performance, coupled with a serendipitous encounter with the legendary guitarist, composer, and producer Nile Rodgers, whose influence left an indelible mark on the song's evolution. The band's creative journey continues unabated, with a promise of new releases slated throughout the course of 2024.

In this interview, Peter Hooton and Keith Mullin offer insights into the genesis of their latest songs and provide a tantalizing glimpse into their forthcoming album. Furthermore, they delve into the rich tapestry of The Farm's back catalogue, exploring their favourite songs, their Liverpool Music Icons Tour and much more.

Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have been Elbow, Crowded House, 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 #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 the release of Flying Dream 1 in 2021.

Throughout this engaging interview, Guy Garvey unveils the creative process, inspiration, and thematic depth woven into AUDIO VERTIGO. The conversation also ventures through the rich tapestry of Elbow's musical catalogue, exploring the band's most iconic tracks and much more, offering listeners a comprehensive insight into the band's enduring legacy and their exciting new chapter.

Listen to episode #170 of The XS Noize Podcast with Guy Garvey – BELOW:

Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have been Elbow, Crowded House, 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 #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 Love' and Simon & Garfunkel's 'Homeward Bound'. This grassroots musical adventure has now culminated in the release of their debut album, For Your Sins, on May 3rd, marking a significant milestone in their career.

Throughout this interview, Mollie and Orlaith offer an intimate glimpse into their unique bond, forged in the halls of their school and strengthened amidst the echoes of their street performances in Belfast. They share insights into the creative process behind For Your Sins, revealing the depth of their artistic vision and the evolution of their sound from the cobblestones to the studio.

Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have been Elbow, Crowded House, 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 | Stitcher | RSS – Find The XS Noize Music Podcast's complete archive of episodes here.

In a riveting Episode #168 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar engages in a dynamic conversation with Phil Etheridge and Jon 'Simmo' Simcox from This Rebel, exploring the depths of their self-titled album released on March 8, 2024, via Jump The Cut Records.

Hailing from The Black Country, a region renowned in the UK as the heart of England's Midlands, This Rebel's narrative took root in 2008 when Jon 'Simmo' Simcox crossed paths with Phil Etheridge, the frontman of The Twang, during his tenure as the monitor engineer for the Birmingham indie rock band. This encounter blossomed into a close friendship and a burgeoning creative partnership. Simmo, in addition to his role as a monitor engineer, went on to produce multiple albums for The Twang and lent his expertise to renowned artists such as Liam Gallagher, The Kills, FKA Twigs, and most recently, Bring Me The Horizon.

In this illuminating interview, Phil and Jon delve into the inception of This Rebel, sharing insights into their debut album's writing and recording process. The conversation also delves into a retrospective exploration of The Twang's extensive back catalogue, offering listeners a comprehensive look into the band's evolution. Tune in for a compelling discussion that goes beyond the surface, providing a rich tapestry of the musical journey undertaken by This Rebel.

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

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 Outside in 2005, All The Plans in 2009 and All This Life in 2017. A greatest hits compilation entitled Good Souls: The Greatest Hits surfaced in 2015, featuring all ten of their UK Top Forty singles to date, including their biggest hit, "Silence Is Easy", which reached No.9 in 2003.

In this interview, James Walsh provides deep insights into the creation of Where The Wild Things Grow, delving into the intricate process of songwriting. Additionally, we take a nostalgic journey through the band's back catalogue of albums, exploring James's highlights and discovering his all-time favourite Starsailor songs.

Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have been Crowded House, 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 | Stitcher | RSS – Find The XS Noize Music Podcast's complete archive of episodes here.

In the captivating Episode #166 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar engages in a profound conversation with Ride's Laurence 'Loz' Colbert and Steve Queralt, delving into the intricacies of their highly anticipated seventh studio album, 'Interplay.'

Scheduled for release on March 29th, Interplay marks a significant milestone for the Oxford-based quartet, being their third album since their reunion in 2014. Surpassing the duration of their original 90s phase, Ride has maintained their iconic status as shoegaze pioneers and evolved and embraced new sonic territories.

Following the success of Weather Diaries (2017) and This Is Not A Safe Place (2019), which reignited the Ride spark, the upcoming album promises to continue the journey. Produced by the band alongside Richie Kennedy and skillfully mixed by Claudius Mittendorfer, Interplay weaves together the frenzied guitar attacks, hypnotic grooves, and dreamy melodic hooks from their early work. Inspired by 80s pop gems like Tears For Fears, Talk Talk, and early U2, the album explores a more expansive sonic template.

In the interview, Loz and Steve navigate the depths of Interplay, offering insights into the band's split and reformation. Additionally, they reflect on their impressive back catalogue, discussing favourite Ride songs and providing listeners with a nostalgic journey through the band's musical evolution. This conversation is a compelling exploration of Ride's enduring legacy and their continued innovation in alternative rock.

Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have been 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 | Stitcher | RSS – Find The XS Noize Music Podcast's complete archive of episodes here.