The XS Noize Podcast

In episode #165 of The XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar engages in a captivating conversation with John Power, the lead singer of Cast, exploring their latest musical endeavour, 'Love Is The Call.' This marks a significant return for Cast, with their first album in six years set to be released on February 16th.

Love Is The Call doesn't just resonate with Cast's musical history but also draws inspiration from the influential band, The La's. Although reminiscent of their timeless hits like Alright, Walkaway, Sandstorm, and Flying, the album showcases a unique evolution that Power couldn't have envisioned during the peak of their chart-topping singles era.

While Love Is The Call takes listeners on a cohesive and immersive journey, it refuses to be confined to a single genre. From the captivating simplicity of Bluebird to the introspective and soul-stirring Tomorrow Calls My Name, the anthemic rock energy of Rain That Falls, to the rebellious punk vibes of I Have Been Waiting, and the infectious Merseybeat charm with an indie-pop twist in Look Around, the album fulfils John's ambition of creating yet another exceptional musical collection. While pulsating with life-affirming energy, some of its lyrics delicately touch upon the themes of the passage of time and the transient nature of life.

In this insightful interview, John Power delves deep into the new album's creation, discussing not only its musical aspects but also his Irish roots, the departure of Jurgen Klopp from Liverpool FC, and many other engaging topics. Listen to episode #165 of The XS Noize Podcast with John Power – BELOW:

Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have been 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 episode #164 of The XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar meets James Atkin and Ian Dench from EMF to discuss their new album, 'The Beauty and The Chaos,' released on January 26th 2024.

The Beauty and The Chaos finds the band at their full creative tilt, delivering Classic EMF! And sees the band reunited with Ralph Jezzard, who produced their first two albums, Schubert Dip and Stigma.

This energetic and diverse album features ten finely crafted songs, with the opening track and first single, Hello People, setting the tone with its indie grove and its call to stand against the hate myths of immigration. A further nine songs take the listener on a musical rollercoaster embracing Techno punk (Reach For The Lasers), Nasty Northern Soul (Read The Room), Swampy Electronica (I've Been Down), Prog Punk (Stardust) and Trip Trop gospel (Lookout Mountain), before the psychedelic Do It Again, a song about trying to grow up but failing, closes this sumptuous album in the best possible way.

Along with the original version of Hello People, there is the Hello People' Facts vs Fear remix' featuring Stephen Fry, a bonus track at the album's end. In this interview, James and Ian delve into the writing and recording of the album, live shows and lots more. Listen to episode #164 of The XS Noize Podcast with James Atkin and Ian Dench – BELOW:

Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have been Kula Shaker, 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 episode #163 of The XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar meets the visionary mind behind Kula Shaker, the legendary Crispian Mills. We delve into the enchanting realms of their latest musical creation, "NATURAL MAGICK."

As the frontman and creative force behind the band, Crispian takes us through the inspiration, creative process, and mystical elements that shape the album. Join us as we uncover the secrets and stories behind the sonic tapestry woven by Kula Shaker in this captivating exploration of NATURAL MAGICK.

NATURAL MAGICK finds the original four members delivering the renewed wild energy we know and love. A mesmeric 13-track incantation incorporating blazing psychedelic sermons, raga rave-ups, stardust-coated pop pearls and mood-enhancing mantras, it is a technicolour sonic pathway towards a more enlightened state of mind. Kinetic energy coursing through every second of 'NATURAL MAGICK' planted firmly in the rolling 24-hour news-feed mind-mash that is today's Planet Earth.

Listen to episode #163 of The XS Noize Podcast with Crispian Mills – BELOW:

Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have been 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 episode #162 of The XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar meets the charismatic frontman of Shed Seven, Rick Witter. Shed Seven has been a formidable force in the British alternative rock scene with a career spanning over three decades. Mark sits down with Rick to delve into the band's highly anticipated new album, "A Matter of Time."

Known for their infectious melodies and timeless sound, Shed Seven continues to captivate audiences, and this latest offering promises to be a stellar addition to their impressive discography. Join us as we explore the creative process behind the album, the evolution of the band's sound, and the stories that shape A Matter of Time. Get ready for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the musical journey of one of Britain's enduring rock acts, guided by the insights and experiences of the man himself, Rick Witter. Listen to episode #162 of The XS Noize Podcast with Rick Witter – BELOW:

Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have been 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 episode #161 of The XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar meets Katherine Blamire and Jessica Davies from Smoke Fairies to discuss their new album, "Carried In Sound."

Smoke Fairies is a project founded on friendship. Katherine Blamire and Jessica Davies have known one another since they were kids, forming a band to escape the humdrum of high school. On their new album, Carried In Sound, the duo prove themselves to be self-reliant, moving through a pandemic, home recording, and demonstrating true independence to forge something utterly faithful to their ambitions.

In this interview, Katherine and Jessica talk about writing and recording Carried in Sound, becoming the first UK band to sign with Jack White's Third Man label, touring with Bryan Ferry, 80s guilty pleasures and lots more. Listen to episode #161 of The XS Noize Podcast with Smoke Fairies – BELOW:

Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have been 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 episode #160 of The XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar meets Chris Turpin, one-half of British indie-blues-rock duo Ida Mae, to talk about their latest LP, "Thunder Above You."

Ida Mae is a husband and wife duo of Chris Turpin and Stephanie Jean Ward. They met while studying at university, quickly bonding over their passion for music and later forming their first band, Kill It Kid. Penning three critically acclaimed records, they spent their early twenties touring extensively across Europe.

Recorded in just seven days, their new album Thunder Above You marks the most significant creative period in Ida Mae's career. It followed months of touring the states with legendary artists, including Willie Nelson and Lucinda Williams, driving from clubs to arena shows while inspired by the dramatic landscapes surrounding them.

In this interview, Chris talks about the writing and recording of Thunder Above You and lots more. Listen to episode #160 of The XS Noize Podcast with Chris Turpin from Ida Mae – BELOW:

Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have been 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 episode #159 of The XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar meets 80s legend Deniece Pearson, lead singer of the iconic pop group Five Star, to discuss her Christmas single 'Santa Claus is Coming.'

Santa Claus is Coming follows her recent single Forever Young – a feel-good infused pop-bop which reached #12 in Music Week's Pop Chart and went Top Ten in their Black Chart. It was taken from a new EP featuring new versions of two Top 10 Five Star classics' System Addict and Rain or Shine. Deniece is also excited to be putting the finishing touches to her brand-new solo album Free-Queen-See, out in the spring/summer of 2024.

In this interview, Deniece talks about the new single, her massive success with Five Star, appearing on The Voice, her new solo album, and lots more. Listen to episode #159 of The XS Noize Podcast with Deniece Pearson – BELOW:

Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have been 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 episode #158 of The XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar meets Peter Cunnah from D:Ream to discuss the brand new double CD compilation, "D:Ream - The Best Thing."

Peter Cunnah & Al Mackenzie made their name in the early '90s, having several top-ten singles, including hitting number 1 with Things Can Only Get Better. D'Ream has released "D:Ream - The Best Thing", a brilliant new compilation that includes all the hits, remastered with unreleased live versions and unreleased demos.

In this interview, Peter Cunnah talks about the new compilation, his early days with Derry rock band Tie the Boy, the success of D'Ream in the 90s, new music from D'Ream in 2024 and lots more. Listen to episode #158 of The XS Noize Podcast with Peter Cunnah – BELOW:

Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have been 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 episode #157 of The XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar meets Galen & Paul, a new project from Galen Ayers, the singer-songwriter whose artistic projects include the rightly acclaimed solo album 'Monument', and Paul Simonon, bassist with The Clash, Gorillaz and The Good, The Bad and The Queen.

After the bilingual charms, international genre-spanning adventures, and picture postcard images of pan-European culture of their debut album Can We Do Tomorrow Another Day? Galen & Paul have released the new EP Uno Más.

In this interview, Galen & Paul discuss their meeting, debut album, new EP, and more. Listen to episode #157 of The XS Noize Podcast with Galen & Paul – BELOW:

Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have been 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 episode #156 of The XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar meets Future Islands frontman Samuel T. Herring to discuss their new album, People Who Aren't There Anymore, released on 26 January 2024.

The seventh album from the band - Samuel T. Herring (vocals, lyrics), William Cashion (bass, guitars), Gerrit Welmers (keyboards, programming), and Michael Lowry (drums) - follows 2020's As Long As You Are. People Who Aren't There Anymore heralds a new chapter for Future Islands, who continue to challenge themselves and each other despite having formed nearly two decades ago.

Where they've pursued ever-higher energy anthems in the past, they've turned inward this time and unlocked a new level of ferocity, delivering some of their most inspiring and most heart-breaking tracks by doing the opposite: taking their time, making each breath, each syllable, each cymbal crash count. The result is a powerful, defining statement from a group of musicians who have made the best album of their career.

In this interview, Samual T Herring talks about the writing and recording of the album, that excellent Letterman performance, navigating loss and resilience and lots more. Listen to episode #156 of The XS Noize Podcast with Samuel T. Herring – BELOW:

Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have been 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.