The XS Noize Podcast

In this episode, #254 of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by a true architect of punk — Glen Matlock, the original bassist and founding spark of The Sex Pistols.

Glen co-wrote ten of the twelve songs on the band's legendary 1977 album Never Mind the Bollocks, giving its chaos a melodic backbone that helped define an era. Now, he's reclaiming his story in the new documentary I Was a Teenage Sex Pistol — a compelling, filmic portrait of the Pistols' rise told through wry, honest, and often hilarious first-hand accounts.

In this conversation, Glen looks back on the bleak yet electric energy of 1970s Britain, the provocations of Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood's SEX shop, Steve Jones' infamous thieving, and the band's chaotic search for a frontman that would ultimately change music forever. From bust-ups and fan mania to the tabloid outrage that followed, Glen offers a frank and insightful portrait of a group of misfits who tore down the old order — and the cost that came with it.

He also talks about the real story behind I Was a Teenage Sex Pistol, co-writing the songs that built Never Mind the Bollocks, the truth about his split from the Sex Pistols, the spirit of early punk culture, fashion and rebellion, and the life lessons learned from one of rock's great survivors.

Hear Glen Matlock reflect on the chaos, the craft, the myth — and the man behind it all.

With over 250 episodes to its name, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music's legends and trailblazers — a space where real conversations meet real stories. Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has welcomed an extraordinary lineup including Miles Kane, Matt Berninger, Saint Etienne, D:Ream, Gavin Rossdale, The Farm, Snow Patrol, John Lydon, Will Sergeant, Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Doves, Gavin Friday, David Gray, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, Razorlight, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, The Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, and Michael Head — among many more.

Explore the complete XS Noize Podcast archive here

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Charles Cave and Jack Lawrence-Brown from White Lies to discuss their electrifying seventh album "Night Light". This bold, live-driven reinvention captures the band at their most instinctive and free-flowing.

Recorded live in the room for the first time, Night Light sees White Lies embracing spontaneity and creative risk — from the motorik rush of "Nothing On Me" and the 70s-inspired swagger of "Going Nowhere", to the sweeping ambition of "All The Best" and the hypnotic finale "In The Middle."

Charles and Jack take us inside the fearless process behind the record — how rehearsing and performing songs before recording transformed the sound, how the influence of The Midnight Special inspired their approach, and how working with longtime collaborator Seth Evans unlocked a new sense of chemistry and space within the band.

They also reflect on 16 years of White Lies — from their debut To Lose My Life… to the creative confidence of Night Light — exploring what keeps their partnership strong, how they've continued to evolve, and the joy of still finding new ground to explore together.

"This record felt like freedom — the sound of a band who finally know exactly who they are." — Charles Cave "It's amazing what happens when you stop chasing perfection and just play." — Jack Lawrence-Brown

White Lies' seventh album "Night Light" arrives November 7 via Play It Again Sam — a bold new chapter in the band's sixteen-year journey.

With over 250 episodes to its name, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music's legends and trailblazers — a space where real conversations meet real stories. Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has welcomed an extraordinary lineup including Miles Kane, Matt Berninger, Saint Etienne, D:Ream, Gavin Rossdale, The Farm, Snow Patrol, John Lydon, Will Sergeant, Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Doves, Gavin Friday, David Gray, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, Razorlight, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, The Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, and Michael Head — among many more.

Explore the complete XS Noize Podcast archive here.

In this episode, #252 of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar talks with Aaron Starkie of The Slow Readers Club to celebrate A Decade of Cavalcade — the Manchester band's breakthrough album that defined their sound and changed everything.

As Aaron reflects:

"Cavalcade was the moment where it all started to click — we found our sound, our confidence, and that connection with the audience that's carried us ever since." — Aaron Starkie

Across its ten tracks, Cavalcade captured The Slow Readers Club's signature blend of brooding intensity and euphoric release — from the pulsating urgency of "Forever In Your Debt" and the anthemic hope of "Plant The Seed," to the haunting emotion of "Days Like This Will Break Your Heart" and the hypnotic title track itself.

In this conversation, Aaron takes us inside that pivotal era — from writing and recording Cavalcade to creating the album's striking geometric artwork himself, and how those songs continue to evolve a decade later. He also discusses the band's creative growth, the importance of their DIY ethos, and the emotional power of seeing those tracks come alive again onstage.

The episode arrives as The Slow Readers Club prepare to hit the road for their A Decade of Cavalcade tour — revisiting the record in full while celebrating a new chapter of momentum following the Top 20 success of their latest album, Out Of A Dream.

Listen now and follow the XS Noize Podcast for more in-depth conversations with music's most inspiring artists.

With over 250 episodes to its name, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music's legends and trailblazers — a space where real conversations meet real stories. Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has welcomed an extraordinary lineup including Miles Kane, Matt Berninger, Saint Etienne, D:Ream, Gavin Rossdale, The Farm, Snow Patrol, John Lydon, Will Sergeant, Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Doves, Gavin Friday, David Gray, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, Razorlight, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, The Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, and Michael Head — among many more.

Explore the complete XS Noize Podcast archive here.

In this episode, Mark Millar is joined by Miles Kane to discuss his new album Sunlight in the Shadows — a swaggering, soulful record made with Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys. Recorded live in Nashville over three days, the album blends British beat energy, Motown soul, and Miles' unmistakable tremolo swagger. He opens up about the instant chemistry with Auerbach, finding calm and spirituality in his music, and why this feels like the defining moment of his career.

About The XS Noize Podcast With over 250 episodes to its name, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music's legends and trailblazers — a space where real conversations meet real stories. Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has welcomed an extraordinary lineup including Matt Berninger, Saint Etienne, D:Ream, Gavin Rossdale, The Farm, Snow Patrol, John Lydon, Will Sergeant, Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Doves, Gavin Friday, David Gray, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, Razorlight, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, The Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, and Michael Head — among many more.

In episode #250 of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Andrew Davie from Bear's Den and Irish singer-songwriter Ciaran Lavery to discuss their beautiful new collaborative EP Promiser — a stripped-back collection celebrating love, simplicity, and connection.

Quietly recorded over just five days in Andrew's home studio and released via Communion Records, Promiser explores the art of restraint — capturing songs in one-take performances filled with birdsong, rain, and real human imperfection.

"There was this lyrical idea early on of trying to write songs that didn't need innate conflict or tragedy to exist — songs that celebrated love in its simple, domestic moments, without the need for high drama." — Andrew Davie, Bear's Den

Drawing inspiration from the intimacy of Bruce Springsteen's Nebraska and Adrianne Lenker's Bright Future, Promiser sees both artists embracing the beauty of limitation, joined by guests Emma Gatrill and Joshua Burnside for instinctive, emotionally charged one-take performances.

In this conversation, Bear's Den and Ciaran Lavery reflect on the friendship and creative spark behind Promiser — writing songs without conflict, finding meaning in everyday love, capturing raw home-studio moments, and bringing the record to life on their fast-selling Irish tour.

"Working with Bear's Den felt almost accidental — we followed what felt right, not what was perfect." — Ciaran Lavery

"Ciaran's songs would just appear — almost fully formed — and that was a real joy to witness." — Andrew Davie, Bear's Den

Bear's Den are known worldwide for their cinematic folk sound and emotional honesty. Ciaran Lavery, one of Ireland's most acclaimed singer-songwriters, is celebrated for his poetic lyricism and intimate storytelling. Together, they've created something special with Promiser — a record that captures the raw beauty of two songwriters in complete creative trust.

With over 240 episodes, XS Noize Podcast has welcomed legends and trailblazers including Matt Berninger, Saint Etienne, D:Ream, Gavin Rossdale, The Farm, Snow Patrol, John Lydon, Will Sergeant, Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Doves, Gavin Friday, David Gray, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, Razorlight, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, The Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, and Michael Head — and many more.

In this episode, #249 of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Maddy Myers and Gustav Moltke from the Californian-Danish dream-pop collective Moon Panda to talk about their stunning third album, Dumb Luck.

Recorded between California and Copenhagen, Dumb Luck is a lush dream-pop record exploring love, luck, and creative rebirth — Moon Panda's most sensuous and emotionally open work to date.

Written and recorded with keyboardist/guitarist George Godwin and drummer Josh Cabitac, and completed with producer Adam Thein (Djo), the album also features the shimmering single "Space Elevator."

In this conversation, Moon Panda open up about:

Recording from home and collaborating across continents

The themes of luck, love, and creative survival that shaped Dumb Luck

The emotional rollercoaster of motherhood and rediscovering identity through music

The deep friendship and "dumb luck" that keeps the band connected across the world

"We've been so lucky to find each other and keep creating together — even though we come from different sides of the world," says Maddy Myers.

With Dumb Luck, Moon Panda have created their finest and most heartfelt record yet — a dreamy soundtrack for life's changes, losses, and rediscoveries.

XS Noize Podcast Guests Over 240 episodes in, XS Noize has welcomed legends and trailblazers, including: Matt Berninger, Saint Etienne, D:Ream, Gavin Rossdale, The Farm, Snow Patrol, John Lydon, Will Sergeant, Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Doves, Gavin Friday, David Gray, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, Razorlight, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, The Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, Michael Head — and many more.

Find The XS Noize Podcast's complete archive of episodes here.

In Episode #248 of the XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar is joined by Rick McMurray — drummer of Northern Irish rock legends Ash — for a deep dive into their brand-new ninth studio album, Ad Astra.

Arriving just two years after Race the Night, Ad Astra finds Ash in rocket-fuelled form. Featuring collaborations with Graham Coxon and a wild cover of "Jump in the Line," the record fuses ferocious riffs with reflective moments, showing a band still evolving three decades in.

In this episode, Rick talks about the making of Ad Astra, the madness behind "Fun People" (and working with Coxon), the defiance/hope at the heart of "Give Me Back My World," why the "Jump in the Line" cover made sense now, and how songs like "My Favourite Ghost" and "Keep Dreaming" bring balance. He also reflects on being "lifers, not part-timers," Ash's place in today's scene, and taking the new songs on the road.

XS Noize Podcast Guests Over 240 episodes in, XS Noize has welcomed legends and trailblazers, including: Matt Berninger, Saint Etienne, D:Ream, Gavin Rossdale, The Farm, Snow Patrol, John Lydon, Will Sergeant, Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Doves, Gavin Friday, David Gray, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, Razorlight, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, The Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, Michael Head — and many more.

Find The XS Noize Podcast's complete archive of episodes here.

In Episode #247 of the XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar is joined by Finn O'Brien — frontman of London via Bristol indie band The Jacques — to discuss the band's powerful new album Make Repetition.

The Jacques' story is one of resilience, tragedy, and survival. Formed as teenagers, they rose quickly with early festival slots and a Libertines support show at Hyde Park, before facing devastating setbacks — including the loss of bandmate Will Hicks and Finn's own battle with addiction. Now, with Make Repetition!, produced by Dan Swift, Jules Apollinaire, and Gordon Raphael, the band have emerged with their strongest, most confident work to date.

In this episode, Finn talks about the stories behind songs like "Nothing Amazing" and "Via Dolorosa," how he ended up making John Lydon cry while touring with PiL, and what really happened when the band's gear was stolen by their tour manager. He also reflects on music as a vital lifeline, the resilience that has carried The Jacques forward, and why their next record might be a concept album. Previous XS Noize Podcast Guests Over 240 episodes in, XS Noize has welcomed legends and trailblazers, including:

Matt Berninger, Saint Etienne, D:Ream, Gavin Rossdale, The Farm, Snow Patrol, John Lydon, Will Sergeant, Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Doves, Gavin Friday, David Gray, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, Razorlight, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, The Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, Michael Head — and many more.

Find The XS Noize Podcast's complete archive of episodes here.

Gary Numan joins The XS Noize Podcast to reflect on Telekon at 45, his emotional Wembley return, debut at Glastonbury, and the future of AI in music.

In one of his most open and revealing interviews, Numan discusses resilience, mental health, and the moments he nearly walked away from music — while revisiting the ghosts of his past and looking ahead to the creative future.

From Cars and Are 'Friends' Electric? to Intruder and beyond, this is Gary Numan at his most candid — sharing insights into legacy, technology, and what still drives him after decades in music.

Previous XS Noize Podcast Guests With over 240 episodes, XS Noize has welcomed legends and trailblazers including: Matt Berninger (The National), John Lydon (Sex Pistols), Peter Hook (Joy Division & New Order), Snow Patrol, Doves, Saint Etienne, Cast, Anton Newcombe, Peter Frampton, Razorlight, Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Chesney Hawkes, and many more.

Find The XS Noize Podcast's complete archive of episodes here.

In Episode #245 of the XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar is joined by Neil Hannon — the brilliant mind behind The Divine Comedy — for a revealing conversation about his stunning new album, Rainy Sunday Afternoon, out this September on Divine Comedy Records.

His 13th studio album and perhaps his finest to date, Rainy Sunday Afternoon, was recorded at Abbey Road and finds Hannon blending lush orchestral arrangements with sharp lyrical insight. Written as a response to personal reflection and global unrest, the record explores themes of memory, mortality, and melancholy — all delivered with his trademark wit and elegance.

The Divine Comedy's 13th album, balancing grief and absurdity, and why songwriting still feels like emotional alchemy.

The album's lead single Achilles, inspired by a 1915 WWI poem, is a moving meditation on bravery and loss. Elsewhere, Hannon reflects on writing songs for the hit film Wonka and revisiting his past through the remastered Divine Comedy back catalogue.

In this episode, Neil discusses the emotional and philosophical ideas behind the new record, the creative freedom of writing for film, and why music — now more than ever — needs both sadness and silliness. He also teases the upcoming UK tour and shares reflections on a career spent crafting one of Britain's most unique and literate songbooks.

Whether you've followed The Divine Comedy since Casanova, or are discovering Neil's genius for the first time, this is a rich, witty, and deeply human episode not to be missed.

Previous XS Noize Podcast Guests Over 240 episodes in, XS Noize has welcomed legends and trailblazers, including:

Matt Beringer, Saint Etienne, D:Ream, Gavin Rossdale, The Farm, Snow Patrol, John Lydon, Will Sergeant, Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Doves, Gavin Friday, David Gray, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, Razorlight, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, The Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, Michael Head — and many more.

Find The XS Noize Podcast's complete archive of episodes here.