The XS Noize Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In Episode #190 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to legendary bassist Peter Hook, co-founder of Joy Division and New Order. Peter Hook & the Light will soon tour North America, the UK, and Ireland. The band will perform the full Substance albums by Joy Division and New Order on live dates.

Peter Hook first revisited the seminal Joy Division album Unknown Pleasures in May 2010 for a commemorative charity concert and has followed it each year by performing subsequent albums from the repertoire of his bands, Joy Division and New Order.

Peter Hook & The Light have since moved through each of those albums, culminating in the Factory Records Substance compilations, and recently celebrated over four decades of the continuing influence of Joy Division and Ian Curtis with the Joy Division: A Celebration concerts where both of the band's albums were played in full.

In this interview, Peter discusses his time with Joy Division and New Order, working with Damon Albarn on Gorillaz, the upcoming tour, 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 Humanist, 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, 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 #189 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to Tom Meighan, who returns to discuss his second solo album, Roadrunner, which will be released on September 13th on Blue Rocket Records.

Last year, Tom Meighan released his first solo album, The Reckoning. It charted at #17 after hitting the official midweek chart at #2 (behind Ed Sheeran). Tom and his 5-piece band spent 2023 touring the UK before packing out arenas on tour with Noel Gallagher.

Tom returns at full throttle in September with his new album, Roadrunner. In this interview, Tom talks about the new album, his upcoming live shows, the 20th anniversary of Kasabian's self-titled debut album, and lots more. 

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

Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have included Humanist, 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, 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 #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.

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.