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  • Keane Announce 20th Anniversary Reissue Of ‘Under The Iron Sea’
  • Dylan John Thomas Announces Belfast Show At Limelight 1
  • Oh Yeah Music Centre Releases ‘Scratch My Progress Vol. 14’ EP
  • ALBUM REVIEW: MOMO – Tum Tum Tum
  • Belfast TradFest Announces Landmark 2026 Programme Across 40 Venues
XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • Keane
          News

          Keane Announce 20th Anniversary Reissue Of ‘Under The Iron Sea’

          June 22, 2026

          Keane will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their second album, Under The Iron Sea, with a newly remastered and expanded reissue, released on July 24 via UMR/Island. The release follows the band’s successful 2024 anniversary […]

          Dylan John Thomas
          News

          Dylan John Thomas Announces Belfast Show At Limelight 1

          June 22, 2026

          Dylan John Thomas will play Limelight 1, Belfast, on December 1, 2026. The Scottish singer-songwriter has built his fanbase from the ground up, first sharpening his craft through busking on the streets of Glasgow before […]

          Scratch My Progress
          News

          Oh Yeah Music Centre Releases ‘Scratch My Progress Vol. 14’ EP

          June 20, 2026

          The Oh Yeah Music Centre has released Scratch My Progress Vol. 14, a new EP showcasing music from the four artists selected for the programme’s 2025 cohort. This year’s cohort features Lord Jane, Pinsleep, GUSH […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          MOMO - Tum Tum Tum
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: MOMO – Tum Tum Tum

          June 19, 2026

          London-based Brazilian multi-instrumentalist MOMO returns with Tum Tum Tum, an eight-track collection recorded live in South London. Twenty years and eight albums into his career, the record reflects an artist still in motion, refining his […]

          ALBUM REVIEW: Embrace - Avalanche
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Embrace – Avalanche

          June 10, 2026

          For three decades, West Yorkshire’s finest have been a steadfast pillar of the British music scene. Celebrating their 30-year milestone in 2026, Embrace return with their highly anticipated ninth studio album, Avalanche. It’s a record […]

        • Book Reviews

          BOOK REVIEW: Y/N - Esther Yi
          Book Reviews

          BOOK REVIEW: Y/N – Esther Yi

          October 30, 2023

          K-Pop has reached an international audience. This year, BLACKPINK made history as the first K-pop band to headline a major UK festival at Hyde Park. The media’s coverage of BTS member’s enlistment into compulsory military […]

          BOOK REVIEW: Sophomore Songs by Clarke Geddes
          Book Reviews

          BOOK REVIEW: Sophomore Songs by Clarke Geddes

          August 29, 2023

          How does one become qualified to write a fictional music novel? The author of Sophomore Songs offers some clues. Growing up reading NME, doing a stint at Clash, drumming for several bands on and off, and […]

        • Classic Albums

          ‘Pop’ at 25: Looking back at the orphan child in U2's discography 2
          Classic Albums

          ‘Pop’ at 26: Looking back at the orphan child in U2’s discography

          March 3, 2022

          In March of 1997, 26 years ago, U2 released their much anticipated ninth studio album POP; for fans and critics alike, it quickly became their most polarizing release. There is a prevailing feeling that POP […]

          CLASSIC ALBUM: Duran Duran – Duran Duran 2
          Album Reviews

          CLASSIC ALBUM: Duran Duran – Duran Duran

          June 17, 2021

          This week sees the 40th anniversary of Duran Duran’s self-titled debut album. XS Noize looks back on this momentous release from a band that would become the ‘Fab Five’ of the ‘80s. It was December […]

        • Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Mulatu Astatke Brings Ethio-Jazz Mastery To Meltdown Festival Credit: Pete Woodhead
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Mulatu Astatke Brings Ethio-Jazz Mastery To Meltdown Festival

          June 19, 2026

          It is often said that engineers become inventors because they possess the technical knowledge, discipline and imagination needed to turn ideas into functional realities. Mulatu Astatke’s story makes that connection feel especially apt. Born in […]

          LIVE REVIEW: Kamasi Washington Brings Spiritual Jazz Majesty To Meltdown Festival Credit: Pete Woodhead
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Kamasi Washington Brings Spiritual Jazz Majesty To Meltdown Festival

          June 16, 2026

          It has been a significant year for the Southbank Centre, which recently received a £10 million grant as part of its 75th birthday celebrations. Adding to that sense of occasion, Harry Styles was announced as […]

        • Round Up

          XS Noize Best Albums of 2018
          Round Up

          XS Noize Best Albums of 2018

          December 22, 2018

          2018 has been an incredible year for albums. The year saw the strongest new acts in decades release their debuts, as well as a number of alternative legends returning to top form. The world of dance […]

          The Best Of October 2018 PLAYLIST + ROUND-UP
          Round Up

          The Best Of October 2018 PLAYLIST + ROUND-UP

          October 29, 2018

          Welcome to the October 2018 edition of our monthly new music playlist, which is available to listen to and watch via YouTube. If you enjoy any of the songs featured here, we encourage you to support […]

        • In Focus

          IN FOCUS: Survivalist Bring the Thunder to Limelight 2, Belfast (with Foetal Juice, Existentialist & Suffer) Credit: Marc Leach
          IN FOCUS

          IN FOCUS: Survivalist Bring the Thunder to Limelight 2, Belfast (with Foetal Juice, Existentialist & Suffer)

          April 5, 2026

          As Storm Dave closed in on Northern Ireland, another storm was already gathering. Inside Limelight 2, Belfast, local metal titans Survivalist unleashed thunder of their own — a fitting backdrop for the release of their […]

          IN FOCUS// Ash ignite La Scala with career-spanning London show Credit: Denise Esposito
          IN FOCUS

          IN FOCUS// Ash ignite La Scala with career-spanning London show

          February 6, 2026

          On 3 February, Ash returned to La Scala for a blistering, high-energy London show. Packed wall to wall, the venue buzzed as the trio tore through a career-spanning set, seamlessly weaving in new material from […]

  • Gigs
        • December 10
          Gigs

          December 10 announce Ulster Hall, Belfast show for July 20th 2026

          April 2, 2026

          Britain’s brand-new boyband December 10 today announce December 10: The Next Step– kicking off in Edinburgh on Friday 10 July and wrapping in Dublin on Tuesday 21 July. “We loved our Introducing! run of shows […]

          White Denim
          Gigs

          White Denim set for Belfast return with Limelight 2 headline show on August 27th 2026

          March 30, 2026

          Formed in 2006, for approaching 20 years White Denim has been celebrated for their fearless blend of garage rock, soul, jazz fusion, psychedelia, and experimental improvisation. Based for much of that time in Austin, though […]

          Tom Jones
          Gigs

          Tom Jones to Play Dublin & Belfast Headline Shows This August 2026

          March 30, 2026

          Legendary Welsh singer and performer Tom Jones has announced a return to Ireland with a headline show within the idyllic grounds of Palmerstown House Estate, just 20 minutes from Dublin City Centre on Sunday 09th […]

  • Interviews
        • Col Gerrard
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: Col Gerrard on his self-titled debut, touring with Boyzlife and what comes next

          April 20, 2026

          London-born singer-songwriter Col Gerrard has loved music from an early age, and that passion shines throughout his self-titled debut album. Drawing on a range of influences, the record takes listeners on an emotional journey, with […]

          Ganser
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: Alicia Gaines on the Architecture of Ganser and Discomfort by Design

          April 12, 2026

          Chicago’s underground has always thrived in the margins, and few bands embody that restless, art-driven spirit quite like Ganser. Formed in the city’s DIY circuit, the group have carved out a reputation for wiry, confrontational […]

          Elles Bailey
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: Elles Bailey on the Story Behind ‘Can’t Take My Story Away’

          March 9, 2026

          Singer-songwriter Elles Bailey released her latest album, Can’t Take My Story Away, at the beginning of this year. Produced by Luke Potashnick, the album is deeply personal and quietly powerful—rooted in resilience, reflection, and self-ownership. […]

  • Podcast
        • Dea Matrona
          Podcast

          Dea Matrona on ‘Hate That I Care’ and Creative Independence | XS Noize Podcast #289

          June 16, 2026

          Belfast rock duo Dea Matrona join Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to discuss their second album, Hate That I Care — a bold, more personal and self-assured new chapter for Mollie McGinn and […]

          Embrace
          Podcast

          Danny McNamara on Embrace’s New Album ‘Avalanche’ and Why Life Doesn’t Wait | XS Noize Podcast #288

          June 9, 2026

          Danny McNamara joins the XS Noize Podcast to discuss Embrace’s new album Avalanche, 30 years of the band, fatherhood, songwriting, The Good Will Out and why life doesn’t wait. […]

          The Hoosiers
          Podcast

          The Hoosiers on New Album ‘Compassion,’ Toxicity & Finding Joy Again | XS Noize Podcast #287

          June 2, 2026

          In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Irwin Sparkes and Alan Sharland from The Hoosiers. Irwin and Alan join Mark for a warm, funny and reflective conversation about […]

  • About Us
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Podcast

The XS Noize Podcast is Ireland’s only independent podcast consistently delivering in-depth, journalist-led interviews with world-class artists. Hosted and produced by Mark Millar from Belfast, the show has released over 230 episodes and regularly charts in the UK and Ireland Top 30 Music Interview Podcasts. Unlike fan-led or review-driven shows, XS Noize focuses on thoughtful, story-driven conversations that reveal the real stories behind the records. This unique approach has attracted guests such as John Lydon, Gary Lightbody, Graham Coxon, Peter Hook, and Matt Berninger, and has generated international headlines in outlets including NME, Ultimate Guitar, The Sun, Yahoo/BANG Showbiz, Far Out and the Belfast Telegraph. Entirely independent and solo-produced, XS Noize achieves results usually associated with team-backed shows — making it a true standout in the Irish and global podcast landscape.

Dea Matrona
Podcast

Dea Matrona on ‘Hate That I Care’ and Creative Independence | XS Noize Podcast #289

June 16, 2026 XS Noize

Belfast rock duo Dea Matrona join Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to discuss their second album, Hate That I Care — a bold, more personal and self-assured new chapter for Mollie McGinn and […]

Embrace
Podcast

Danny McNamara on Embrace’s New Album ‘Avalanche’ and Why Life Doesn’t Wait | XS Noize Podcast #288

June 9, 2026 XS Noize

Danny McNamara joins the XS Noize Podcast to discuss Embrace’s new album Avalanche, 30 years of the band, fatherhood, songwriting, The Good Will Out and why life doesn’t wait. […]

The Hoosiers
Podcast

The Hoosiers on New Album ‘Compassion,’ Toxicity & Finding Joy Again | XS Noize Podcast #287

June 2, 2026 XS Noize

In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Irwin Sparkes and Alan Sharland from The Hoosiers. Irwin and Alan join Mark for a warm, funny and reflective conversation about […]

robert arkins - the commitments
Podcast

Robert Arkins on The Commitments, Jimmy Rabbitte and Life After the Film | XS Noize Podcast #286

May 25, 2026 XS Noize

In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Robert Arkins, best known to millions as Jimmy Rabbitte in Alan Parker’s classic 1991 film The Commitments. Robert joins Mark for […]

Nerina Pallot on 25 Years of Music, "Fire Escape Symphonies" and Why Hope Still Matters | XS Noize Podcast #285
Podcast

Nerina Pallot on 25 Years of Music and Why Hope Still Matters | XS Noize Podcast #285

May 19, 2026 XS Noize

In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by BRIT and Ivor Novello-nominated singer-songwriter Nerina Pallot. Nerina joins Mark for a warm, honest and reflective conversation about her new career-spanning […]

Broken Social Scene on 'Remember The Humans,' grief and why music still saves people | XS Noize Podcast #284
Podcast

Broken Social Scene on ‘Remember The Humans,’ grief and why music still saves us

May 12, 2026 XS Noize

In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Kevin Drew and Charles Spearin of Broken Social Scene. Kevin and Charles join Mark for a warm, reflective and deeply human […]

da Googie
Podcast

Deb Googe & Cara Tivey on da Googie and bringing immersive sound to Belfast | XS Noize Podcast #283

May 5, 2026 XS Noize

In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Deb Googe and Cara Tivey for a thoughtful and exploratory conversation about their debut full-length album together, The Golden Thread. You […]

Glen Hansard on ‘Transmissions East’, Bob Dylan and a Record That Isn’t Looking Back | XS Noize Podcast #282
Podcast

Glen Hansard on ‘Transmissions East’, Bob Dylan and a Record That Isn’t Looking Back | XS Noize Podcast #282

April 29, 2026 XS Noize

In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Glen Hansard for a warm, honest and deeply reflective conversation about his new live/studio album, Don+t Settle – (Vol 1 Transmissions […]

Miles Hunt on 40 years of The Wonder Stuff, burnout, Vent 414 and starting over | XS Noize Podcast #281
Podcast

Miles Hunt on 40 years of The Wonder Stuff, burnout, Vent 414 and starting over | XS Noize Podcast #281

April 22, 2026 XS Noize

In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Miles Hunt for a candid, funny and reflective conversation marking 40 years of The Wonder Stuff. You can watch the full […]

Carol Decker on success, heartbreak, and finding her way back with T’Pau | XS Noize Podcast #280
Podcast

Carol Decker on success, heartbreak, and finding her way back with T’Pau | XS Noize Podcast #280

April 14, 2026 XS Noize

In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Carol Decker for a candid, funny and revealing conversation about T’Pau’s return with the new album Be Wonderful. You can watch […]

The Boxer Rebellion
Podcast

The Boxer Rebellion on ‘The Second I’m Asleep’ and the reset that brought them back | XS Noize Podcast #279

April 7, 2026 XS Noize

The Boxer Rebellion return with The Second I’m Asleep — their first full-length studio album since 2018. In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Nathan Nicholson and Piers Hewitt join Mark Millar to talk […]

The Dandy Warhols
Podcast

Courtney Taylor-Taylor on Pin Ups, Dig! and taking back The Dandy Warhols narrative | XS Noize Podcast #278

April 1, 2026 XS Noize

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Courtney Taylor-Taylor — frontman, songwriter and creative force behind The Dandy Warhols — to talk about the band’s latest release Pin Ups, […]

Scouting For Girls
Podcast

Scouting For Girls’ Roy Stride on ‘These Are The Good Days’ and finding joy in the present | XS Noize Podcast #277

March 24, 2026 XS Noize

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Roy Stride — frontman, songwriter and driving force behind Scouting For Girls — to talk about the band’s uplifting new album These […]

The Twilight Sad – James Graham & Andy MacFarlane on Grief, Mental Health & ‘It’s The Long Goodbye’ | XS Noize Podcast #276
Podcast

The Twilight Sad – James Graham & Andy MacFarlane on ‘It’s The Long Goodbye’ | XS Noize Podcast #276

March 17, 2026 XS Noize

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with James Graham and Andy MacFarlane — the creative core of The Twilight Sad — to talk about their powerful sixth album It’s […]

Damon Minchella | XS Noize Podcast #275
Podcast

Damon Minchella on Ocean Colour Scene, Paul Weller and ‘You’d Look Good on a Donkey’ | XS Noize Podcast #275

March 11, 2026 XS Noize

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Damon Minchella — founder of Ocean Colour Scene, longtime bass player for Paul Weller, and collaborator with Richard Ashcroft — to talk […]

Steve Lillywhite on Producing U2 — From Boy to Achtung Baby & Beyond | XS Noize Podcast #274
Podcast

Steve Lillywhite on Producing U2 — From Boy to Achtung Baby & Beyond | XS Noize Podcast #274

March 8, 2026 XS Noize

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with legendary U2 producer Steve Lillywhite to discuss his remarkable career working with the band and the creative process behind iconic albums including […]

The Dream Machine
Podcast

“We’re Always Making Music for Ourselves” — The Dream Machine on ‘Fort Perch Rock’ | XS Noize Podcast #273

March 4, 2026 XS Noize

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Zak and Matty from The Dream Machine to talk about Fort Perch Rock — the band’s third studio album and a record […]

credit Yagub Allahverdiyev
Podcast

Archive’s Dave Pen on ‘Glass Minds’ and evolving after 30 years | XS Noize Podcast #272

February 24, 2026 XS Noize

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Dave Pen of Archive to talk about Glass Minds — the band’s 13th studio album and a bold new chapter in a […]

Robert Levon Been of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club on Re-Examining Howl | XS Noize Podcast #271
Podcast

Robert Levon Been of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club on Re-Examining Howl | XS Noize Podcast #271

February 17, 2026 XS Noize

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Robert Levon Been of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club to revisit Howl — the band’s third album and a bold creative left turn […]

Mark Shaw - Then Jerico | XS Noize Podcast #270
Podcast

Mark Shaw of Then Jerico on The Return, legacy, and bringing the full band show to Ireland | XS Noize Podcast #270

February 10, 2026 XS Noize

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Mark Shaw of Then Jerico to talk about The Return — a moment that reconnects legacy, live energy, and purpose as the […]

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LATEST PODCASTS

  • Dea Matrona
    Dea Matrona on ‘Hate That I Care’ and Creative Independence | XS Noize Podcast #289
    June 16, 2026
  • Embrace
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  • The Hoosiers
    The Hoosiers on New Album ‘Compassion,’ Toxicity & Finding Joy Again | XS Noize Podcast #287
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  • robert arkins - the commitments
    Robert Arkins on The Commitments, Jimmy Rabbitte and Life After the Film | XS Noize Podcast #286
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  • Nerina Pallot on 25 Years of Music, "Fire Escape Symphonies" and Why Hope Still Matters | XS Noize Podcast #285
    Nerina Pallot on 25 Years of Music and Why Hope Still Matters | XS Noize Podcast #285
    May 19, 2026
  • Broken Social Scene on 'Remember The Humans,' grief and why music still saves people | XS Noize Podcast #284
    Broken Social Scene on ‘Remember The Humans,’ grief and why music still saves us
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