The XS Noize Podcast

In Episode #197 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar interviews Wendy James about her new album, The Shape Of History. English singer-songwriter Wendy James burst onto the British music scene in 1988 as the bold and dynamic frontwoman of the chart-topping alt-rock band Transvision Vamp. Wendy is set to release her highly anticipated new album, The Shape of History, on October 25th. Wendy wrote, produced, and mixed her tenth album, recorded between West London and New York City. It showcases her continued evolution as an artist. In this episode, Wendy James discusses writing and recording the Shape of History, Transvision Vamp, her upcoming in-store tour, and much more.  Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have included Gavin Friday, Fairground Attraction, Peter Hook, Humanist, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, John Lydon, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Betty Boo, 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 #196 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar interviews Irish renaissance man Gavin Friday about his highly anticipated new solo album Ecce Homo out 25th October. The new album – produced by Soft Cell’s Dave Ball and Michael Heffernan – marks his first since 2011’s Catholic.  Gavin Friday, founding frontman of cult Irish post-punk band Virgin Prunes, has had a genre-defying, four-decade career as a songwriter, composer, actor, visual artist, and creative director. He’s collaborated with artists, including childhood friends U2, Colin Newman, Laurie Anderson, Sinéad O’Connor, and Quincy Jones. Friday’s music has earned Ivor Novello and Golden Globe nominations for films like In the Name of the Father and In America. He’s also showcased his visual art in exhibitions, worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and recently scored and narrated the animated Peter and the Wolf. His seminal work with Virgin Prunes has been celebrated through the reissue of classic albums and EPs on vinyl. In this interview, Gavin discusses writing and recording Ecce Homo, upcoming live shows, Virgin Prunes, his role as U2’s creative director 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 Fairground Attraction, Peter Hook, Humanist, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, John Lydon, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Betty Boo, 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 #195 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar interviews James Cox and Steve Goddard from Crows about their third studio album, Reason Enough. On Reason Enough, Crows punk spirit remains intact. Sonically, they are more refined and cohesive than ever; it’s the most mature Crows have ever sounded – and more melodic than what the 4-piece have previously done. In this interview, James and Steve discuss writing and recording the new album, upcoming live shows, and more.  Or 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 Peter Hook, Humanist, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, John Lydon, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Betty Boo, 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 #194 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar sits down with Eddi Reader and Mark Nevin of Fairground Attraction to discuss Beautiful Happening, their first album in 35 years. Fairground Attraction is best known for their 1988 Number 1 hit, Perfect, as well as their two BRIT Awards and platinum-selling debut album. However, the band split shortly after their success and didn't speak again—until now. Reuniting after 35 years, they're back with a new album, Beautiful Happening, a heartwarming story of reconciliation paired with a stunning record. Eddi Reader's vocals have never sounded better, and to top it off, the band will be hitting the road for a UK tour just days after the album's release! Eddi and Mark discuss getting back together, writing and recording the album, upcoming live shows, and more in this interview.  Or 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 Peter Hook, Humanist, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, John Lydon, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Betty Boo, 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 #193 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to Mat Peters from Manchester four-piece IST IST about their fourth studio album, Light a Bigger Fire. IST IST will release its eagerly anticipated fourth album, Light A Bigger Fire, on Friday, September 20th. It is the follow-up to the Top 50 record Protagonists. IST IST has forged a formidable reputation from uncompromisingly intense live shows, a fierce Mancunian DIY work ethic, and an ever-growing back catalogue of successful studio and live releases; all self-released through their own Kind Violence Records imprint. Joe Cross's production skills were enlisted for Light a Bigger Fire, whose impressive CV features Courteeners, Hurts, Louis Tomlinson, and the Slow Readers Club. Mat Peters talks about writing and recording the album, upcoming live shows, and more in this interview.   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 Peter Hook, Humanist, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, John Lydon, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, 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 #192 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to Betty Boo about her new album Rip Up The Rulebook.  Rip Up The Rulebook, Betty Boo's fourth studio album, is a tribute to her formative years as a trailblazer in the UK hip-hop scene of the 1980s. She made a name for herself during that era by writing and self-producing music as part of the all-female rap group She Rockers. Their success led to an unforgettable tour across the United States, where they opened for Public Enemy—long before Betty Boo's breakout as a pop sensation with chart-topping hits in the early 1990s. The album's title track is a standout collaboration, featuring Betty Boo alongside one of hip-hop's foundational figures, Grandmaster Caz, the legendary writer behind "Rapper's Delight." This duet not only underscores the album's deep connection to hip-hop history but also highlights Betty Boo's ongoing commitment to her roots while pushing creative boundaries. In this interview, Betty Boo opens up about the writing and recording process behind her new album. We also dive into her 90s hits, memorable performances on Top of the Pops, upcoming live shows, and much more. Listen to episode #192 of The XS Noize Podcast with Betty Boo – BELOW: Listen to episode #192 of The XS Noize Podcast with Betty Boo – BELOW: 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 Peter Hook, Humanist, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, John Lydon, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, 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 #191 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to Kav Sandhu from Blitz Vega about their debut album, Northern Gentleman. Northern Gentleman is the debut album by Blitz Vega, a band that Kav Sandhu and The Smiths' legendary bassist Andy Rourke started in 2016 and officially launched in 2019. Andy Rourke succumbed to pancreatic cancer on May 19, 2023. Andy's posthumous album, Northern Gentleman, is a bittersweet celebration of the late bassist's impact on the music world and is a testament to his continuing power and impact. In this interview, Kav Sandhu discusses writing and recording the album with Andy Rourke, upcoming live shows, 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 Peter Hook, Humanist, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, John Lydon, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, 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 #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 #188 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to Hifi Sean, one-half of Hifi Sean and David McAlmont, about their new album Daylight. Hifi Sean & David McAlmont proudly present their sophomore album Daylight, an exhilarating suite of twelve songs which celebrates, expresses and explores the colours of summer. It will be the first of two albums from the duo, with the nocturnal sister album Twilight released in early 2025. The record glows with confidence and vigour, featuring a decadent mix of club sounds, gospel, new wave, synth-pop, and soul. A rush of tracks evokes the shimmering haze of summer days, hot and balmy, with songs tumbling out one after another like a sequence of bright, dazzling pop flashes. With an impressive roster of past collaborations, including Yoko Ono, Crystal Waters, and Bootsy Collins, Hifi Sean teams up with David McAlmont to create a unique palette of alternative electronica. Their new album, Daylight, is an exhilarating suite of twelve songs that celebrates, expresses, and explores the colours of summer. In this interview, Hifi Sean talks about how he started the band with David McAlmont, the writing and recording of the new album, and lots 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, Tom Meighan, 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 #187 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to Dougie Payne from Travis about their new album L.A. Times. Glasgow’s multiple BRIT and Ivor Novello-winning songwriting giants Travis return with their tenth studio album, L.A. Times, which the band describe as their most personal album since The Man Who. In this interview, Travis bassist Dougie Payne talks about the writing and recording of the new album, his favourite Travis songs, their upcoming Raze The Bar Tour and lots more.  Listen to episode #187 of The XS Noize Podcast with Dougie Payne – BELOW: 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, Tom Meighan, 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 #186 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to multi-instrumentalist Rob Marshall about the second Humanist album, On The Edge Of A Lost And Lonely World, out 26th July via Bella Union. On the Edge of a Lost and Lonely World showcases the vocal talents of several iconic artists, including Dave Gahan (Depeche Mode), Tim Smith (Harp), Isobel Campbell, Ed Harcourt, James Allan (Glasvegas), Peter Hayes (Black Rebel Motorcycle Club), Carl Hancox Rux, and more. This choice cast navigate a masterful expansion of the Humanist sound world, broadening and deepening the terrain first explored on 2020’s much-lauded debut album, further consolidating the emergence of Rob Marshall (guitarist of Exit Calm and co-writer of Mark Lanegan’s celebrated Gargoyle and Somebody’s Knocking albums) as a songwriter, composer and producer with a singular musical vision. In this interview, Rob discusses the writing and recording of the new album, his relationship with Mark Lanegan, his previous band Exit Calm, 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 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, Tom Meighan, 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 #185 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to Northern Irish Songstress Janet Devlin. Janet Devlin recently returned with her powerful new country-rock single, ‘Emotional Rodeo.’ Later this year, she will release her latest album, bearing the same name. Facing her battles with Borderline Personality Disorder and bipolar disorder, Janet captures the essence of what it’s like to love fiercely and fearlessly despite the challenges that come with it. Emotional Rodeo is a reflection of the soaring highs and plunging lows of living - and loving - with BPD, and she hopes it resonates with listeners who may be facing similar struggles. Since her early beginnings as a standout performer on the UK X Factor at 16, Devlin has gone on to do so much more. Her debut album, Running With Scissors, heralded a defining moment, wherein she sculpted her singular artistic identity with finesse. Her most recent album, Confessional, served as a deeply personal narrative as she poured her heart out, transforming her struggles into a captivating folk-pop odyssey that resonated with audiences worldwide. In addition to her musical endeavours, Devlin’s compelling journey was captured in the 2022 BBC documentary Janet Devlin: Young, Female, and Addicted. The programme explored her own story of alcoholism and its effects on her life and others around her while exploring the stories of other young women suffering from the consequences of alcohol addiction in Northern Ireland. In this interview, Janet discusses Emotional Rodeo, appearing on the X Factor, her documentary, new music, touring with Russell Crowe, 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 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, Tom Meighan, 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 #184 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to singer/songwriter and indie-dance pop icon Lisa Moorish about her new album, Divine Chaos. This is Moorish's first new music in 20 years, released on the sister label to Irvine Welsh's Jack Said What imprint. Lisa wanted to work with a female co-producer on this new album and teamed up with Zoe Devlin Love (Alabama 3). Renowned producer Steve Mac brought an extra dimension to the collection's tougher electronic beats. Together, they have delivered many flavours—from dance-influenced tracks to indie electronica—amalgamating Lisa's varied sounds across the decades. Lisa Moorish first made her name in music as a teenager when she had a club hit in 1989 with Rock To The Beat, a track written by Detroit techno luminaries Juan Atkins and Kevin Saunderson that fed into the UK's acid house explosion. She went on to work with the likes of Paul Weller and George Michael before being swept up in the Britpop scene and recording vocals on tracks by some of the biggest bands of that era — Oasis, Blur and Ash. She then started her indie electro-punk band, Kill City, in the early noughties, and they were snapped up by music mogul Alan McGee and signed to his new label, Poptones. In this interview, Lisa discusses the writing and recording of Divine Chaos, duetting with George Michael, the Britpop scene 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 Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, John Lydon, Nick Heyward, Steven Wilson, Matt Goss, Billy Nomates, Tom Meighan, 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 #183 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to Sananda Maitreya about his new double album, The Pegasus Project: Pegasus & The Swan. Sananda Maitreya should feel proud of the mesmerising journey his music has taken since Introducing The Hardline brought him to an unsuspecting world in 1987. Conceived initially as a 13-song guitar-led record staying on bass, drums and two guitars, his new album The Pegasus Project: Pegasus & The Swan now features 41 tracks presented as two sides - it is an epic album that soars, gallops and tumbles, revealing fresh insight with every listen. In this interview, Sananda Maitreya discusses the writing and recording of the album. We also delved into his name change, Irish heritage, 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 James, 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, and many more.