The XS Noize Podcast

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Editors guitarist and producer Justin Lockey joins Mark Millar to discuss the band's new album, Surface, Echo & Sound, returning to playing together in a room, and the turning point that helped secure Editors' future. Following the electronics of EBM, Justin explains how the band built the new record around Tom Smith's acoustic guitar, keeping the arrangements simple and leaving the imperfections in their performances. He shares the stories behind "The Rush", "Much Love", "Seriously" and "Happiness", alongside the influence of R.E.M., The Cure and the war films that became part of studio life. Justin also discusses what he learned from Steve Albini and Flood, his concerns about AI-generated music, and why the human character of a recording matters more than technical perfection. Looking back at joining Editors, he recalls a battered four-string Telecaster, writing the guitar part for "Sugar" before meeting Tom, and why The Weight of Your Love was crucial to the band's survival. He also explains how he recorded In Dream on a laptop with limited equipment. Finally, Justin reflects on the democracy within Editors, bringing the new songs to the stage, and what still excites him about making records together. Subscribe to the XS Noize Podcast for more in-depth conversations with the artists behind the music. Website: https://www.xsnoize.com  

In episode #304 of the XS Noize Podcast, Nickelback bassist Mike Kroeger joins Mark Millar to discuss the band's new album, Everything Under The Sun, growing up with his brother Chad, and the brush with death that changed his outlook on life. Mike explains why Nickelback wanted to make music at their own pace, shares his initial doubts about recording "Last Night Was Fun," and discusses bringing in John 5 to play on "Rattle the Cage." He also explores the story behind "I Already Know," trusting Chad's songwriting instincts, and finding bass parts that serve the song. Away from the studio, Mike opens up about discovering his Irish family, his close bond with Chad, and why he enjoys being in a famous band while keeping his everyday life away from the spotlight. Reflecting on the health scare featured in Hate to Love: Nickelback, he explains why being right no longer matters to him and how the experience helped him let go of things he cannot control. Looking ahead to Nickelback's 2027 world tour, including Dublin's 3Arena, Mike discusses choosing a setlist packed with hits. He also recalls discovering that Pantera's Abbott brothers were fans, shares his love of heavy metal, and reveals how he became a qualified gemologist. Finally, Mike reflects on what he would miss most if Nickelback ended tomorrow. Subscribe to the XS Noize Podcast for more in-depth conversations with the artists behind the music. Website: https://www.xsnoize.com

In episode #303 of the XS Noize Podcast, Steven Wilson joins Mark Millar to discuss his new album, Requiem For A Village, embracing musical imperfections, and why he believes the human touch matters more than ever in an age of artificial intelligence. Following the cosmic scale of The Overview, Steven explains why he wanted to explore British folklore, childhood memories and the unsettling atmosphere of folk-horror films such as The Wicker Man. He discusses deliberately leaving instruments out of tune, experimenting with instruments he doesn't know how to play, and rediscovering the excitement of making music without everything being perfect. Steven also talks about working with XTC's Andy Partridge and actor David Tennant, his concerns about AI-generated music, and what he's learned from remixing classic recordings by artists including Pink Floyd. Looking ahead, he discusses performing The Overview at the Royal Albert Hall with an orchestra and choir, and reveals that he and Andy Partridge have discussed the possibility of a sequel — or even a trilogy — based around Requiem For A Village. Finally, Steven reflects on the emotional power of music and why some of its magic may never be fully explained. Subscribe to the XS Noize Podcast for more in-depth conversations with the artists behind the music. Website: https://www.xsnoize.com

Gabriella Cilmi joins Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to discuss her new album, Pure Love, being signed at just 13, the worldwide success of 'Sweet About Me', and finding her way back to herself as an artist. Gabriella reflects on the pressures of becoming famous at 16, losing creative control and eventually stepping away to rebuild on her own terms. She also reveals how watching footage of herself singing as a ten-year-old helped inspire Pure Love, discusses the stories behind the new songs and explains why she sees the album as "a comeback in the sense that I'm coming back to myself." Follow XS Noize: Website: https://www.xsnoize.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xsnoizemusic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xsnoizemusic/ X: https://x.com/xsnoizemusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thexsnoizepodcast Subscribe to the XS Noize Podcast for more in-depth conversations with artists, songwriters, producers and bands from around the world. The XS Noize Podcast is hosted and produced by XS Noize founder and editor Mark Millar.

My Morning Jacket frontman Jim James joins Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to discuss his new solo album, Wowed Out, rediscovering music from his past, his journey towards sobriety and self-acceptance, and what's next for My Morning Jacket. His fifth solo LP and first new solo album in eight years, Wowed Out grew from a collection of abandoned film-score recordings Jim created with composer Brian Reitzell more than 15 years ago. Jim reveals how revisiting those forgotten sessions inspired an entirely new record and why he has learned to embrace quieter musical moments rather than chasing big choruses and guitar solos. The conversation explores the meaning behind Wowed Out, the overwhelming nature of social media and modern technology, and Jim's efforts to reconnect with the world beyond his phone. He also shares the stories behind 'Hands On', 'Lost Child' and 'Come Again', opening up about quitting drinking four years ago, his search for belonging and the healing power of music. Finally, Jim reflects on nearly 30 years of My Morning Jacket, why the band feel more connected than ever, plans to record a new album in November and the possibility of bringing Wowed Out songs into their live shows. Follow XS Noize: Website: https://www.xsnoize.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xsnoizemusic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xsnoizemusic/ X: https://x.com/xsnoizemusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thexsnoizepodcast Subscribe to the XS Noize Podcast for more in-depth conversations with artists, songwriters, producers and bands from around the world. The XS Noize Podcast is hosted and produced by XS Noize founder and editor Mark Millar.