The XS Noize Podcast

Rosa Walton joins Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to discuss her debut solo album, Tell Me It's A Dream, out now via Transgressive Records. Best known as one half of Let's Eat Grandma alongside Jenny Hollingworth, Rosa steps into a bold new chapter with her most personal and expansive work to date — a record full of light, colour, open skies, friendship, dreams and emotional honesty. In this conversation, Rosa talks about why Tell Me It's A Dream did not feel like a solo project made to prove a point, but rather a natural space to explore songs that did not quite fit inside Let's Eat Grandma. She reflects on making music outside the band, developing a different vocal style, writing constantly, and how the album became a world of its own. Rosa also discusses working with Sam E Yamaha, recording in Wales at StudiOwz, and co-producing the album with David Wrench, whose long creative relationship with Rosa helped make the process feel safe, open and freeing. The conversation also explores songs including "Sorry Anyway," "Prettier Things," "Heart To Heartbreak" and "Halfway Round The World," as well as Jenny Hollingworth appearing as Jenny On Holiday on "Prettier Things." Elsewhere, Rosa reflects on the huge life of "I Really Want To Stay At Your House" from Cyberpunk 2077, why the song's success felt disorientating, and how she separated that moment from the guitar-led world of Tell Me It's A Dream. As Rosa says in the episode, if Tell Me It's A Dream was a place, it would be a vast, freeing, dreamlike landscape in the sky — with ice cream. Listen to episode #290 of the XS Noize Podcast with Rosa Walton.

Danny McNamara from Embrace joins Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to discuss the band's new album Avalanche, 30 years of Embrace, and why he feels more inspired now than ever. In this conversation, Danny reflects on the band's landmark debut The Good Will Out, the huge comeback with Out Of Nothing, and why new music — not nostalgia — is still what drives him. Danny also talks about the life lesson running through Avalanche: life doesn't wait for you to be ready. He discusses marriage, fatherhood, learning to live in the moment, and how those changes have reshaped his songwriting. Elsewhere, Danny opens up about songs including "Road To Nowhere," "Up In Your Feelings," "Pure O," "Get Out Of My Own Way" and "Coming Home," as well as his creative relationship with his brother Richard McNamara, the stories Embrace fans share with him, and why this chapter feels like a beginning rather than a look back. Listen to episode #288 of the XS Noize Podcast with Danny McNamara from Embrace.

In this 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 looks back on life before the film, his musical roots, fronting his own band Housebroken, and how his sister first introduced him to Roddy Doyle's book. He reflects on why he initially saw The Commitments as a possible distraction from his music, before becoming the face and voice of one of the most beloved music films ever made. In this warm and honest conversation, Robert talks about working with Alan Parker, finding Jimmy Rabbitte's natural Dublin rhythm, the humour and energy that still make the film resonate, and the moment he realised The Commitments had become much bigger than just a film. He also shares brilliant behind-the-scenes stories from the shoot, including Van Morrison auditioning for Joey "The Lips," memories of the famous bath scene, Johnny Murphy's motorbike mishap, and what fans still say to him more than three decades later. The conversation also goes deeper into what happened after The Commitments — the pressure of sudden fame, travelling to Los Angeles, signing to MCA, working on an unfinished Housebroken album, and the frustration of being recognised as Jimmy Rabbitte when he wanted to be seen as an artist in his own right. Now, Robert is returning to the music with Robert Arkins' Commitments, marking the 35th anniversary of The Commitments with UK and Ireland shows. He talks about bringing those songs back to the stage, adding Detroit and Northern Soul into the live set, and why the audience energy still reminds him of watching the film with a crowd. At its heart, this episode is about music, identity, second chances, and what happens when one role follows you for the rest of your life. Listen to the full episode now.

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Kevin Drew and Charles Spearin of Broken Social Scene to discuss the band's new album, Remember The Humans. Kevin and Charles talk about where the title came from, how a joke about AI ended up capturing the emotional centre of the record, and why Broken Social Scene returned now with their first new studio album in nearly a decade. They also discuss reuniting with producer David Newfeld, the shared grief that shaped the album, the "enjoyable PTSD" of getting the band back together, and the beauty and difficulty of collaboration inside a band built on so many voices. The conversation also touches on songs including "Not Around Anymore," "The Call," "Briefest Kiss" and "Relief," the documentary It's All Going To Break, the Toronto music scene, and why music still has the power to connect, heal and keep people going. Remember The Humans is released via City Slang in the UK/EU and Arts & Crafts in North America. Follow / subscribe to the XS Noize Podcast for more in-depth conversations with artists, songwriters and music legends.

In this 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 album, Don+t Settle - (Vol 1 Transmissions East). Recorded at Berlin's historic Funkhaus with his road-hardened live band, the album brings together songs from Glen's solo career, The Frames and The Swell Season, captured with almost no fixes. Rather than a standard live album or greatest-hits collection, Don+t Settle - (Vol 1 Transmissions East) feels like an artist taking stock in the present — revisiting songs from different stages of his life and finding new meaning in them. Glen talks about the rain-soaked show in The Hague that sparked the idea, bringing the audience onto the stage, reintroducing himself as a rock musician, and why the rawness and imperfections of the performances were essential to the record. The conversation also goes far beyond the new album. Glen reflects on writing "Didn't He Ramble" for his father, why "Carrickfergus" made the record, the Bob Dylan cassette that changed his life, and what busking taught him about holding an audience. He also looks back on The Commitments, Once, being recognised as Outspan in the street, Bob Dylan phoning after his Oscar win, and the growth of Dublin's Christmas Eve Busk. It's a generous, open and thoughtful conversation about music, family, memory, performance, and why this new chapter feels less like looking back and more like planting a flag in the present. Listen to episode #282 of the XS Noize Podcast now. Follow / subscribe to the XS Noize Podcast for more in-depth conversations with artists, songwriters and music legends.

Carol Decker joins Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to talk about T'Pau's return with Be Wonderful — the band's first album of original material since Pleasure and Pain in 2015. In this candid conversation, Carol reflects on the long gap between records, reconnecting creatively with Ronnie Rogers, and what finally brought her back into the right headspace to make new music again. She also looks back on the rise of T'Pau, the success of Bridge of Spies, the story behind "China In Your Hand", and the difficult years when everything changed. A warm, honest conversation about success, heartbreak, survival, and finding your way back. In this episode, Carol Decker talks about: – The making of Be Wonderful – Why it took so long for T'Pau to make another studio album – Writing and recording again with Ronnie Rogers – The difference between major label backing and doing everything in-house – The stories behind "Read My Lips", "Stupid Love Song" and "Casual Remark" – The real meaning behind "China In Your Hand" – T'Pau's breakthrough in the UK and America – The personal and professional fallout of the early '90s – The 80s revival and why those songs still connect today About The XS Noize Podcast Hosted by Mark Millar, the XS Noize Podcast features in-depth conversations with some of the most influential artists in modern music. With over 270 episodes, guests have included Steve Lillywhite, Matt Berninger, Gary Numan, Peter Hook, Bernard Butler, The Charlatans, Sleaford Mods, Snow Patrol, Elbow, Travis and many more. New episodes drop weekly.

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Courtney Taylor-Taylor — frontman of The Dandy Warhols — to talk about Pin Ups and the real story behind the Dig! documentary. Pin Ups brings together a collection of covers spanning the band's journey — but as Courtney explains, it feels less like a traditional covers album and more like a "3D map of the band's DNA," shaped by instinct, influence, and reinterpretation. But this conversation goes much further. Courtney opens up about the Dig! era — and why he describes the film as an "assassination piece" — reflecting on how it reshaped public perception of the band at a crucial moment, and what it took to rebuild from it. He also talks about the difference between art and entertainment, the instinctive way The Dandy Warhols create music, and how a song can evolve to the point where it becomes entirely your own. Along the way, he reflects on the influences that shaped the band's sound — including The Cult — the breakthrough of 13 Tales From Urban Bohemia, and how they've managed to stay true to themselves over time. This is an honest conversation about creativity, perception, and reclaiming your narrative. About The XS Noize Podcast Hosted by Mark Millar, the XS Noize Podcast features in-depth conversations with some of the most influential artists in modern music. With over 270 episodes, guests have included Steve Lillywhite, Matt Berninger, Gary Numan, Peter Hook, Bernard Butler, The Charlatans, Sleaford Mods, Snow Patrol, Elbow, Travis and many more. New episodes drop weekly.

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with James Graham and Andy MacFarlane — the creative core of Scottish band The Twilight Sad — to talk about their powerful sixth album It's The Long Goodbye. Written across a seven-year period, the album became the band's most personal and emotionally direct record to date. Much of it was shaped during a difficult chapter in James Graham's life as he navigated his mother's illness, his own struggles with mental health, and the weight of grief and loss. During the conversation, James and Andy reflect on the long journey behind the record — from early demos developed during lockdown to the moment the songs finally came together as a cohesive album. They also discuss their close relationship with Robert Smith of The Cure, who contributes guitar and six-string bass to several tracks after years of friendship and touring together. Along the way, the band look back at their early years, the evolution of their sound over two decades, and how songwriting helped transform personal experiences into music that connects deeply with listeners. Listen to the XS Noize Podcast: https://linktr.ee/xsnoizemusicpodcast

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with legendary U2 producer Steve Lillywhite to discuss his work on landmark albums including Boy, War, The Joshua Tree, Achtung Baby, All That You Can't Leave Behind, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, and No Line on the Horizon. Across a career spanning more than four decades, Lillywhite has worked with some of the most influential artists in modern music. But his work with U2 — from their earliest recordings through some of their biggest albums — helped define the sound of one of the world's most important bands. During the conversation, Lillywhite reflects on the creative environment around Achtung Baby, one of the most influential records in U2's catalogue, and explains what a producer actually does in the studio — describing his role as the "captain of the ship" guiding a band through the creative process of making an album. He shares memories of first encountering U2 before the mythology existed, when four young musicians from Dublin were still discovering their identity — and explains why he immediately sensed something different about them. The conversation explores the band's creative evolution across landmark albums including Boy, War, The Joshua Tree, Achtung Baby, All That You Can't Leave Behind, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb, and No Line on the Horizon, and how U2's sound developed in the studio over the years. Lillywhite also offers insights into the craft of record production — from capturing the distinctive guitar sound of The Edge to shaping Bono's vocal performances and finding the emotional centre of a song. Along the way, he reflects on the collaborative nature of the studio, the controlled chaos of working alongside producers like Brian Eno, Daniel Lanois and Flood, and the moments when a record suddenly comes alive. Whether you're a U2 fan, a musician, or simply fascinated by the craft of record-making, this conversation offers a rare look inside the creative process behind some of the most iconic albums of the last forty years. About The XS Noize Podcast With more than 270 episodes, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music's legends, innovators, and trailblazers — a place where real conversations meet real stories. Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has featured an extraordinary lineup including Paul Draper, Sleaford Mods, The Charlatans, Gary "Mani" Mounfield, Glen Matlock, 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, and Michael Head — among many more. Explore the complete XS Noize Podcast archive. New episodes drop weekly — subscribe for in-depth conversations with the artists who shape modern music.

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 30-year journey defined by reinvention, collaboration and creative risk. Formed in Croydon, South London in 1994, Archive have evolved from trip-hop pioneers into one of Europe's most respected alternative collectives. Glass Minds, released Friday 27th February 2026 via Dangervisit through [PIAS], follows the ambitious 2022 triple-album Call to Arms & Angels, which charted Top 10 across Europe and culminated in their biggest headline show to date at Paris' Accor Arena. Produced by Archive alongside long-time collaborator Jerome Devoise, and recorded in Brighton, London and Paris, Glass Minds marks a shift toward a more minimal, down-tempo sound — built on space and emotional weight. New textures emerge through Essex rapper Jimmy Collins on "Heads Are Gonna Roll," while Lisa Mottram shines on the title track and "The Love The Light." At its core is the eight-minute "So Far From Losing You," one of the band's most personal and expansive pieces to date. In this conversation, Dave Pen reflects on joining Archive and becoming part of a true creative collective. He discusses the trust and experimentation that shape the band's process, the evolution of their sound over three decades, embracing AI in the album's visual identity, and why live performance remains the ultimate space where Archive's songs continue to grow and transform. About The XS Noize Podcast With over 250 episodes, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music's legends, innovators, and trailblazers — a place where real conversations meet real stories. Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has featured an extraordinary lineup including Paul Draper, Sleaford Mods, The Charlatans, Gary "Mani" Mounfield, Glen Matlock, 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, and Michael Head — among many more. Explore the complete XS Noize Podcast archive here. New episodes drop weekly — subscribe for more in-depth conversations with the artists who shape our lives.

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 band bring their full show to Ireland for the first time. Watch the full XS Noize Podcast conversation below. Then Jerico are currently touring the UK and Europe, with debut full-band Irish headline shows at Belfast's Limelight 2 on Thursday 19 February and Dublin's Whelan's Main Room on Friday 20 February 2026. The tour features a 90-minute set spanning the band's classic first two albums — First (The Sound of Music) and The Big Area (Outside) — alongside material from Mark Shaw's 1990s solo releases. In this conversation, Mark Shaw reflects on a four-decade journey through success, setbacks, and survival. He talks about the importance of audience connection, shaping setlists that balance momentum with meaning, and the breakthrough impact of Big Area. Shaw also opens up about carrying the legacy of Then Jerico as the sole founder, revisiting early recordings and B-sides with fresh perspective, and why he's still driven to write songs that speak directly to the present moment. About The XS Noize Podcast With over 250 episodes, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music's legends, innovators, and trailblazers — a place where real conversations meet real stories. Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has featured an extraordinary lineup including Paul Draper, Sleaford Mods, The Charlatans, Gary "Mani" Mounfield, Glen Matlock, 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, and Michael Head — among many more. Explore the complete XS Noize Podcast archive here. New episodes drop weekly — subscribe for more in-depth conversations with the artists who shape our lives.

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Dani Larkin to talk about Next Of Kin — a deeply emotive record shaped by time, patience, and a renewed sense of creative clarity. Released on 23 January 2026, Next Of Kin marks a bold progression in Larkin's sound and vision. Co-produced with Ruth O'Mahony Brady, the album expands her acclaimed storytelling into a cinematic, emotionally rich landscape that explores life's most universal milestones — from birth and coming of age to love, loss, and acceptance. Structured as a trilogy, the record moves through distinct phases. Part I traces a journey from darkness toward revelation and youth. Part II sits in the complexity of adulthood, weaving love, fear, doubt, courage, and hope through expansive orchestral arrangements and intimate songwriting. Part III closes with a sense of resolution and homecoming, culminating in the poignant farewell Danny Boy. In this conversation, Larkin reflects on how releasing her debut Notes For A Maiden Warrior during the COVID era shaped her outlook, and why Next Of Kin feels like a true arrival moment. She talks about patience, self-acceptance, and the importance of creating space — both personally and creatively — between records. She also discusses the album's lead single End Of It All, a striking and urgent track that blends industrial drum beats, raw guitar, and a haunting reimagining of Row, Row, Row Your Boat — capturing the contradictions, anxiety, and fragile hope of modern life. About The XS Noize Podcast With over 250 episodes, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music's legends, innovators, and trailblazers — a place where real conversations meet real stories. Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has featured an extraordinary lineup including Sleaford Mods, The Charlatans, Gary "Mani" Mounfield, Glen Matlock, 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, and Michael Head — among many more. Explore the complete XS Noize Podcast archive here.

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Alexander Wolfe to talk about his deeply personal new album Everythinglessness. Watch the full video conversation. Written after a period of intense personal reckoning — including time spent in a mental health rehabilitation facility in 2023 — Everythinglessness explores masculinity, mental health, and emotional survival. Drawing on experiences of depression, anxiety, and ADHD, Wolfe turns vulnerability into something raw, intimate, and quietly powerful. Raised in 1990s Woolwich, Wolfe blends observational grit with cinematic songwriting, using analogue textures, layered harmonies, and stark piano lines to create a record that unfolds like a coming-of-age story — moving through grief, identity, and acceptance. In this conversation, Wolfe reflects on the mindset behind the album, the challenge of expressing softness in a culture shaped by silence and stoicism, and how music became a form of recovery rather than escape. About The XS Noize Podcast With over 250 episodes, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music's legends, innovators, and trailblazers — a place where real conversations meet real stories. Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has featured an extraordinary lineup including Sleaford Mods, The Charlatans, Gary "Mani" Mounfield, Glen Matlock, 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, and Michael Head — among many more. Explore the complete XS Noize Podcast archive here. New episodes drop weekly — subscribe for more in-depth conversations with the artists who shape our lives.