The XS Noize Podcast

Mark Millar | XS Noize

The XS Noize Podcast is a dynamic weekly exploration of the music world hosted by Mark Millar, editor-in-chief of XS Noize. Through insightful and in-depth interviews with musicians, producers, and managers, the podcast delves into the heart of today's music industry.

Previous guests include 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. & many more.

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

20 episodes
Updated Wednesday

Episodes20

Newest first

Wednesday · 39 min
Danny O'Donoghue on The Script's New Album, Songwriting & Being Human (#293)
The Script's Danny O'Donoghue joins Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to discuss the ideas, stories and songwriting behind the band's new album, "The User's Guide to Being Human." Danny reveals how an unusual moment in Los Angeles inspired the album's title, why he returned to the studio within a week of finishing the Satellites tour, and how sobriety has changed his approach to making music. He also discusses reuniting with longtime collaborators Andrew Frampton, Steve Kipner and Jimbo Barry, carrying Mark Sheehan's influence forward, and why a great lyric remains at the heart of The Script's music. The conversation explores the meaning behind "Man in the Arena," friendship and forgiveness in "The Crowd Was Singing Wonderwall," and the wordplay behind new songs "Grow Old with Grace" and "Scars Align." Elsewhere, Danny reflects on the difficult years before The Script found success, what achievement means to him today, and why songs such as "The Man Who Can't Be Moved" continue to connect with new generations nearly twenty years later. At its heart, this episode is about songwriting, resilience, forgiveness and the light and shade of being human. "The User's Guide to Being Human" will be released on 14 August 2026. Pre-order / pre-save the album: https://thescript.lnk.to/UGTBHPR The Script bring the Man in the Arena tour to The O2 Belfast on 2 November 2026. Watch the XS Noize Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thexsnoizepodcast Visit XS Noize: https://www.xsnoize.com Follow XS Noize: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xsnoizemusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xsnoizemusic X / Twitter: https://x.com/xsnoizemusic Hosted and produced by Mark Millar.
July 14 · 44 min
Tim Wheeler on Ash's 1977 at 30, Girl From Mars & Coming of Age at 19 (#292)
Tim Wheeler joins Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to discuss Ash's landmark debut album 1977, its 30th Anniversary Edition, "Girl From Mars," "Goldfinger," Owen Morris, young fame, Northern Ireland and taking the album back out on the road. Originally released in 1996, 1977 turned Ash from teenage upstarts from Downpatrick into one of the defining guitar bands of the era. Featuring "Girl From Mars," "Goldfinger," "Kung Fu," "Oh Yeah," "Angel Interceptor" and "Lose Control," the album captured a young band moving at full speed — melodic, noisy, chaotic and full of life. In this conversation, Tim reflects on what it feels like to see 1977 turn 30, why the album still belongs to both the band and the fans, and how Ash managed to stay together when so many bands from that era did not. Tim also looks back on working with producer Owen Morris, who brought energy, chaos and confidence to the sessions. He talks about recording "Kung Fu," "Angel Interceptor," "Girl From Mars" and "Goldfinger," how Owen pushed the band in the studio, and why "Goldfinger" became such a major step forward for Ash as songwriters. The episode also explores the new 30th Anniversary Edition of 1977, including the B-sides, the long-lost track "Bittersweet Blue," the band's live STABAL performance, and why the B-sides from that era might be the strangest Ash album of all. Elsewhere, Tim opens up about the pressure of becoming successful at 19, having a number one album, appearing on Top of the Pops, touring the world, and trying to deal with the mental and emotional weight of dreams coming true while everything was moving too fast. Tim also discusses the Northern Irish identity in Ash's music, the humour, melancholy and resilience that helped carry the band through, the emotional pull of playing Belfast, and why the 1977 anniversary tour feels like a celebration rather than simple nostalgia. At its heart, this episode is about youth, friendship, pressure, survival, guitar music, and a record that became a coming-of-age story for both Ash and their fans. Subscribe to the XS Noize Podcast for more in-depth conversations with music's legends, innovators and trailblazers. Website: https://www.xsnoize.com YouTube: @thexsnoizepodcast Instagram: @xsnoizemusic X: @xsnoizemusic
July 6 · 40 min
Tony Visconti on David Bowie, Marc Bolan, Thin Lizzy & Blackstar (#291)
Tony Visconti joins Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to discuss David Bowie, Marc Bolan, T. Rex, Thin Lizzy, Phil Lynott, Blackstar, Scary Monsters, Holy Holy and the art of producing timeless records. Best known as one of the most celebrated producers in music history, Tony played on Bowie's early records and went on to produce some of the most important albums of David Bowie's career. He also worked closely with Marc Bolan and T. Rex, worked on classic Thin Lizzy records, and remains a vital part of Bowie's musical legacy through Holy Holy. In this conversation, Tony discusses Holy Holy's Final Tour – A Celebration of Bowie. He reflects on keeping Bowie's music alive on stage, why he still practises bass every day at 82, and what performing gives him that producing doesn't. Tony also opens up about the craft of production — what a great producer gives an artist, how he listens to a song in its earliest form, and why vocal performance is so important. He shares a brilliant story about Bowie recording "Where Are We Now?" in one take, and explains how they kept the surprise return of Bowie's music completely secret. The conversation also explores Tony's long creative relationship with Bowie, from The Man Who Sold The World and Heathen to Blackstar and Scary Monsters. Tony discusses Bowie's voice, his constant reinvention, the secrecy around his later recordings, the creative vitality of Blackstar, and why Scary Monsters became his favourite Bowie album to work on. Elsewhere, Tony looks back on Marc Bolan and T. Rex, explaining the difference between Bolan's fast, instinctive studio approach and Bowie's more meticulous creative process. He also shares memories of working with Thin Lizzy and Phil Lynott, describing Phil's presence in the studio, his bass playing, and the brotherhood within the band. Tony also talks about the Bowie archive, Glenn Gregory singing Bowie without impersonating him, what younger artists should understand beyond Bowie's image and fashion, and what it means for Holy Holy to keep Bowie's music alive with love. Listen to more XS Noize Podcast episodes: https://www.xsnoize.com Subscribe / follow for weekly in-depth music interviews.
June 23 · 33 min
Rosa Walton on 'Tell Me It's A Dream,' Let's Eat Grandma and Cyberpunk 2077 (#290)
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.
June 14 · 24 min
Dea Matrona on 'Hate That I Care,' Self-Producing and Creative Independence (#289)
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 Orláith Forsythe. Written, recorded and produced entirely by the band, Hate That I Care finds Dea Matrona leaning further into alt-rock while exploring vulnerability, identity, pressure, friendship, self-production and the feeling of not fitting neatly into other people's expectations. In this conversation, Mollie and Orláith look back on what they learned from their debut album, For Your Sins, how that record helped them understand who Dea Matrona were, and why Hate That I Care feels like the album where they are now telling people who they really are. They discuss the title track, which Mollie describes as being written to herself, the exhaustion of masking emotions, and how the album became a way of processing difficult feelings through songwriting. The conversation also explores "My Own Party" and the powerful line "always feeling like an outsider at my own party," the heavier emotional world of "John Doe," the deeply personal story behind "Aisling," and the moment "Magic Spell" helped unlock the direction of the record. Mollie and Orláith also talk about producing the album themselves, writing and finishing music while on tour, their creative partnership, the early school-day rivalry that turned into a band, and how they continue to push each other as writers, musicians and producers. They also reflect on Dea Matrona's journey from busking in Belfast to playing Reading and Leeds, Electric Picnic and Rock Werchter, touring with The Beaches, and preparing to join Sting on tour across Europe. As Orláith says near the end of the conversation: "For Your Sins was introducing who we are, and Hate That I Care is telling you who we are." Listen to episode #289 of the XS Noize Podcast with Dea Matrona.
June 8 · 51 min
Embrace's Danny McNamara on The Good Will Out, Avalanche and 30 Years of the Band (#288)
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.
June 2 · 39 min
The Hoosiers on New Album 'Compassion,' Toxicity & Finding Joy Again (#287)
In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Irwin Sparkes and Alan Sharland from The Hoosiers to discuss their new album Compassion, the toxicity that inspired it, and how the band found joy, self-belief and purpose again. The band first broke through in 2007 with their debut album The Trick to Life, featuring huge singles including "Worried About Ray" and "Goodbye Mr A." But this conversation is not just about looking back. It is about where The Hoosiers are now — creatively, personally and emotionally. Irwin and Alan talk about making Compassion, the ideas behind the record, rediscovering joy, holding on to self-belief, and what it means to meet the world with more humanity after years of change, pressure and experience. They also reflect on friendship, survival, the band's journey, the lessons learned along the way, and why this new chapter feels so important. The full video version of this conversation is available on the XS Noize YouTube channel. The XS Noize Podcast is an independent, long-form music interview series hosted by Mark Millar, featuring in-depth conversations with artists, songwriters, producers and cultural figures about the stories behind the music. Listen/watch and follow XS Noize: Website: xsnoize.com
May 25 · 41 min
Robert Arkins on The Commitments, Jimmy Rabbitte and Life After the Film (#286)
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.
May 19 · 41 min
Nerina Pallot on 25 Years of Music and Why Hope Still Matters (#285)
Nerina Pallot joins Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to discuss 25 years of music, her new career-spanning collection Fire Escape Symphonies: The Best of Nerina Pallot, and the songs, fans and experiences that have shaped her journey. In this episode, Nerina reflects on looking back across her catalogue, the emotional weight of "Everybody's Gone To War," taking an anti-war song onto Top of the Pops, and why she now hears some of her early songs differently after years of distance. She also talks about not fitting neatly into pop or indie, trusting her instincts, writing for Kylie Minogue, building a direct relationship with fans, and creating Chamber — her new artist-fan app designed as an alternative to algorithm-driven social media. Nerina also discusses her deep connection with her audience, the night fans helped carry a show when she lost her voice, her upcoming Royal Albert Hall performance, and why hope still matters in music. Listen to episode #285 of the XS Noize Podcast with Nerina Pallot now.
May 11 · 52 min
Broken Social Scene on "Remember The Humans," grief and why music still saves people (#284)
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.
May 5 · 38 min
Deb Googe & Cara Tivey on da Googie, The Golden Thread & My Bloody Valentine (#283)
Deb Googe and Cara Tivey join Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to discuss The Golden Thread — their debut full-length album together as da Googie + Cara Tivey. da Googie is the solo project of Deb Googe, best known as the bass player in My Bloody Valentine and Thurston Moore Group. Cara Tivey is a pianist and composer whose career includes work with Billy Bragg, Everything But The Girl, Blur, Au Pairs and The Lilac Time. In this episode, Deb and Cara talk about bringing The Golden Thread to Belfast as part of the Oh Yeah Presents immersive series, where the music becomes visual as well as sonic. They discuss how the collaboration began, how Cara's piano changed the shape of da Googie, and how improvised pieces were reshaped into finished songs. They also reflect on creative ownership after decades of working inside other people's music, the challenge of performing the material live, the physical force of My Bloody Valentine, women in alternative music, and why there is no grand master plan for what comes next. For the Belfast performance, The Golden Thread will be presented as an immersive live event at the Oh Yeah Centre, co-produced by Oh Yeah Presents and CQAF. The visuals have been designed by Deb Googe and will be operated and installed by The Fully Automatic Model. Listen to episode #283 of the XS Noize Podcast now. Follow XS Noize: Website: xsnoize.com Instagram: @xsnoizemusic Facebook: XS Noize X: @xsnoizemusic YouTube: @thexsnoizepodcast
April 29 · 57 min
Glen Hansard on Don+t Settle - (Vol 1 Transmissions East), Bob Dylan, Busking and Capturing Songs in the Moment (#282)
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.
April 22 · 57 min
Miles Hunt on 40 Years of The Wonder Stuff, Burnout, Vent 414 and Starting Over (#281)
Miles Hunt joins Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to reflect on 40 years of The Wonder Stuff — from the band's rise through the late '80s and early '90s to what it means to still be carrying it forward today. With The Wonder Stuff set for a major 40th anniversary UK tour in October 2026, Miles looks back on audience loyalty, writing the early records, the impact of albums including HUP, Never Loved Elvis and Construction for the Modern Idiot, and why the band still feels like a real band rather than a nostalgia act. He also talks about burnout, the point where life in the band started to feel heavier than it should, how Vent 414 gave him a different creative outlet, and what he learned from stepping away from music to work in a brewery. It's a warm, funny and insightful conversation about songwriting, survival, creative restlessness and starting over. In this episode, Miles Hunt talks about: 40 years of The Wonder Stuff audience loyalty and the bond with fans writing the early records HUP, Never Loved Elvis and Construction for the Modern Idiot wider success and changing audiences burnout and the band's first split why The Wonder Stuff still feels like a real band Vent 414 and the new album Second Things Can Change and creative exhaustion working in a brewery after music patience, ageing and starting over 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.
April 14 · 34 min
Carol Decker on success, heartbreak, and finding her way back with T'Pau (#280)
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.
April 7 · 46 min
The Boxer Rebellion on 'The Second I'm Asleep' and 25 years together (#279)
The Boxer Rebellion join Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to talk about The Second I'm Asleep, their first full-length studio album since 2018. In this episode, Nathan Nicholson and Piers Hewitt discuss the six-year gap between records, the reset the band needed, and how the new album came together through a more instinctive, less overthought creative process. They talk about writing quickly, trusting the songs sooner, and why The Second I'm Asleep feels more immediate, spacious and human. The conversation also explores lyrical themes on tracks like "Flowers in the Water" and "Hidden Meanings," alongside wider reflections on self-doubt, growth, and the passing of time. Elsewhere, Nathan and Piers look back on key albums including Exits, Union and Ghost Alive, speak about long-term independence, family life, and the realities of keeping a band together for 25 years. In this episode: – The Second I'm Asleep – the six-year gap between albums – songwriting and lyrical evolution – independence and longevity – family life, touring, and staying creative – key memories from Exits, Union and Ghost Alive 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.
April 1 · 48 min
The Dandy Warhols: Courtney Taylor-Taylor on Dig!, Pin Ups & the "Assassination Piece" (#278)
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.
March 24 · 48 min
Scouting For Girls' Roy Stride on 'These Are The Good Days', wildfires and perspective (#277)
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 Are The Good Days. The album follows 2023's The Place We Used To Meet, which became the band's highest-charting record in eight years. This time, the focus is on perspective — and finding joy in the present moment. Much of the album was shaped by Roy's move to Los Angeles to focus on songwriting — a long-held ambition that took a dramatic turn when he and his family were caught in California's wildfire season and forced to evacuate, expecting to lose everything. That experience became the emotional core of both the album and its title track. During the conversation, Roy reflects on how that period changed his outlook — leading him to reframe difficult moments as the ones that ultimately define and shape us. In this wide-ranging conversation, he discusses writing and producing the album himself, recording across California, Dublin and the UK with Greg Churchouse and Pete Ellard, and how bringing in guitarist Connor McDonald added a new dimension to the band's sound. The record itself captures that balance — from the high-energy immediacy of Get What You Give to the orchestral closer Alright In The End, alongside more reflective moments like Stars Never Fade and Don't You Go Solo. Across it all runs a clear theme: optimism, gratitude, and living in the moment. The conversation also looks back at the band's journey — from their 3x Platinum, chart-topping debut through a run of hits including This Ain't A Love Song, She's So Lovely, Elvis Ain't Dead and Heartbeat — and how they've sustained that connection with audiences over nearly two decades. Along the way, Roy shares insights into his songwriting process, the role of collaboration, and why his children have become his most honest critics. Whether you've followed Scouting For Girls from the start or are discovering them now, this is an honest, uplifting conversation about perspective, creativity and making the most of the time you have. 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.
March 17 · 59 min
The Twilight Sad: James Graham & Andy MacFarlane on 'It's The Long Goodbye' (#276)
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
March 9 · 54 min
Damon Minchella on Ocean Colour Scene, Paul Weller & 'You'd Look Good on a Donkey'
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 about his candid and often hilarious memoir You'd Look Good on a Donkey. Across a musical life that has ricocheted between some of the biggest names in music — from Paul McCartney and Jimmy Page to Diana Ross, Dr. John and The Who — Minchella has built a career full of extraordinary stories, unlikely encounters, and a deep love of music that runs through everything he does. During the conversation, Damon reflects on the creation of You'd Look Good on a Donkey, a memoir that captures the highs, chaos, humour and survival instincts required to navigate life in the music industry. In this wide-ranging conversation, Damon opens up about the early days of Ocean Colour Scene, the Birmingham music scene that shaped the band, and how their sound developed during the Britpop era. He also shares memories of working closely with Paul Weller — one of Britain's most influential songwriters — and what he learned from being inside Weller's musical world for so many years. The conversation explores the realities of band life, the strange rhythm of touring and recording, and the delicate balance between personal life and the pressures that come with a career in music. Along the way, Damon discusses the process of writing the book itself — revisiting decades of experiences that range from hilarious and absurd to deeply personal — and explains why honesty and self-reflection were essential to telling the story properly. Whether you're a fan of Ocean Colour Scene, interested in the behind-the-scenes realities of the music industry, or simply enjoy a great rock memoir, this conversation offers an entertaining and revealing look at a life spent in and around music. Related topics: Ocean Colour Scene, Paul Weller, Richard Ashcroft, Britpop, rock memoirs, British rock history, You'd Look Good on a Donkey 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 Steve Lillywhite, 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.
March 6 · 59 min
Steve Lillywhite on Producing U2 — From Boy to Achtung Baby (#274)
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.