The XS Noize Podcast XS Noize

In Episode #176 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to Neil Arthur from Blancmange about the career-spanning compilation Everything is Connected (The Best of Blancmange 1979-2024).
Blancmange’s story is one of two distinct chapters. In the early ‘80s, they infused the emergent synth-pop scene with oblique lyrics, wry British humour and occasionally tabla-tinged sonics, an unlikely mix which saw them soar into the Top 10 with singles such as Living On The Ceiling, Blind Vision and Don’t Tell Me.
And since 2011’s Blanc Burn album, they’ve taken that singular style into a new century and somehow become more prolific than ever. Now Blancmange brings all – well, 38 to be precise – of these highlights together with the career-spanning collection Everything Is Connected, released on London Records on 11th May 2024.
In this interview, Neil Arthur discusses the career-spanning collection Everything Is Connected, his love for Abba getting stopped by the police on his way to Top of the Pops and lots more. 
Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have been 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.
Listen via YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS – Find The XS Noize Podcast’s complete archive of episodes here.

In Episode #175 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to award-winning Liverpudlian pop singer, and songwriter BANNERS (aka Michael Nelson) about his new album All Back to Mine.
BANNERS is known for his effervescent melodies and immensely relatable lyrics about the human condition. With Nelson's latest full-length, All Back to Mine, it's safe to say he owns a market share in feel-good anthems streamlined to soundtrack your best life.
The album includes his highly praised singles The Best View In Liverpool, Anywhere For You, Have You Ever Loved Someone, Name In Lights, Tell You I Love You, and C'est La Vie and the mesmerising single Perfectly Broken (Duet Version) featuring the soulful voice of America's Got Talent 2022 breakout star Lily Meola.
In this interview, Michael Nelson discusses the writing and recording of All Back to Mine. We also discuss his favourite BANNERS songs, songwriting, his love for Liverpool and more. Listen to episode #175 of The XS Noize Podcast with BANNERS (aka Michael Nelson) – BELOW:
Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have been 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.
Listen via YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS – Find The XS Noize Podcast’s complete archive of episodes here.
 

In Episode #174 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to Neil Finn and Nick Seymour from Crowded House about their eighth studio album 'Gravity Stairs.'
Produced by the band with Steven Schram (Paul Kelly, San Cisco), Gravity Stairs shows Crowded House’s current incarnation featuring Neil Finn, Nick Seymour, Mitchell Froom, Elroy Finn and Liam Finn.
In this interview, Neil Finn and Nick Seymour discuss the writing and recording of Gravity Stairs. We also discuss their favourite Crowded House songs, songwriting, Neil getting abducted in Belfast and more. Listen to episode #174 of The XS Noize Podcast with Neil Finn and Nick Seymour – BELOW:
Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have been 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.
Listen via YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS – Find The XS Noize Podcast’s complete archive of episodes here.

In Episode #173 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to Michael Smyth, guitarist and founder of Belfast shoegaze band Virgins, about their highly anticipated debut album ‘Nothing Hurt and Everything Was Beautiful’. 
The album finds the band exploring a broader sonic palette, seamlessly moving between the gaze-pop of s l o w l y, l o n g and d i s a p p e a r e r to the dance-influenced s o f t e r. To the ethereal, heavy expansiveness of p a l e f i r e and t e n d. Their captivating sound doesn’t rely on recycling shoegaze tropes but brings a fresh and contemporary approach to the genre. The album follows the critically acclaimed transmit a little heaven EP released in 2022.
In this interview, Michael discusses the writing and recording of the album, upcoming live shows, musical influences, Star Wars figures and more. Listen to episode #173 of The XS Noize Podcast with Michael Smyth from Virgins – BELOW:
Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have been 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.
Listen via YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS – Find The XS Noize Podcast’s complete archive of episodes here.

In Episode #172 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to acclaimed songwriter and former Mansun frontman Paul Draper to discuss his upcoming live shows to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the iconic Mansun album Six.
To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Six, in April 2024, Paul Draper and his live band are hitting the road, playing legendary venues up and down the UK. This will be the last chance for fans to see Paul perform Six live in its entirety. For these very special headline shows, Draper is playing, in full, the iconic album by Mansun, the group he led and fronted until their breakup in 2003. He will be joined by his live band, capturing the unique vibe of Six while adding a fresh intensity to the songs.
In this interview, Paul Draper discusses the live shows The Dead Flowers Reject Reissue, his two upcoming solo albums, and more. 
Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have been 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.
Listen via YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS – Find The XS Noize Podcast’s complete archive of episodes here.

In Episode #171 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar is delighted to engage in a captivating conversation with Peter Hooton and Keith Mullin from The Farm.
After a triumphant series of festival appearances and the debut of fresh tunes during the summer of 2017, The Farm reunited, igniting a resurgence in their recording endeavours. Although their plans for the digital release of the Feel The Love EP across all streaming platforms were initially set, unforeseen circumstances, including illness and the onset of the pandemic, caused an unexpected delay. However, during the confines of lockdown, the band persisted in their creative pursuits, culminating in the recent release of a compelling series of tracks via Ditto Music.
One such track, Let The Music (Take Control), emerges as a vibrant fusion of electronic elements, drawing inspiration from the innovative sounds of Kraftwerk and invigorated by dynamic guitar riffs. A pivotal moment in the genesis of this track occurred during a live performance, coupled with a serendipitous encounter with the legendary guitarist, composer, and producer Nile Rodgers, whose influence left an indelible mark on the song’s evolution. The band’s creative journey continues unabated, with a promise of new releases slated throughout the course of 2024.
In this interview, Peter Hooton and Keith Mullin offer insights into the genesis of their latest songs and provide a tantalizing glimpse into their forthcoming album. Furthermore, they delve into the rich tapestry of The Farm’s back catalogue, exploring their favourite songs, their Liverpool Music Icons Tour and much more.
Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have been 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.
Listen via YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS – Find The XS Noize Podcast’s complete archive of episodes here.