The XS Noize Podcast

• #19: David Gray Reflects on His Greatest Hits and Looks Ahead to Live Shows

  On this week’s episode of the XS Noize Music Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by acclaimed singer-songwriter David Gray to discuss the early days of his career, his upcoming Greatest Hits collection, and his first live shows in over two years. David Gray has announced his long-awaited return to the UK stage with a series of intimate acoustic solo performances in support of his forthcoming Greatest Hits release. Titled An Evening With David Gray, the tour begins at Manchester’s Albert Hall on December 11 and includes a special two-night run at London’s Cadogan Hall on December 13 and 14. The Best Of collection – arriving 25 years after the start of Gray’s remarkable recording career – is set for release on October 28, just ahead of the live dates. 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 John Lydon, Will Sergeant, Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Doves, Gavin Friday, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, The Twang, 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, Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, Michael Head, and many more.  

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• #223. Tom Hickox on The Orchestra of Stories: Songs of Myth, Memory & History

  Acclaimed British singer-songwriter Tom Hickox joins Mark Millar on the latest episode of the XS Noize Music Podcast to delve into his highly anticipated third album, The Orchestra of Stories, out 25 April 2025 via Family Tree Records. Marking his return after a four-year hiatus, Hickox unveils a sweeping, cinematic collection of songs that fuse myth, memory, history, and heart. In this in-depth conversation, he discusses the emotional and historical inspirations behind standout tracks like “Chalk Giants,” “The Shoemaker,” “The Clairvoyant,” and “The Failed Assassination of Fidel Castro.” Listeners will also hear how his background in composition helped shape the album’s orchestral sound, and how family legacies, personal memories, and real-life events sparked the storytelling behind the music. Whether you're drawn to storytelling in music, cinematic songwriting, or artists like Scott Walker, this episode is essential listening. The Orchestra of Stories is Hickox at his most ambitious—an album that elevates narrative songwriting to stunning new heights. 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 John Lydon, Will Sergeant, Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Doves, Gavin Friday, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, The Twang, 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, Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, Michael Head, and many more.

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• #222. Saint Leonard – The Madness, Magic & Music Behind 'The Golden Hour'

  In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar chats with Saint Leonard—the visionary artist formerly known as Kieran Leonard—about the extraordinary journey that led to his third and most ambitious album, The Golden Hour. From recording his debut, Good Luck Everybody, at Stanley Kubrick’s historic home to headlining sold-out shows at London’s The Windmill and Third Man Records and supporting The Libertines on tour, Saint Leonard has built a reputation for fearless reinvention. In this fascinating conversation, Leonard shares the wild and deeply personal story behind The Golden Hour—an album shaped by Wild nights in Berlin’s underbelly, Spiritual awakenings in India, Isolation in a GDR-era apartment during the pandemic, and Collaborations with Brian Eno and members of Fat White Family. Recorded at the legendary Hansa Studios in Berlin and Paul Epworth’s Church Studios in London, The Golden Hour blends electronic textures, techno pulses, and Weimar cabaret flair—all woven together with Leonard’s surreal storytelling and dark wit. Highlights include: Meeting Fat White Family by chance in Berlin and forming a band overnight Collaborating with Brian Eno and how it reshaped his sonic vision Wrestling with identity, paranoia, and rebirth during lockdown Using music to capture the absurdity of existence—with a wink The Golden Hour is not just an album—it’s a full-blown experience: cinematic, unhinged, and unforgettable. Listen now for a deep dive into the madness, magic, and music of Saint Leonard. 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 Will Sergeant, Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Doves, Gavin Friday, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, The Twang, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, John Lydon, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, Michael Head, and many more.

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• #221. John Lydon Talks Sex Pistols, Public Image Ltd (PiL), and Life Uncensored

  In this explosive new episode of The XS Noize Music Podcast, host Mark Millar welcomes back punk rock legend John Lydon — best known as Johnny Rotten, frontman of the iconic Sex Pistols and founder of the groundbreaking Public Image Ltd (PiL). Now making his third appearance on the podcast, Lydon returns with even more fire. He reflects on his influential career and opens up about deeply personal moments. In this episode, John Lydon discusses: His outspoken take on the Sex Pistols reunion, His complex relationship with Malcolm McLaren. Coping with the loss of his beloved wife, Nora and best friend/manager, Rambo. His current projects are a bold spoken word tour, a powerful new PiL album, and upcoming live shows. This is a raw, fearless, and deeply honest conversation with one of music’s most outspoken and iconic figures. Whether you're a lifelong fan or discovering him for the first time, don’t miss this candid insight into the mind of John Lydon. Are you a fan of the Sex Pistols or Public Image Ltd? Then this episode is essential listening. Join punk icon John Lydon on The XS Noize Podcast – Episode #221 as he shares raw, unfiltered stories from his legendary career and current projects. 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 Will Sergeant, Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Doves, Gavin Friday, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, The Twang, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, John Lydon, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, Michael Head, and many more.

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• #220. Will Sergeant: Echo & The Bunnymen’s Guitar Legend on His Journey, Memoirs & What’s Next

  In this episode of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar sits down with Will Sergeant, the legendary guitarist of Echo & The Bunnymen, to discuss his pioneering contributions to post-punk and alternative music. Will’s distinctive guitar sound helped shape timeless albums like Crocodiles, Heaven Up Here, and Ocean Rain, influencing generations of musicians with his atmospheric, hypnotic, and cinematic playing style. Beyond his work with Echo & The Bunnymen, Will has pushed musical boundaries through his avant-garde solo project, Weird As Fish, and established himself as an author with two acclaimed memoirs—Bunnyman: A Memoir and Echoes: A Memoir Continued—offering deep insights into his life, music, and the band’s evolution. In this episode, we discuss: ✅ Will’s journey from the Liverpool post-punk scene to global recognition ✅ The inspiration behind his iconic guitar style and songwriting approach ✅ His experiences writing Bunnyman and Echoes, and what’s next for him as an author ✅ His work outside Echo & The Bunnymen, including Weird As Fish and experimental projects ✅ Details on his upcoming album with Courtney Love ✅ What’s next for Echo & The Bunnymen and his upcoming plans If you’re a fan of Echo & The Bunnymen, this episode is a must-listen! Tune in to The XS Noize Podcast – Episode #220 with Will Sergeant!  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 Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Doves, Gavin Friday, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, The Twang, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, John Lydon, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, Michael Head, and many more.

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