The XS Noize Podcast

Andros Georgiou joins Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to reveal the remarkable story behind Trojan Souls—the ambitious George Michael album that was never completed.
Andros discusses growing up alongside George, recognising his extraordinary musical ability at an early age and their work together on Boogie Box High's version of "Jive Talkin'," which featured an uncredited lead vocal from George.
He explains how Trojan Souls brought together an extraordinary line-up that included Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Janet Jackson, Seal, Sade and Bryan Ferry. Andros also reveals that complete vocals by George and Elton still exist for "This Kind of Love"—a song he hopes could one day be released as a duet.
The conversation explores George's remarkable songwriting and production process, the personal studio footage featured in the Trojan Souls film, what people still misunderstand about him and the emotional final conversation Andros shared with his lifelong friend.
Watch Trojan Souls – The Greatest Album That Was Never Made:
https://trojansouls.com/
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In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Mystery Jets' Blaine Harrison and Ollie Taylor to discuss their seventh studio album, A Hole to See the Sky Through.
Blaine explains how a postcard artwork by Yoko Ono became the album's title, cover and guiding light. They also discuss recording with Leo Abrahams, the spontaneous creation of 'Black Sage' and how Ollie and his brother Eddie brought fresh energy to the band.
Elsewhere, Blaine shares the deeply personal story behind 'Soul River', written for a much-loved friend who died during the pandemic, and explains how 'Anaglypta' uses textured wallpaper as a metaphor for hiding the cracks in our lives.
They also reflect on the album's place alongside Curve of the Earth and A Billion Heartbeats, what keeps Mystery Jets moving forward after more than 20 years, and why songwriting remains a balance between "maths and magic."
A Hole to See the Sky Through is released on 21 August via Fiction Records.
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Hosted and produced by Mark Millar.

LE BOOM's Christy Leech joins Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast ahead of the duo's 360° immersive floor show at Limelight 1, Belfast.
Christy explains how secret raves and unconventional venues inspired LE BOOM to perform in the middle of the audience, removing the separation between the band and the crowd. He also recalls an unforgettable show on a boat in Sydney Harbour and discusses the community that has developed around LE BOOM's live performances.
The conversation explores Christy's creative partnership with his brother Andy, combining electronic music with spoken word, and embracing their Irish identity through writing and performing in the Irish language. Christy also discusses the story behind "BUACHAILLÍ," LE BOOM's gradual rise from intimate parties to sold-out shows, and reveals that the duo have finished an album.
LE BOOM's 360° immersive floor show, with special guests Grooveline, takes place at Limelight 1, Belfast, on Saturday, 8 August 2026.
Tickets:
https://www.ticketmaster.ie/le-boom-in-the-round-immersive-floor-show-fleadh-2026-belfast-08-08-2026/event/380064A7EA0A2B32
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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:
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Follow XS Noize:
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X / Twitter: https://x.com/xsnoizemusic
Hosted and produced by Mark Millar.

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.
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