The XS Noize Podcast

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Ocean Colour Scene guitarist Steve Cradock joins Mark Millar to mark 30 years of Moseley Shoals and tell the story of how the band made it.
Steve recalls playing the intro to "Hey Joe" at his audition in his parents' garage, how the Stone Roses influenced the band's early sound, and why making their debut album convinced them to start recording on their own terms. He also explains how his wages from touring with Paul Weller helped keep their studio in Kings Heath going.
He shares the story behind "The Riverboat Song", from bringing in the riff to watching Simon Fowler write the lyrics on the studio floor as the band worked out the arrangement. He also remembers how "The Circle" took shape and the weekend in Leamington Spa that produced "Robin Hood" and "Huckleberry Grove".
Looking back at the band's breakthrough, Steve recalls their first appearance on Top of the Pops, how Chris Evans championed "The Riverboat Song" on TFI Friday, and why playing with Oasis at Maine Road meant more to him than Knebworth.
Steve also discusses the Ocean Colour Scene recordings still waiting for vocals and whether fans want to hear new songs from the band. Of all the tracks on Moseley Shoals, he singles out "Get Away", which still sounds like it's in 3D to him.
Finally, Steve remembers the sheer volume of the crowd at Belfast's Ulster Hall and reflects on sharing the stage with his son Cass, including a show with Paul Weller at the Royal Albert Hall.
Subscribe to the XS Noize Podcast for more in-depth conversations with the artists behind the music.
Website: https://www.xsnoize.com

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Passenger's Mike Rosenberg joins Mark Millar to discuss his new album, Wild Love, and finding the personal happiness that musical success alone couldn't provide.
Mike reflects on living alone during lockdown, questioning what was missing, and falling in love with Rebecca, his manager of ten years. He explains the risks of taking that leap and how getting married and becoming a father changed his life and songwriting.
He shares the stories behind "Boomerang", "Wild Love" and "Caution to the Wind", why Taylor Swift's "Willow" became their song, and how having a daughter reshaped his relationship with touring.
Mike also recalls building a studio in the South Downs with longtime producer Chris Vallejo, spending five years writing songs for The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, and learning to handle rejection in a different creative world.
Looking back at his early career, he explains how busking helped him rebuild after his band and relationship fell apart. He remembers the unexpected email that helped "Let Her Go" become an international hit, and how sudden success affected his friendships.
Finally, Mike reflects on an emotional hometown show at Hove Park and what he hopes his daughter will one day hear in "Bonnie's Song".
Subscribe to the XS Noize Podcast for more in-depth conversations with the artists behind the music.
Website: https://www.xsnoize.com

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Editors guitarist and producer Justin Lockey joins Mark Millar to discuss the band's new album, Surface, Echo & Sound, returning to playing together in a room, and the turning point that helped secure Editors' future.
Following the electronics of EBM, Justin explains how the band built the new record around Tom Smith's acoustic guitar, keeping the arrangements simple and leaving the imperfections in their performances.
He shares the stories behind "The Rush", "Much Love", "Seriously" and "Happiness", alongside the influence of R.E.M., The Cure and the war films that became part of studio life.
Justin also discusses what he learned from Steve Albini and Flood, his concerns about AI-generated music, and why the human character of a recording matters more than technical perfection.
Looking back at joining Editors, he recalls a battered four-string Telecaster, writing the guitar part for "Sugar" before meeting Tom, and why The Weight of Your Love was crucial to the band's survival. He also explains how he recorded In Dream on a laptop with limited equipment.
Finally, Justin reflects on the democracy within Editors, bringing the new songs to the stage, and what still excites him about making records together.
Subscribe to the XS Noize Podcast for more in-depth conversations with the artists behind the music.
Website: https://www.xsnoize.com

In episode #304 of the XS Noize Podcast, Nickelback bassist Mike Kroeger joins Mark Millar to discuss the band's new album, Everything Under The Sun, growing up with his brother Chad, and the brush with death that changed his outlook on life.
Mike explains why Nickelback wanted to make music at their own pace, shares his initial doubts about recording "Last Night Was Fun," and discusses bringing in John 5 to play on "Rattle the Cage."
He also explores the story behind "I Already Know," trusting Chad's songwriting instincts, and finding bass parts that serve the song.
Away from the studio, Mike opens up about discovering his Irish family, his close bond with Chad, and why he enjoys being in a famous band while keeping his everyday life away from the spotlight.
Reflecting on the health scare featured in Hate to Love: Nickelback, he explains why being right no longer matters to him and how the experience helped him let go of things he cannot control.
Looking ahead to Nickelback's 2027 world tour, including Dublin's 3Arena, Mike discusses choosing a setlist packed with hits. He also recalls discovering that Pantera's Abbott brothers were fans, shares his love of heavy metal, and reveals how he became a qualified gemologist.
Finally, Mike reflects on what he would miss most if Nickelback ended tomorrow.
Subscribe to the XS Noize Podcast for more in-depth conversations with the artists behind the music.
Website: https://www.xsnoize.com

In episode #303 of the XS Noize Podcast, Steven Wilson joins Mark Millar to discuss his new album, Requiem For A Village, embracing musical imperfections, and why he believes the human touch matters more than ever in an age of artificial intelligence.
Following the cosmic scale of The Overview, Steven explains why he wanted to explore British folklore, childhood memories and the unsettling atmosphere of folk-horror films such as The Wicker Man.
He discusses deliberately leaving instruments out of tune, experimenting with instruments he doesn't know how to play, and rediscovering the excitement of making music without everything being perfect.
Steven also talks about working with XTC's Andy Partridge and actor David Tennant, his concerns about AI-generated music, and what he's learned from remixing classic recordings by artists including Pink Floyd.
Looking ahead, he discusses performing The Overview at the Royal Albert Hall with an orchestra and choir, and reveals that he and Andy Partridge have discussed the possibility of a sequel — or even a trilogy — based around Requiem For A Village.
Finally, Steven reflects on the emotional power of music and why some of its magic may never be fully explained.
Subscribe to the XS Noize Podcast for more in-depth conversations with the artists behind the music.
Website: https://www.xsnoize.com