The XS Noize Podcast

• #245. The Divine Comedy’s Neil Hannon Talks "Rainy Sunday Afternoon" & Songwriting

  In Episode #245 of the XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar is joined by Neil Hannon — the brilliant mind behind The Divine Comedy — for a revealing conversation about his stunning new album, Rainy Sunday Afternoon, out this September on Divine Comedy Records. His 13th studio album and perhaps his finest to date, Rainy Sunday Afternoon, was recorded at Abbey Road and finds Hannon blending lush orchestral arrangements with sharp lyrical insight. Written as a response to personal reflection and global unrest, the record explores themes of memory, mortality, and melancholy — all delivered with his trademark wit and elegance. The Divine Comedy’s 13th album, balancing grief and absurdity, and why songwriting still feels like emotional alchemy. The album’s lead single Achilles, inspired by a 1915 WWI poem, is a moving meditation on bravery and loss. Elsewhere, Hannon reflects on writing songs for the hit film Wonka and revisiting his past through the remastered Divine Comedy back catalogue. In this episode, Neil discusses the emotional and philosophical ideas behind the new record, the creative freedom of writing for film, and why music — now more than ever — needs both sadness and silliness. He also teases the upcoming UK tour and shares reflections on a career spent crafting one of Britain’s most unique and literate songbooks. Whether you’ve followed The Divine Comedy since Casanova, or are discovering Neil’s genius for the first time, this is a rich, witty, and deeply human episode not to be missed. Previous XS Noize Podcast Guests Over 240 episodes in, XS Noize has welcomed legends and trailblazers, including: Matt Beringer, 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, Sleaford Mods, Michael Head — and many more. Find The XS Noize Podcast’s complete archive of episodes here.

  --------  

  43:51

  --------

  43:51
• #244. Editors’ Tom Smith on Debut Solo Album ‘There Is Nothing In The Dark That Isn’t There In The Light’

  In Episode #244 of the XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar chats with Tom Smith — frontman of Editors — about his debut solo album There Is Nothing In The Dark That Isn’t There In The Light, released 5 December on Play It Again Sam. After two decades leading Editors through seven acclaimed albums and two records with Smith & Burrows, Tom is stepping into solo territory for the first time. Motivated by a desire to reconnect with the raw, acoustic beginnings of his songwriting, he set out to create something more intimate and personal — a world away from the collaborative nature of his band projects. Produced with Iain Archer, the album blends stripped-back honesty with cinematic flourishes, moving from the nostalgic ache of Lights Of New York City to the soaring drama of Life Is For Living. Along the way, Tom explores themes of memory, resilience, and connection, balancing melancholy with hope. In this episode, Tom talks about finding his voice as a solo artist, the stories and emotions behind these songs, and we also revisit the Editors' back catalogue that made him one of the UK’s most distinctive frontmen. Whether you’ve followed Tom’s journey from the very first Editors record or are meeting him here for the first time, this is an intimate and revealing look at an artist entering a bold new chapter. Previous XS Noize Podcast Guests Over 240 episodes in, XS Noize has welcomed legends and trailblazers, including: Matt Beringer, 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, Sleaford Mods, Michael Head — and many more. Find The XS Noize Podcast’s complete archive of episodes here.

  --------  

  37:11

  --------

  37:11
• #243. The Milk’s Rick Nunn on new album 'Borderlands': Love, Loss & Cinematic Soul

  In Episode #243 of the XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar chats with Rick Nunn — vocalist and guitarist of The Milk — about the band’s powerful new album Borderlands, released 19 September on WLS Records. Formed during their school days, The Milk have spent decades honing a sound that blends soul, funk, and rock with fearless live energy. From their major-label debut Tales from the Thames Delta to the independent breakthrough Favourite Worry and the cinematic sweep of Cages, they’ve built a reputation for honesty, craft, and ambition. With Borderlands, they return with their most expansive and personal work yet — an album that weaves choirs, brass, and strings into stories of love, loss, and resilience. In this episode, Rick opens up about the ambition behind Borderlands, the journey from navigating label compromises to full creative independence, and how three decades of friendship continue to drive The Milk’s music. He also reflects on the band’s evolution and why Borderlands feels like a defining chapter in their story. Whether you’ve followed The Milk from the beginning or are discovering them for the first time, this episode offers a raw, inspiring look at a band still pushing forward with heart and conviction. Stream below. 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 include legends and trailblazers such as 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, Sleaford Mods, Michael Head — and many more.

  --------  

  36:49

  --------

  36:49
• #242. John Robb: From The Stone Roses to Oasis — Writing Rock’s Biggest Stories

  In Episode #242 of the XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar chats with John Robb — musician, journalist, author, broadcaster, and founder of Louder Than War — about his brand-new book Live Forever: The Rise, Fall and Resurrection of Oasis. From fronting cult punk bands The Membranes and Goldblade to coining the term Britpop and becoming the first UK journalist to interview Nirvana, John has been at the frontline of music for decades. Alongside his career as a musician and broadcaster, he has written definitive books on punk, goth, and the acclaimed biography The Stone Roses and the Resurrection of British Pop. Now, with Oasis back in the spotlight thanks to their massive Live 25 tour, he turns his attention to one of the greatest rock ’n’ roll stories ever told — the turbulent, era-defining journey of the band. In this episode, John discusses how he approached writing Live Forever, the rise of Oasis from Manchester clubs to worldwide fame, and why the band still matters three decades on. He also reflects on his earlier work with The Stone Roses, how he balances life as a musician, journalist, and author, and why he continues to push boundaries — on stage, on the page, and online. Whether you grew up with Oasis, followed John Robb’s writing, or simply love hearing stories from those who shaped modern music, this episode is packed with insight, energy, and history.  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 include legends and trailblazers such as 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, Sleaford Mods, Michael Head — and many more.

  --------  

  1:04:18

  --------

  1:04:18
• #241. The National’s Matt Berninger on His New Solo Album ‘Get Sunk’ & European Tour

  In Episode #241 of the XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar chats with Matt Berninger — frontman of The National and acclaimed solo artist — about his brand-new album Get Sunk. Best known for his baritone voice and evocative lyrics, Matt has spent over two decades with The National, shaping the sound of modern indie rock across landmark albums like Boxer, High Violet, and Sleep Well Beast. In 2020, he released his first solo record Serpentine Prison. Now, four years later, he returns with Get Sunk — an album he describes as “the inhale after drowning.” In this episode, Matt opens up about: The spark that inspired Get Sunk His battle with depression and how it shaped the record Unusual writing methods that brought the songs to life The “near miss” track that almost didn’t make the album Lessons from collaboration (including with Taylor Swift) What’s ahead on his upcoming European tour Whether you’re a longtime fan of The National, intrigued by Matt’s solo work, or simply love hearing the stories behind powerful songwriting, this episode offers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at one of indie rock’s most distinctive voices. Stream below. 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 include legends and trailblazers such as 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, Sleaford Mods, Michael Head — and many more.

  --------  

  43:15

  --------

  43:15

More Music podcasts

Trending Music podcasts

About The XS Noize Podcast