The XS Noize Podcast

• Roland Gift: 40 Years of Fine Young Cannibals & New Christmas Single (#259)

  In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Roland Gift — the iconic voice of Fine Young Cannibals and one of the most instantly recognisable singers in British music. With era-defining hits like "She Drives Me Crazy," "Good Thing," "Johnny Come Home," and their electrifying version of "Ever Fallen In Love," Fine Young Cannibals became global chart-toppers — selling over five million records and earning two BRIT Awards, an Ivor Novello, and three Grammy nominations. Their sharp, soulful sound continues to influence generations. Roland returns with two major releases — FYC40, a definitive 40-year anthology, and his brand-new festive single "Everybody Knows It's Christmas", showcasing that unmistakable voice in glorious form. Roland looks back on the band's beginnings, the explosive success of The Raw & The Cooked, and how his Otis Redding-inspired delivery fused with David Steele and Andy Cox's songwriting to create something completely unique. He also reflects on Fine Young Cannibals' continued cultural impact — including "She Drives Me Crazy" becoming the musical centrepiece of the 2025 Chanel campaign starring Dua Lipa and Jennie from BLACKPINK. We also talk about Roland's return to performing — touring with Jools Holland, shining at the 2022 Hootenanny, and his triumphant 40 Years of Songs tour, which launched with a sold-out London Palladium show. And we dive into "Everybody Knows It's Christmas" — a glam-rock, wall-of-sound celebration co-written with Ben Barson, full of warmth, nostalgia, and classic Roland soul. "Wherever you are I hope this song brings a bit of warmth, a smile, and maybe a bit of that Christmas magic your way." – Roland Gift Listen to Roland Gift discuss 40 years of Fine Young Cannibals, the making of FYC40, and the joy behind his new Christmas single — exclusively on the XS Noize Podcast. About The XS Noize Podcast With over 250 episodes, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music's legends and trailblazers — a space where real conversations meet real stories. Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has welcomed an extraordinary lineup including The Charlatans, Gary "Mani" Mounfield, Glen Matlock, Miles Kane, Matt Berninger, 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, and Michael Head — among many more. Explore the complete XS Noize Podcast archive here New episodes drop weekly — subscribe for more in-depth conversations with the artists who shape our lives.

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• ALKY on Breaking the Cycle with His Debut Album 'Rinse & Repeat' (#258)

  In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by ALKY — the Dublin-born indie-rock artist and former Emmy-nominated audio engineer whose raw, heartfelt songwriting is making serious waves across Ireland's indie scene. From his breakout singles "Dirty Tricks," "All Because of Love," "Perfect," and "How Do You?" to sold-out shows at Whelan's and The Workman's Club, ALKY has built a growing reputation for pairing widescreen anthems with brutally honest storytelling. Now, he's stepping into a defining new chapter with the release of his debut album Rinse & Repeat, a powerful exploration of addiction, love, and the endless cycles we fight to escape. In our conversation, ALKY talks about the messy truth behind his lyrics, his transition from studio engineer to full-time artist, and how facing his own patterns of self-destruction became the creative spark for the record. He opens up about sobriety, resilience, and why imperfection — both in music and in life — can be the most honest sound of all. We also dive into the making of standout tracks "All Because of Love," "How Do You?," "Perfect," and "Dirty Tricks," his experience coming up through Dublin's live circuit, and how Rinse & Repeat became a cathartic statement on falling, getting back up, and finding meaning in repetition. "I noticed I kept falling into the same destructive behaviours — the same chaos regarding alcohol and my relationship choices. Rinse & Repeat is a reflection of that cycle and putting it into songs." – ALKY Listen to ALKY discuss the making of his debut album Rinse & Repeat, addiction, love, and finding strength in repetition on the XS Noize Podcast. About The XS Noize Podcast With over 250 episodes to its name, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music's legends and trailblazers — a space where real conversations meet real stories. Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has welcomed an extraordinary lineup including The Charlatans, Gary "Mani" Mounfield, Glen Matlock, Miles Kane, Matt Berninger, 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, and Michael Head — among many more. Explore the complete XS Noize Podcast archive here New episodes of the XS Noize Podcast drop weekly — subscribe for more in-depth conversations with the artists who shape our lives.  

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• Martin Blunt: The Charlatans: Inside 'We Are Love' (#257)

  In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Martin Blunt — founding member and bassist of The Charlatans, one of Britain's most enduring and beloved bands. From their breakthrough with Some Friendly to the anthemic Tellin' Stories and the reflective Modern Nature, The Charlatans have spent more than three decades making music that moves between euphoria and heart. Now, with We Are Love, they've created a record that feels like a true celebration — warm, hopeful, and full of connection. Martin talks about the chemistry that's kept the band together, the highs and heartbreaks along the way, and how they still find joy in playing together after all these years. He also pays heartfelt tribute to the late Rob Collins and Jon Brookes, whose spirit and influence continue to guide the band's sound and soul. "If you gave us the being-in-a-band tick sheet, I think we've ticked quite a few of the boxes." – Martin Blunt Listen to the full episode and join Martin as he looks back on the band's story, the soul behind We Are Love, and why — after all this time — The Charlatans are still chasing that same spark that started it all. About The XS Noize Podcast With over 250 episodes to its name, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music's legends and trailblazers — a space where real conversations meet real stories. Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has welcomed an extraordinary lineup including Gary 'Mani' Mounfield, Glen Matlock, Miles Kane, Matt Berninger, 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, and Michael Head — among many more. Explore the complete XS Noize Podcast archive here New episodes of the XS Noize Podcast drop weekly — subscribe for more in-depth conversations with the artists who shape our lives.

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• Mani: The Stone Roses, Primal Scream & the Resurrection (#256)

  In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Mani — legendary bassist of The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, and one of the most influential figures in British rock history. From the euphoric rise of The Stone Roses — the band that defined a generation and changed the sound of British music — to the wild creative freedom of Primal Scream, Mani's journey has been nothing short of iconic. In this conversation, Mani looks back on the moments that shaped him — from the late-'80s Manchester underground, when The Roses' mix of psychedelic swagger and dancefloor groove ignited the Madchester movement, to recording their classic debut album and riding the wave of euphoria that followed. He opens up about the frustration of losing momentum during the long and bitter legal battles with Silvertone Records and FM Revolver, a period that tested the band's spirit but ultimately forged their defiant edge. He recalls the band's rebirth with Second Coming, his explosive years with Primal Scream, and the emotional highs of reuniting The Roses for the monumental Heaton Park shows — one of the greatest comebacks in modern music. Mani reflects on the brotherhood, the chaos, and the transcendence that came with it all — and what it means to live through those storms with joy still intact. "The four of us. Boom. There it is. The power of four. And it was beautiful." – Mani (on the magic of The Stone Roses' reunion) Mani also shares personal memories of the Beautiful Thing sessions, the deep connection between groove and spirituality, and how he's carried The Roses' sense of defiance and soul into everything since. With trademark humour and honesty, he talks about surviving the highs and lows of fame, the secret to keeping the spirit of rock 'n' roll alive, and why music, at its best, still feels like a resurrection. Listen to the full episode and join Mani as he reflects on a lifetime in music — from Manchester to the world — The groove, the chaos, the resurrection.

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• Moya Brennan on 'Macalla' at 40 — Clannad's Timeless Legacy (#255)

  In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Moya Brennan — the unmistakable voice of Clannad, often hailed as the First Lady of Celtic Music. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Clannad's landmark 1985 album Macalla — a record that bridged ancient Celtic roots with modern pop and ambient textures. Produced by Steve Nye (Japan, David Sylvian) and recorded across Dublin, Surrey, and Switzerland, Macalla captured the moment when Irish music stepped confidently onto the global stage — featuring the iconic duet with Bono, In a Lifetime. In this conversation, Moya looks back on the creative and spiritual journey behind Macalla — from the evolving sound that carried Clannad from Donegal's Irish-speaking Gaeltacht region to worldwide acclaim, to the energy of recording during a golden era for Irish music, with U2 at Live Aid and the world discovering Celtic voices anew. She recalls the "lightning in a bottle" studio sessions with Bono and explores the deeper sense of faith, family, and identity that continues to echo through her work. "If Macalla helps someone feel something, even for a moment — that's what it was meant for." – Moya Brennan Moya also reflects on Clannad's role in reshaping how Irish music was seen around the world, and the blending of Gaelic language and modern production that became their signature sound. She discusses how her collaborations have taken her voice from folk stages to global dance floors — most famously with Chicane on Saltwater — and the enduring power of songs such as Closer to Your Heart, Buachaill Ón Éirne, Caisleán Óir, Almost Seems (Too Late to Turn), The Wild Cry, and Journey's End to connect generations. Listen to the full episode and join Moya Brennan as she reflects on 40 years of Macalla — the memories, the music, and the lasting echo of Clannad's legacy. About The XS Noize Podcast With over 250 episodes to its name, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music's legends and trailblazers — a space where real conversations meet real stories. Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has welcomed an extraordinary lineup including Glen Matlock, Miles Kane, Matt Berninger, 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, and Michael Head — among many more. Explore the complete XS Noize Podcast archive here  

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