The XS Noize Podcast

• 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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• Glen Matlock: Reclaiming His Story in 'I Was a Teenage Sex Pistol' (#254)

  In this episode, #254 of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by a true architect of punk — Glen Matlock, the original bassist and founding spark of The Sex Pistols. Glen co-wrote ten of the twelve songs on the band's legendary 1977 album Never Mind the Bollocks, giving its chaos a melodic backbone that helped define an era. Now, he's reclaiming his story in the new documentary I Was a Teenage Sex Pistol — a compelling, filmic portrait of the Pistols' rise told through wry, honest, and often hilarious first-hand accounts. In this conversation, Glen looks back on the bleak yet electric energy of 1970s Britain, the provocations of Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood's SEX shop, Steve Jones' infamous thieving, and the band's chaotic search for a frontman that would ultimately change music forever. From bust-ups and fan mania to the tabloid outrage that followed, Glen offers a frank and insightful portrait of a group of misfits who tore down the old order — and the cost that came with it. He also talks about the real story behind I Was a Teenage Sex Pistol, co-writing the songs that built Never Mind the Bollocks, the truth about his split from the Sex Pistols, the spirit of early punk culture, fashion and rebellion, and the life lessons learned from one of rock's great survivors. Hear Glen Matlock reflect on the chaos, the craft, the myth — and the man behind 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 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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• #253. White Lies: Inside the Sonic Freedom and Creative Telepathy of "Night Light"

  In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Charles Cave and Jack Lawrence-Brown from White Lies to discuss their electrifying seventh album "Night Light". This bold, live-driven reinvention captures the band at their most instinctive and free-flowing. Recorded live in the room for the first time, Night Light sees White Lies embracing spontaneity and creative risk — from the motorik rush of "Nothing On Me" and the 70s-inspired swagger of "Going Nowhere", to the sweeping ambition of "All The Best" and the hypnotic finale "In The Middle." Charles and Jack take us inside the fearless process behind the record — how rehearsing and performing songs before recording transformed the sound, how the influence of The Midnight Special inspired their approach, and how working with longtime collaborator Seth Evans unlocked a new sense of chemistry and space within the band. They also reflect on 16 years of White Lies — from their debut To Lose My Life… to the creative confidence of Night Light — exploring what keeps their partnership strong, how they've continued to evolve, and the joy of still finding new ground to explore together. "This record felt like freedom — the sound of a band who finally know exactly who they are." — Charles Cave "It's amazing what happens when you stop chasing perfection and just play." — Jack Lawrence-Brown White Lies' seventh album "Night Light" arrives November 7 via Play It Again Sam — a bold new chapter in the band's sixteen-year journey. 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 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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• #252. The Slow Readers Club's Aaron Starkie: Celebrating "A Decade of Cavalcade"

  In this episode, #252 of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar talks with Aaron Starkie of The Slow Readers Club to celebrate A Decade of Cavalcade — the Manchester band's breakthrough album that defined their sound and changed everything. As Aaron reflects: "Cavalcade was the moment where it all started to click — we found our sound, our confidence, and that connection with the audience that's carried us ever since." — Aaron Starkie Across its ten tracks, Cavalcade captured The Slow Readers Club's signature blend of brooding intensity and euphoric release — from the pulsating urgency of "Forever In Your Debt" and the anthemic hope of "Plant The Seed," to the haunting emotion of "Days Like This Will Break Your Heart" and the hypnotic title track itself. In this conversation, Aaron takes us inside that pivotal era — from writing and recording Cavalcade to creating the album's striking geometric artwork himself, and how those songs continue to evolve a decade later. He also discusses the band's creative growth, the importance of their DIY ethos, and the emotional power of seeing those tracks come alive again onstage. The episode arrives as The Slow Readers Club prepare to hit the road for their A Decade of Cavalcade tour — revisiting the record in full while celebrating a new chapter of momentum following the Top 20 success of their latest album, Out Of A Dream. Listen now and follow the XS Noize Podcast for more in-depth conversations with music's most inspiring artists. 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 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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