The XS Noize Podcast

• #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.

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• #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.

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• #240. The Subways: 20 Years of 'Young For Eternity' & What's Next

  In Episode #240 of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Billy Lunn and Charlotte Cooper,  from The Subways, to mark the 20th anniversary of their debut album Young For Eternity and the release of their new compilation album When I’m With You. Formed in the early 2000s, The Subways became one of the UK’s most exciting indie rock bands, bursting onto the scene in 2005 with the release of Young For Eternity and their breakout hit “Rock & Roll Queen.” The track went on to feature in The OC, Guy Ritchie’s film RocknRolla, and on the FIFA soundtrack — catapulting the band to an international audience. Now, two decades later, The Subways are revisiting their roots, re-recording “Rock & Roll Queen” with fresh energy, and bringing together fan favourites, deep cuts, and two brand new songs — “I Need To Feel You Closer” and “Passenger’s Side” — on their 2025 compilation When I’m With You. In this in-depth interview, The Subways discuss: The process of re-recording “Rock & Roll Queen” for its 20th anniversary, Memories from the early days of Young For Eternity and their rise to fame, How drummer Camille Phillips has brought a new dynamic to the band’s sound, Career-defining gigs — from basement clubs to Glastonbury Festival, What fans can expect from The Subways For Eternity Tour 2025. If you’re a fan of indie rock anthems, 2000s British guitar bands, or the raw live energy of The Subways, this episode is packed with nostalgia, behind-the-scenes stories, and an exciting look at what’s next for the band. Listen to The Subways celebrate 20 years of Young For Eternity and discuss When I’m With You on XS Noize Podcast #240. 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 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.

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• #239. Bob Stanley on Saint Etienne’s Final Album "International" and 30 Years of Music

  In Episode #239 of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Bob Stanley from Saint Etienne to discuss the legendary band’s 13th and final album, International. For over 30 years, Saint Etienne have been one of Britain’s most influential and inventive pop groups, fusing electronic music, indie pop, 60s influences, and modern storytelling. Now, with the release of International (out September 2025), Bob Stanley, Sarah Cracknell, and Pete Wiggs close the chapter on making albums — delivering a vibrant, celebratory record full of collaborations. In this in-depth conversation, Bob Stanley talks about: Why International marks the end of Saint Etienne’s album-making era, The stories behind key tracks including “Glad” (with Tom Rowlands and Jez Williams), “Two Lovers” (with Vince Clarke), “The Go Betweens” (with Nick Heyward), and “The Last Time,” The resurgence of their 1991 club classic “7 Ways To Love”, Highlights from across their 13-album catalogue — from Foxbase Alpha to The Night, What comes next for Saint Etienne beyond the studio: live shows, films and more If you’re a fan of Saint Etienne’s timeless blend of dance-pop, nostalgia, and innovative songwriting, this episode is a must-listen. Listen to Bob Stanley reflect on the legacy of Saint Etienne and their remarkable final album, International, on XS Noize Podcast #239. 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 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.  

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• #238. Cam – Behind the Songs of ‘All Things Light’ and Life After a Grammy

  In Episode #238 of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Cam to talk about her new album, All Things Light. From her multi-platinum hit “Burning House” to co-writing on Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, Cam has become one of music’s most distinctive voices. All Things Light — written during early motherhood and the pandemic — blends country, folk and pop while exploring life, love, and big questions about our place in the world. Cam shares the stories behind key tracks like “Turns Out That I Am God,” “Alchemy,” and “Hallelujah,” how motherhood shaped the record, and what it was like to win a Grammy. Tune in for an honest and inspiring conversation about Cam’s journey and the making of All Things Light.  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 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.

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