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  • Open House Festival returns to Bangor with Lisa Hannigan, The Staves, Deirdre O’Kane and more
  • Jesse Roper channels indie-Americana spirit on new single ‘Green Eyed Lady’
  • The Boxer Rebellion on ‘The Second I’m Asleep’ and the reset that brought them back | XS Noize Podcast #279
  • The Strokes announce seventh album ‘Reality Awaits’ and share new single ‘Going Shopping’
  • Why are More Indie Artists are Giving their Music Away for Free?
XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • Open House Festival
          News

          Open House Festival returns to Bangor with Lisa Hannigan, The Staves, Deirdre O’Kane and more

          April 8, 2026

          Lisa Hannigan, The Staves, Deirdre O’Kane, and The Tallest Man on Earth are just four of the acts performing at this year’s Open House Festival in Bangor, County Down. The Festival returns to Bangor for […]

          Jesse Roper
          News

          Jesse Roper channels indie-Americana spirit on new single ‘Green Eyed Lady’

          April 8, 2026

          Jesse Roper is a modern-day troubadour, his indie/Americana defined by his authenticity and an adventurous spirit that will appeal to fans of Leon Bridges, Alabama Shakes and JJ Cale. A master at connecting his personal […]

          The Strokes
          News

          The Strokes announce seventh album ‘Reality Awaits’ and share new single ‘Going Shopping’

          April 7, 2026

          Reality Awaits, the seventh studio album from The Strokes, is set for release on June 26 via Cult Records/RCA Records. The new single “Going Shopping” is out now. Recorded in Costa Rica with producer Rick […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: The Dandy Warhols - Pin Ups
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: The Dandy Warhols – Pin Ups

          March 25, 2026

          There’s long been a subtle rebellious streak at the core of The Dandy Warhols. Since emerging from Portland in 1994, they’ve approached genres as something fluid rather than fixed, and Pin Ups – their 2026 […]

          ALBUM REVIEW: The Twilight Sad - It’s the Long Goodbye
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: The Twilight Sad – It’s the Long Goodbye

          March 24, 2026

          It’s been seven years since The Twilight Sad released It Won’t Be Like This All the Time — a record that cemented their place as one of the most emotionally direct and sonically powerful bands […]

        • Book Reviews

          BOOK REVIEW: Y/N - Esther Yi
          Book Reviews

          BOOK REVIEW: Y/N – Esther Yi

          October 30, 2023

          K-Pop has reached an international audience. This year, BLACKPINK made history as the first K-pop band to headline a major UK festival at Hyde Park. The media’s coverage of BTS member’s enlistment into compulsory military […]

          BOOK REVIEW: Sophomore Songs by Clarke Geddes
          Book Reviews

          BOOK REVIEW: Sophomore Songs by Clarke Geddes

          August 29, 2023

          How does one become qualified to write a fictional music novel? The author of Sophomore Songs offers some clues. Growing up reading NME, doing a stint at Clash, drumming for several bands on and off, and […]

        • Classic Albums

          ‘Pop’ at 25: Looking back at the orphan child in U2's discography 2
          Classic Albums

          ‘Pop’ at 26: Looking back at the orphan child in U2’s discography

          March 3, 2022

          In March of 1997, 26 years ago, U2 released their much anticipated ninth studio album POP; for fans and critics alike, it quickly became their most polarizing release. There is a prevailing feeling that POP […]

          CLASSIC ALBUM: Duran Duran – Duran Duran 2
          Album Reviews

          CLASSIC ALBUM: Duran Duran – Duran Duran

          June 17, 2021

          This week sees the 40th anniversary of Duran Duran’s self-titled debut album. XS Noize looks back on this momentous release from a band that would become the ‘Fab Five’ of the ‘80s. It was December […]

        • Live Reviews

          IN FOCUS: Survivalist Bring the Thunder to Limelight 2, Belfast (with Foetal Juice, Existentialist & Suffer) Credit: Marc Leach
          IN FOCUS

          IN FOCUS: Survivalist Bring the Thunder to Limelight 2, Belfast (with Foetal Juice, Existentialist & Suffer)

          April 5, 2026

          As Storm Dave closed in on Northern Ireland, another storm was already gathering. Inside Limelight 2, Belfast, local metal titans Survivalist unleashed thunder of their own — a fitting backdrop for the release of their […]

          LIVE REVIEW: Gorillaz bring 'The Mountain' to Belfast — no nostalgia at the SSE Arena debut Credit: Luke Dyson
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Gorillaz bring ‘The Mountain’ to Belfast — no nostalgia at the SSE Arena debut

          April 1, 2026

          Gorillaz finally made it to Belfast — and instead of rolling out a greatest hits set, they came in with something very different. Support came from Argentine rapper, singer and songwriter Trueno, and I’ve never […]

        • Round Up

          XS Noize Best Albums of 2018
          Round Up

          XS Noize Best Albums of 2018

          December 22, 2018

          2018 has been an incredible year for albums. The year saw the strongest new acts in decades release their debuts, as well as a number of alternative legends returning to top form. The world of dance […]

          The Best Of October 2018 PLAYLIST + ROUND-UP
          Round Up

          The Best Of October 2018 PLAYLIST + ROUND-UP

          October 29, 2018

          Welcome to the October 2018 edition of our monthly new music playlist, which is available to listen to and watch via YouTube. If you enjoy any of the songs featured here, we encourage you to support […]

        • In Focus

          IN FOCUS: Survivalist Bring the Thunder to Limelight 2, Belfast (with Foetal Juice, Existentialist & Suffer) Credit: Marc Leach
          IN FOCUS

          IN FOCUS: Survivalist Bring the Thunder to Limelight 2, Belfast (with Foetal Juice, Existentialist & Suffer)

          April 5, 2026

          As Storm Dave closed in on Northern Ireland, another storm was already gathering. Inside Limelight 2, Belfast, local metal titans Survivalist unleashed thunder of their own — a fitting backdrop for the release of their […]

          IN FOCUS// Ash ignite La Scala with career-spanning London show Credit: Denise Esposito
          IN FOCUS

          IN FOCUS// Ash ignite La Scala with career-spanning London show

          February 6, 2026

          On 3 February, Ash returned to La Scala for a blistering, high-energy London show. Packed wall to wall, the venue buzzed as the trio tore through a career-spanning set, seamlessly weaving in new material from […]

  • Gigs
        • December 10
          Gigs

          December 10 announce Ulster Hall, Belfast show for July 20th 2026

          April 2, 2026

          Britain’s brand-new boyband December 10 today announce December 10: The Next Step– kicking off in Edinburgh on Friday 10 July and wrapping in Dublin on Tuesday 21 July. “We loved our Introducing! run of shows […]

          White Denim
          Gigs

          White Denim set for Belfast return with Limelight 2 headline show on August 27th 2026

          March 30, 2026

          Formed in 2006, for approaching 20 years White Denim has been celebrated for their fearless blend of garage rock, soul, jazz fusion, psychedelia, and experimental improvisation. Based for much of that time in Austin, though […]

          Tom Jones
          Gigs

          Tom Jones to Play Dublin & Belfast Headline Shows This August 2026

          March 30, 2026

          Legendary Welsh singer and performer Tom Jones has announced a return to Ireland with a headline show within the idyllic grounds of Palmerstown House Estate, just 20 minutes from Dublin City Centre on Sunday 09th […]

  • Interviews
        • Elles Bailey
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: Elles Bailey on the Story Behind ‘Can’t Take My Story Away’

          March 9, 2026

          Singer-songwriter Elles Bailey released her latest album, Can’t Take My Story Away, at the beginning of this year. Produced by Luke Potashnick, the album is deeply personal and quietly powerful—rooted in resilience, reflection, and self-ownership. […]

          Jordan Anthony
          Interviews

          Jordan Anthony on “Lost In LA”, Finding His Voice in LA & Dream Tour Plans

          February 10, 2026

          He may only be 20, but Perth-born, LA-based artist Jordan Anthony already has more experience within the music industry than many might expect. He was writing songs and playing instruments before he hit double digits, […]

          TAVE
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: TAVE Talks ‘Fly Away,’ Self-Discovery, and the Art of Letting Go

          November 11, 2025

          Rising artist TAVE has had an extraordinary journey — from earning a scholarship at just 13 and performing with some of music’s biggest names to now stepping into the spotlight with his deeply personal debut […]

  • Podcast
        • The Boxer Rebellion
          Podcast

          The Boxer Rebellion on ‘The Second I’m Asleep’ and the reset that brought them back | XS Noize Podcast #279

          April 7, 2026

          The Boxer Rebellion return with The Second I’m Asleep — their first full-length studio album since 2018. In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Nathan Nicholson and Piers Hewitt join Mark Millar to talk […]

          The Dandy Warhols
          Podcast

          Courtney Taylor-Taylor on Pin Ups, Dig! and taking back The Dandy Warhols narrative | XS Noize Podcast #278

          April 1, 2026

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Courtney Taylor-Taylor — frontman, songwriter and creative force behind The Dandy Warhols — to talk about the band’s latest release Pin Ups, […]

          Scouting For Girls
          Podcast

          Scouting For Girls’ Roy Stride on ‘These Are The Good Days’ and finding joy in the present | XS Noize Podcast #277

          March 24, 2026

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Roy Stride — frontman, songwriter and driving force behind Scouting For Girls — to talk about the band’s uplifting new album These […]

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  • Bernie

Articles by Bernie McAllister

Xsnoize Author
Bernie McAllister
Fave band REM/The ClashFave album: UP and Useless by TV Smith and the Bored Teenagers.
Website
IN FOCUS// Punk Spirit Burns Bright as SLF, PiL & Sham 69 Rock Custom House Square © Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Punk Spirit Burns Bright as SLF, PiL & Sham 69 Rock Custom House Square

August 17, 2025 Bernie McAllister

Putting the Fast in Belfast 7 once again proved why it has become a staple of the city’s summer music calendar. A packed Custom House Square buzzed with anticipation as fans from across generations gathered […]

IN FOCUS// The Dead South – Waterfront Hall, Belfast © Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// The Dead South – Waterfront Hall, Belfast

March 26, 2025 Bernie McAllister

The Dead South delivered a thrilling, career-defining performance at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall, marking their biggest headline show in the city to date.   Staying true to their signature fusion of bluegrass, Americana, and folk, the […]

IN FOCUS// Snow Patrol at SSE Arena, Belfast © Bernie McAllister
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Snow Patrol’s Triumphant Return to Belfast’s SSE Arena

February 28, 2025 Bernie McAllister

There’s nothing quite like a Snow Patrol homecoming gig, and last night at Belfast’s SSE Arena, the band proved exactly why they remain one of Northern Ireland’s most cherished musical exports. With an electric atmosphere […]

IN FOCUS// STIFF LITTLE FINGERS at Custom House Square, Belfast © Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// STIFF LITTLE FINGERS & Special Guests at Custom House Square, Belfast

August 19, 2024 Bernie McAllister

Legendary NI Punks STIFF LITTLE FINGERS returned to Custom House Square for another memorable night in Belfast on Saturday, 17th August 2024, alongside an all-star line-up of very special guests & friends, including THE DAMNED, THE […]

Gareth Dunlop at Ulster Hall, Belfast © Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Gareth Dunlop at Ulster Hall, Belfast

November 15, 2023 Bernie McAllister

Far From Saints were at The Ulster Hall, Belfast, as part of their extensive UK and Ireland tour with support from Belfast’s synth-pop artist, Gareth Dunlop, who played a fantastic set. Bernie McAllister was there […]

IN FOCUS// Haircut 100 at The Limelight, Belfast © Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Haircut One Hundred at The Limelight, Belfast

October 10, 2023 Bernie McAllister

Fresh from sold-out shows in London and Oxford in May, ’80s new wave pop band Haircut One Hundred kicked off their Haircut 100% Live Tour in Belfast with a brilliant performance at the iconic Limelight, […]

IN FOCUS// STIFF LITTLE FINGERS at Custom House Square, Belfast © Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// STIFF LITTLE FINGERS at Custom House Square, Belfast

August 21, 2023 Bernie McAllister

Following their SOLD OUT Custom House Square show in 2022, Legendary NI Punks STIFF LITTLE FINGERS returned to Custom House Square for another special night in Belfast on Saturday, 19th August 2023, alongside an all-star line-up […]

IN FOCUS// The Prodigy at Belsonic, Ormeau Park © Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// The Prodigy at Belsonic, Ormeau Park

July 1, 2023 Bernie McAllister

The Prodigy played an exceptional outdoor performance at Ormeau Park, Belfast, on Friday, 30th June 2023. Following the band’s incendiary and emotionally charged sellout tour of the UK last July, their first since Keith Flint […]

IN FOCUS// Florence & the Machine at Belsonic, Ormeau Park © Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Florence & the Machine at Belsonic, Ormeau Park

June 29, 2023 Bernie McAllister

Florence & the Machine returned to Belfast to play their largest-ever Irish show at Belsonic, Ormeau Park, on Wednesday, June 28th 2023. Bernie McAllister was there to take these fantastic images.          […]

IN FOCUS// The Pretenders at Limelight 1, Belfast © Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// The Pretenders at Limelight 1, Belfast

May 24, 2023 Bernie McAllister

English-American rock band Pretenders played an amazing show last night at Limelight 1, Belfast, as part of their UK and Irish tour. Bernie McAllister was there to take these fantastic images.          […]

IN FOCUS// Tom Meighan at Limelight, Belfast © Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Tom Meighan at Limelight, Belfast

May 15, 2023 Bernie McAllister

Former Kasabian frontman Tom Meighan played an amazing show on Saturday night at Limelight, Belfast, supporting his fantastic debut album ‘The Reckoning.’ A born frontman, Tom had the crowd jumping from the first song to […]

IN FOCUS// Peter Doherty at Limelight, Belfast © Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Peter Doherty at Limelight, Belfast

April 15, 2023 Bernie McAllister

Peter Doherty, the Millennial Jean Genie/Jean Genet, played Limelight, Belfast, on his first solo acoustic tour in ten years. Peter performed a selection of nuggets from his back catalogue, including classics from The Libertines, Babyshambles […]

© Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// The Answer at Limelight 2, Belfast

March 24, 2023 Bernie McAllister

Irish rockers The Answer made a spectacular and long-awaited return to Limelight 2, Belfast last night in support of ‘Sundowners’ – their first studio album in almost seven years. Bernie McAllister was there to take […]

IN FOCUS// Paul Heaton at The SSE Arena, Belfast
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Paul Heaton at The SSE Arena, Belfast

February 23, 2023 Bernie McAllister

Paul Heaton and his band continued their series of Irish tour dates with an amazing show last night at The SSE Arena, Belfast. Bernie McAllister was there to take these fantastic images.        […]

IN FOCUS// L-Plate @ McHughs Bar, Belfast © Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// L-Plate @ McHughs Bar, Belfast, Northern Ireland

December 30, 2022 Bernie McAllister

L-Plate played a fantastic debut headline show with support from Moonbot & Disorder last night at McHughs Bar, Belfast, Northern Ireland. Bernie McAllister was there to take these amazing images.           […]

IN FOCUS// The Coronas live at Ulster Hall, Belfast
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// The Coronas live at Ulster Hall, Belfast

December 6, 2022 Bernie McAllister

Dublin 3 piece The Coronas returned to the iconic Ulster Hall, Belfast, on December 4th to play an amazing show. Bernie McAllister was there to take these fantastic images.             […]

IN FOCUS// The Cure at The SSE Arena Belfast
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// The Cure at The SSE Arena, Belfast

December 3, 2022 Bernie McAllister

The Cure made their highly anticipated return to Northern Ireland last night with a fantastic show at The SSE Arena, Belfast, where they performed all their hits and fan favourites, including ‘Pictures Of You, ‘Lovesong’, […]

IN FOCUS// Wet Leg at The Limelight, Belfast
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Wet Leg at The Limelight, Belfast

November 28, 2022 Bernie McAllister

Rhian Teasdale (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and Hester Chambers (backing vocals, lead guitar), aka Wet Leg, played an amazing show last night at Belfast’s iconic Limelight venue. Bernie McAllister was there to take these fantastic […]

IN FOCUS// The Pretty Reckless Setlist at Ulster Hall, Belfast
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// The Pretty Reckless at Ulster Hall, Belfast

October 24, 2022 Bernie McAllister

The Pretty Reckless—Taylor Momsen [Vocals], Ben Phillips [Guitar], Jamie Perkins [drums], and Mark Damon [bass] played a fantastic sold-out show last night at Belfast’s iconic Ulster Hall. Bernie McAllister was there to take these amazing […]

IN FOCUS// Kasabian at The Telegraph Building, Belfast
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Kasabian at The Telegraph Building, Belfast

October 21, 2022 Bernie McAllister

Leicester rockers Kasabian returned to Belfast with a fantastic show at The Telegraph Building last night, 20th October, in support of their seventh album, The Alchemist’s Euphoria. Bernie McAllister was there to take these amazing […]

Posts pagination

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