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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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Articles by Clair McAllister

Avatar for Clair McAllister
Clair McAllister
Favourite band - Bad Religion Favourite album - Stranger Than Fiction
Website
IN FOCUS// The Kooks - Limelight I, Belfast 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// The Kooks – Limelight I, Belfast

September 5, 2018 Clair McAllister

THE KOOKS played an amazing show at Belfast’s Limelight 1 on Monday night showcasing songs from their much-awaited fifth studio album, Let’s Go Sunshine which was released on Friday.  Clair McAllister was on hand to take these fantastic […]

IN FOCUS// Stiff Little Fingers / The Damned @ Custom House Square, Belfast 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Stiff Little Fingers / The Damned @ Custom House Square, Belfast

August 27, 2018 Clair McAllister

Belfast punk legends Stiff Little Fingers played an amazing show at Custom House Square on Saturday night with special guests The Damned, The Defects and The Buzzcocks. Clair McAllister was on hand to take these […]

IN FOCUS// RAG ‘n’ BONE MAN @ Custom House Square, Belfast 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// RAG ‘n’ BONE MAN @ Custom House Square, Belfast

August 26, 2018 Clair McAllister

The biggest UK breakout star of 2017 Rag’n’Bone Man (AKA Rory Graham) played an amazing headline show at CHSq on Friday, August 24th 2018. Clair McAllister was on hand to take these fantastic images. Check out more […]

IN FOCUS// The Gaslight Anthem + Dave Hause, Vicar Street, Dublin, 23/07/18 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// The Gaslight Anthem + Dave Hause, Vicar Street, Dublin, 23/07/18

July 28, 2018 Clair McAllister

The Gaslight Anthem + Dave Hause played Vicar Street, Dublin, 23/07/18. Clair McAllister was on hand to take these amazing images. Check out more images from Clair McAllister on Twitter and Instagram. The Gaslight Anthem Setlist […]

IN FOCUS// The Script @ Belsonic Ormeau Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// The Script @ Belsonic Ormeau Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland

June 26, 2018 Clair McAllister

The Script played Belsonic Ormeau Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland, Sunday 24th June. Clair McAllister was on hand to take these amazing images. Setlist Superheroes Rock the World Paint the Town Green The Man Who Can’t […]

IN FOCUS// Bad Religion - @ Download Festival, Donington Racecourse, Castle Donington 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Bad Religion – @ Download Festival, Donington Racecourse, Castle Donington

June 14, 2018 Clair McAllister

American punk rock band from Los Angeles played Download Festival, Donington Racecourse, Castle Donington. Clair Mc Allister was there to shoot these amazing stage images as well as beautiful candid shots. Bad Religion Setlist @ […]

IN FOCUS// Avenged Sevenfold - @ the SSE Arena, Belfast 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Avenged Sevenfold – @ the SSE Arena, Belfast

June 14, 2018 Clair McAllister

American heavy metal band from Huntington Beach, California recently played at The SSE Arena Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland Clair McAllister was on hand to take these amazing images. Avenged Sevenfold Setlist at The SSE Arena […]

IN FOCUS// Thirty Seconds To Mars @ The SSE Arena Belfast, Northern Ireland 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Thirty Seconds To Mars @ The SSE Arena Belfast, Northern Ireland

June 7, 2018 Clair McAllister

American rock band Thirty Seconds To Mars recently played at The SSE Arena Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland Clair McAllister was on hand to take these amazing images.             Thirty Seconds […]

IN FOCUS// Volbeat at The Telegraph Building, Belfast, Northern Ireland 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Volbeat at The Telegraph Building, Belfast, Northern Ireland

May 29, 2018 Clair McAllister

Danish Metal band Volbeat played an amazing headline Belfast show at The Telegraph Building on Saturday 26th May 2018. Clair McAllister was on hand to take these amazing images.   Volbeat Setlist at The Telegraph […]

LIVE REVIEW: We Are Scientists - Belfast’s Limelight II & Dublin’s Academy 1
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: We Are Scientists – Belfast’s Limelight II & Dublin’s Academy

May 17, 2018 Clair McAllister

We Are Scientists are one of those bands who seem to just have the right mix of fun and fantastic music, and they certainly didn’t disappoint once again, as they graced Belfast’s Limelight II and […]

IN FOCUS// We Are Scientists - The Perch - Rooftop Bar, Belfast 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// We Are Scientists – The Perch – Rooftop Bar, Belfast

May 14, 2018 Clair McAllister

We caught up with We Are Scientists for a short shoot in The Perch, before their headline show at The Limelight II in Belfast, 11/05/18.     WE ARE SCIENTISTS TOUR DATES   June 13   […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Frank Turner - 'Be More Kind'
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Frank Turner – ‘Be More Kind’

May 3, 2018 Clair McAllister

“I should have been more kind. It is my fate/ To find this out, but find it out too late.” It is this solitary expression that inspired the progressive folk punk pioneer Frank Turner’s 7th […]

IN FOCUS// Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls / Homeless Gospel Choir, The Academy, Dublin - 15/04/18 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls / Homeless Gospel Choir, The Academy, Dublin – 15/04/18

April 20, 2018 Clair McAllister

After an Irish hiatus of almost 2 years, Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls returned to Dublin, on the 2nd stop of their almighty World Tour, to tackle a sold-out Dublin Academy. We also caught […]

IN FOCUS// Feeder @ Limelight I, Belfast 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Feeder @ Limelight I, Belfast

March 24, 2018 Clair McAllister

Newport rockers ‘Feeder’ returned to Belfast’s Limelight I on Thursday 22nd March, to enthral the sold-out audience with their ‘Best Of’ setlist, and the witty repartee and flowing locks of Grant Nicholas.  XS Noize top […]

LIVE REVIEW: The Stereophonics - Belfast SSE Arena, 15th March 1
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Stereophonics – Belfast SSE Arena, 15th March

March 16, 2018 Clair McAllister

As regular visitors to Ireland, The Stereophonics are well acquainted with Belfast, and up until now, they’ve always appeared to be a little too comfortable in their onstage performance, with it all feeling a little […]

WE ARE SCIENTISTS Announce headline Belfast show @ The Limelight 2 in May
Interviews

INTERVIEW: Chris Cain of WE ARE SCIENTISTS discusses new album + Limelight, Belfast gig

March 15, 2018 Clair McAllister

Brooklyn, New York-based power pop troupe, We Are Scientists recently announced a headline Belfast show at The Limelight 2 on Friday, May 11th, 2018. The band are set to return with their sixth album. Titled […]

LIVE REVIEW: Brian Fallon, Limelight, Belfast, 11th March 1
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Brian Fallon, Limelight, Belfast, 11th March

March 13, 2018 Clair McAllister

Last time Brian Fallon visited The Emerald Isle, Belfast wasn’t on the list, and this time the appreciation was wholly evident for The Gaslight Anthem’s charismatic frontman, who was joined in support by Belfast’s own […]

LIVE REVIEW: Brian Fallon // Dave and Tim Hause // The Olympia, Dublin // 10th March 2018 1
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Brian Fallon // Dave and Tim Hause // The Olympia, Dublin // 10th March 2018

March 13, 2018 Clair McAllister

The last time Brian Fallon graced The Olympia with his presence in 2016, he played to a relatively full venue. Just 18 months on, accompanied by the vastly talented Dave and Tim Hause, he sold […]

IN FOCUS// Paul Draper @ Limelight, Belfast 24/02/18 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Paul Draper @ Limelight, Belfast 24/02/18

February 27, 2018 Clair McAllister

In January XS Noize launched a competition for a special Meet & Greet with Paul Draper and his band on the ‘Attack Of The Grey Lantern’ tour in Belfast on Saturday 24th Feb. The Lucky winner […]

IN FOCUS// Paul Weller @ Ulster Hall, Belfast 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Paul Weller @ Ulster Hall, Belfast

February 16, 2018 Clair McAllister

The Modfather Paul Weller played Belfast’s famous Ulster Hall on 15th Feb. Clair McAllister was on hand to take these great shots.                  

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