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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 Menzingers @ Belfast’s Limelight II 1
Gigs

IN FOCUS// The Menzingers @ Belfast’s Limelight II

February 6, 2018 Clair McAllister

Following the success of their 5th studio album ‘After The Party,’ The Menzingers brought their contagious brand of Pennsylvanian punk rock to the Emerald Isle, gracing Dublin’s Whelans and Belfast’s Limelight II with their energetic […]

IN FOCUS// Hot Snakes @ Glasgow Broadcast 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Hot Snakes @ Glasgow Broadcast

February 6, 2018 Clair McAllister

With a new album hot off the press, and an impressive resumé of associated acts, Hot Snakes made the journey across the pond to share the post-hardcore ‘Audit In Progress’ to an adoring UK audience […]

IN FOCUS// Steel Panther - The Academy, Dublin on 18/01 and The Limelight I in Belfast on 19/01. 2
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Steel Panther – The Academy, Dublin on 18/01 and The Limelight I in Belfast on 19/01.

January 21, 2018 Clair McAllister

Steel Panther played The Academy in Dublin on 18/01 and The Limelight I in Belfast on 19/01. Clair McAllister was on hand at both shows to take these great shots.

IN FOCUS// The Divine Comedy | Ulster Hall, Belfast 4
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// The Divine Comedy | Ulster Hall, Belfast

December 10, 2017 Clair McAllister

The Divine Comedy played Belfast’s famous Ulster Hall on 07 Dec 2017 Clair McAllister was on hand to take these great shots.

LIVE REVIEW: Steps at The SSE Arena, Belfast 1
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Steps at The SSE Arena, Belfast

November 14, 2017 Clair McAllister

There are 2 types of people – those who love Steps, and those who love Steps and live in staunch denial about it. Since their inception in 1997, Claire, Lisa, H, Faye and Lee have […]

IN FOCUS// Ryan Adams | Ulster Hall, Belfast, 08/09/2017 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Ryan Adams | Ulster Hall, Belfast, 08/09/2017

September 14, 2017 Clair McAllister

Ryan Adams played Belfast’s famous Ulster Hall on Friday night 08/09/2017 Clair McAllister was on hand to take these great shots from a distance.

IN FOCUS// Muse and Biffy Clyro rock Belfast Vital 2017 13
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Muse and Biffy Clyro rock Belfast Vital 2017

August 25, 2017 Clair McAllister

Muse and Biffy Clyro rocked Belfast Vital 2017 on Wednesday night Clair McAllister was on hand to take these great shots.   Biffy Clyro Belfast Vital 2017             Muse Belfast […]

IN FOCUS// BAD RELIGION - Kentish Town Forum / O2 Academy Bristol 4
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// BAD RELIGION – Kentish Town Forum / O2 Academy Bristol

August 7, 2017 Clair McAllister

Bad Religion played Kentish Town Forum + O2 Academy Bristol. Clair McAllister was on hand to take these great shots.   BAD RELIGION – Kentish Town Forum             BAD RELIGION […]

IN FOCUS// Dropkick Murphys - Iveagh Gardens, Dublin 16/6/17 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Dropkick Murphys – Iveagh Gardens, Dublin 16/6/17

July 20, 2017 Clair McAllister

Dropkick Murphys played Iveagh Gardens, Dublin 16/6/17 with support from United Bottles and The Fratellis. Clair McAllister was on hand to take these great shots.

IN FOCUS// GREEN DAY – Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, Dublin 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// GREEN DAY – Royal Hospital, Kilmainham, Dublin

July 1, 2017 Clair McAllister

June 29th 2017 saw Green Day, with touring mode engaged, and Rancid, riding on the crest of their hugely successful new album, return to Dublin to fly the American punk flag at full mast at […]

IN FOCUS// GREEN DAY – BELSONIC 2017, Ormeau Park, Belfast 2
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// GREEN DAY – BELSONIC 2017, Ormeau Park, Belfast

June 29, 2017 Clair McAllister

June 28th 2017 saw Green Day, with touring mode engaged, and Rancid, riding on the crest of their hugely successful new album, return to Belfast to fly the American punk flag at full mast at […]

IN FOCUS// ARCADE FIRE - BELSONIC 2017, Ormeau Park, Belfast 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// ARCADE FIRE – BELSONIC 2017, Ormeau Park, Belfast

June 14, 2017 Clair McAllister

Clair McAllister was on hand again to capture the first night of Belsonic at Belfast’s Ormeau Park featuring Arcade Fire with another batch of stunning images.  

IN FOCUS// SLAM DUNK FESTIVAL,  NEC Birmingham 27/05/16 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// SLAM DUNK FESTIVAL, NEC Birmingham 27/05/16

May 30, 2017 Clair McAllister

May 27th saw the NEC complex in Birmingham play host to the opening day of The Slam Dunk Festival 2017. Sporting everything from the ska studded line up of the Fireball Stage, to the raw […]

IN FOCUS// THE CRANBERRIES at Belfast's Waterfront Hall 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// THE CRANBERRIES at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall

May 19, 2017 Clair McAllister

Clair McAllister was on hand again to capture The Cranberries at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall with another batch of stunning images.  

IN FOCUS//  Me First And The Gimmes Gimmes 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Me First And The Gimmes Gimmes

March 9, 2017 Clair McAllister

From 22nd through to 25th February 2017, Me First And The Gimmes Gimmes travelled through Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham and London, decked out in their finest co-ordinating threads. Bringing with them their familiar catalogue of entertaining […]

Album Review: Ryan Adams - Prisoner
Album Reviews

Album Review: Ryan Adams – Prisoner

February 21, 2017 Clair McAllister

It’s been 2 years since the ex-Whiskeytown maestro Ryan Adams last released a record, in the form of a full length ungraciously received Taylor Swift cover, so it will, no doubt, grant peace of mind […]

IN FOCUS// Green Day, Manchester MEN Arena 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Green Day, Manchester MEN Arena

February 7, 2017 Clair McAllister

Clair McAllister was on hand again to capture Green Day at Manchester MEN Arena on their Revolution Radio Tour with another batch of stunning images.     Check out Clair’s Live Review / images of Green […]

Live Review: Green Day, Leeds First Direct Arena, 05/02/17 2
Live Reviews

Live Review: Green Day, Leeds First Direct Arena, 05/02/17

February 6, 2017 Clair McAllister

Green Day w/support from The Interrupters, Leeds First Direct Arena, 05/02/17 It’s been a long 4 years, but it was with great pleasure that Green Day graced the First Direct Arena in Leeds to set […]

Album Review: Dave Hause - 'Bury Me In Philly'
Album Reviews

Album Review: Dave Hause – ‘Bury Me In Philly’

February 2, 2017 Clair McAllister

When it comes to fronting bands, Dave Hause certainly has an impressive resumé, having led The Curse, The Loved Ones, and most recently, The Falcon. Also a seasoned veteran of the Revival Tour, performing alongside […]

IN FOCUS// Avenged Sevenfold, 3 arena Dublin 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Avenged Sevenfold, 3 arena Dublin

January 12, 2017 Clair McAllister

Clair McAllister was on hand to capture Avenged Sevenfold at 3 arena Dublin, Ireland on ‘The Stage World Tour 2017’.              

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