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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’
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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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  • John K

Articles by John Kearns

Xsnoize Author
John Kearns
As an MTV Europe Presenter, radio DJ and music journalist for many years, John Kearns has interviewed everyone from David Bowie to Prince , from Madonna to Ed Sheeran, from Liam Gallagher to the Foo Fighters and everyone in between …He also regularly champions unsigned and up and coming artists. Completely immersed in music, (he’s a guitarist and bassist) he can always be found either listening to it or playing it.
Website
ALBUM REVIEW: Harry Styles - Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Harry Styles – Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally

March 6, 2026 John Kearns

The moment has arrived at last for Harry Styles fans. Cool haircuts, ballet pumps, marathons, Italian cookery and an impeccably trousered appearance at the Brit Awards can all be set aside as HS4 has finally […]

Valencia Grace
Features

STATE OF GRACE: Why Valencia Grace Is an Artist on the Brink

January 31, 2026 John Kearns

We caught up with Valencia Grace as she prepares for a run of live shows and the next phase of her rapidly growing project. Valencia Grace is a very exciting prospect indeed. The multi-instrumentalist and […]

Arcadia
Features

FEATURE: Arcadia – So Red the Rose at 40

November 18, 2025 John Kearns

Duraniversary — A Celebration of Arcadia’s So Red the Rose 40 Years On by John Kearns The thing about side projects is this: if they don’t work, there’s no real harm done (“Hey, it was […]

Swim School
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Swim School – Swim School

November 4, 2025 John Kearns

Swim School have delivered a super cool debut album that manages to combine a classic indie feel with a modern edge. Filled with powerful riffs, enchanting melodies and runaway choruses, “This Is The Debut Album” […]

Alec Meza
News

Alec Meza Releases Haunting New Single “Can’t Let You Go” — A Soul-Searching Piano Ballad That Captivates Instantly

October 20, 2025 John Kearns

Alec Meza has just released his stunning new single “Can’t Let You Go.“ The haunting track is a stripped back soul searching piano/vocal piece that is instantly addictive. The song’s sparse but highly effective production […]

DURAN DURAN
Interviews

INTERVIEW: Roger Taylor on the Rhythm of Duran Duran: Hits, Influences & Life on the Road

June 19, 2025 John Kearns

John Kearns talks to Duran Duran –  The Duran Duran European summer tour is now in full swing. The DD truck has already rolled into cities such as Antwerp, Amsterdam and Rome and will continue […]

DURAN DURAN
Interviews

INTERVIEW: Duran Duran Hit the Road: John Taylor on the Band’s Deepest European Tour in Decades

June 3, 2025 John Kearns

DURAN DURAN are out on the tar plains once again, kicking off a series of European dates from June 3rd. From Finland to Sardinia, this latest tour sees the band playing sixteen shows, including two […]

Biig Piig
Interviews

INTERVIEW: Biig Piig Talks Debut Album ’11:11′ and Headline Show at The Limelight, Belfast

February 13, 2025 John Kearns

The highly anticipated new album from Biig Piig has arrived and has exceeded expectations with its perfect alt-pop soundscapes, addictive melodies and relatable lyrics. 11:11 is the follow-up to 2023’s Bubblegum mixtape, which effectively lit […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Alec Meza - Ah! Real Lovers!
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Alec Meza – Ah! Real Lovers!

June 7, 2024 John Kearns

Alec Meza has delivered an album that captivates and elevates in equal measure. Ah! Real Lovers! is packed with both substance and style and takes you on an intriguing journey full of twists and turns. […]

The Libertines - All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Libertines – All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade  

April 9, 2024 John Kearns

The very notion that The Libertines would release a stunning fourth album in 2024 is something that would have seemed ridiculously over-optimistic, if not utterly preposterous, twenty years ago… writes John Kearns. However, here we […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Duran Duran - Danse Macabre
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Duran Duran – Danse Macabre

October 25, 2023 John Kearns

Duran Duran has never been a band even momentarily to rest on their considerable laurels. Hot on the heels of the hugely successful Future Past tour comes Danse Macabre, a special Halloween interim project, and […]

LATEST PODCASTS

  • The Boxer Rebellion
    The Boxer Rebellion on ‘The Second I’m Asleep’ and the reset that brought them back | XS Noize Podcast #279
    April 7, 2026
  • The Dandy Warhols
    Courtney Taylor-Taylor on Pin Ups, Dig! and taking back The Dandy Warhols narrative | XS Noize Podcast #278
    April 1, 2026
  • Scouting For Girls
    Scouting For Girls’ Roy Stride on ‘These Are The Good Days’ and finding joy in the present | XS Noize Podcast #277
    March 24, 2026
  • The Twilight Sad – James Graham & Andy MacFarlane on Grief, Mental Health & ‘It’s The Long Goodbye’ | XS Noize Podcast #276
    The Twilight Sad – James Graham & Andy MacFarlane on ‘It’s The Long Goodbye’ | XS Noize Podcast #276
    March 17, 2026
  • Damon Minchella | XS Noize Podcast #275
    Damon Minchella on Ocean Colour Scene, Paul Weller and ‘You’d Look Good on a Donkey’ | XS Noize Podcast #275
    March 11, 2026
  • Steve Lillywhite on Producing U2 — From Boy to Achtung Baby & Beyond | XS Noize Podcast #274
    Steve Lillywhite on Producing U2 — From Boy to Achtung Baby & Beyond | XS Noize Podcast #274
    March 8, 2026

TOP UK MUSIC BLOG 2026

Trending Articles

  • The StrokesThe Strokes announce seventh album ‘Reality Awaits’ and share new single ‘Going Shopping’ April 7, 2026
  • LIVE REVIEW: Gorillaz bring 'The Mountain' to Belfast — no nostalgia at the SSE Arena debut Credit: Luke DysonLIVE REVIEW: Gorillaz bring ‘The Mountain’ to Belfast — no nostalgia at the SSE Arena debut April 1, 2026
  • U2U2 unveil new 6-track ‘Easter Lily’ EP April 3, 2026
  • Imagine Dragons11 of Imagine Dragons’ biggest selling hits April 10, 2025
  • YungbludFive of Yungblud’s biggest hits August 24, 2025
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  • Global superstar ADELE returns with the release of her brand new single and video 'Easy On Me' 17 of Adele’s most successful hits August 11, 2024
  • The Dandy WarholsCourtney Taylor-Taylor on Pin Ups, Dig! and taking back The Dandy Warhols narrative | XS Noize Podcast #278 April 1, 2026
  • Bad Bunny6 of Bad Bunny’s biggest selling hits August 5, 2025
  • Open House FestivalOpen House Festival returns to Bangor with Lisa Hannigan, The Staves, Deirdre O’Kane and more April 8, 2026

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