Exploring ‘That Golden Time’: An Interview with Conor O’Brien of Villagers

In Episode #177 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to award-winning Dublin singer-songwriter-instrumentalist-dramatist Conor O’Brien of Villagers about the new album That Golden Time.

The exquisite new album unfurls Conor O’Brien’s trademark melodic flair, his gift for simultaneously vivid and subtle arrangements and lyrics that couch his hopes, fears and dreams in richly absorbing poetry. That Golden Time takes its name from the fifth track, which doubles as the album’s lead single.

In this interview, Conor discusses the writing and recording of That Golden Time. He also looks back at Villagers previous albums, winning an Ivor Novello award, favourite songs and lots more. Listen to episode #177 of The XS Noize Podcast with Conor O’Brien – BELOW:

Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have been Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, John Lydon, Nick Heyward, Steven Wilson, Matt Goss, Billy Nomates, Tom Meighan, Toyah Wilcox, Midge Ure, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, The Brand New Heavies.

Listen via YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS – Find The XS Noize Podcast’s complete archive of episodes here.

Friday sees the start of Villagers’ instore tour in Dublin before their full tour commences in June with a show at London’s Royal Festival Hall.

Instore tour

Friday 10th May – Tower Records, Dublin

Saturday 11th May – Rough Trade East, London – sold out

Sunday 12th May – Rough Trade, Bristol – sold out

Monday 13th May – Resident, Brighton – sold out

Tuesday 14th May – Banquet Records, Kingston (early & late performances) – sold out

Wednesday 15th May – Action Records, Preston

Thursday 16th May – Rough Trade, Liverpool

Friday 17th May – Cool Discs, Derry

Saturday 18th May – Bending Sound, Bangor

Pre-order the album for access

Upcoming live dates

Saturday 25th May – Tomavistas Festival, Madrid

Monday 27th May – Ancienne Belgique, Belgium

Tuesday 28th May – Paradiso, Amsterdam

Wednesday 29th May – LantarenVenster, Rotterdam – sold out

Thursday 30th May – Pop Seasons – Christianskirche, Hamburg

Saturday 1st June – Passionskirche, Berlin – sold out

Sunday 2nd June – Luxor, Cologne

Monday 3rd June – La Maroquinerie, Paris – sold out

Wednesday 5th June – Wylam Brewery, Newcastle

Thursday 6th June – Irish Centre, Leeds

Saturday 8th June – Royal Festival Hall, London

Saturday 29th June – Trinity College, Dublin

Sunday 7th July – Down the Rabbit Hole Festival, Netherlandsmanchs

Sunday 21st July – Englefield House, Reading w/ Elbow

Friday 26th July – Ludlow Castle, Shropshire w/ Elbow

Friday 2nd August – Dranouter Festival, Belgium

Tickets