Gary Kemp on ‘This Destination’: Songwriting, Reflection & Reinvention | XS Noize Podcast #216

Gary Kemp
Credit: Simon Emmett

In this episode of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar sits down with Gary Kemp—legendary songwriter, guitarist, and Spandau Ballet co-founder—to discuss his highly anticipated third solo album, This Destination.

As one of the UK’s most successful songwriters, Gary wrote 23 hit singles for Spandau Ballet, including iconic classics “True” and “Gold”—helping the band sell over 25 million records and achieve 500 weeks on the charts. His acclaimed songwriting earned him an Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Song Collection and the BMI Icon Award (2023), placing him alongside legends like Queen and Peter Gabriel.

Beyond his solo career, Gary co-hosts the Rockonteurs podcast with Guy Pratt and has spent six years touring globally as part of Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets, reviving early Pink Floyd classics.

In this exclusive interview, Gary delves into:
The creative process behind This Destination
The influences that shaped his songwriting journey
His experience with Band-Aid and the legendary charity single Do They Know It’s Christmas?
His top five most significant songs

Don’t miss this must-listen conversation with one of Britain’s greatest songwriters. Listen now to The XS Noize Podcast – Episode #216 – BELOW!

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

Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have included Doves, Gavin Friday, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, The Twang, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future IslandsPeter FramptonJohn LydonBernard ButlerSteven WilsonOcean Colour SceneTravis, New OrderThe KillersTito JacksonSimple Minds, Divine ComedyShaun RyderGary NumanSleaford ModsMichael Head, Villagers, and many more.

Gary Kemp
Through a combination of his own stories and stories imagined, Gary Kemp has certified himself as one of the country’s greatest songwriters. “This Destination” is out now on East West Records.

FORMATS

Red Gold Vinyl

Standard CD

Deluxe CD

Digital

Atmos

TRACKLISTINGS

FORMAT: Standard CD

Borrowed Town

This Destination

Put Your Head Up

Take the Wheel

Dancing in Bed

Windswept Street (1978)

Johnny’s Coming Home

At the Chateau

Work

Giving it Up

I Know Where I’m Going

FORMAT: Deluxe CD

Borrowed Town

This Destination

Put Your Head Up

Take the Wheel

Dancing in Bed

Windswept Street (1978)

Johnny’s Coming Home

At the Chateau

Work

Giving it Up

I Know Where I’m Going

Bonus tracks:

Boy

True (live acoustic version)

Through the Barricades (live acoustic version)

FORMAT: Vinyl

Side A

1. Borrowed Town

2. This Destination

3. Put Your Head Up

4. Take the Wheel

5. Dancing in Bed

6. Windswept Street (1978)

Side B

1. Johnny’s Coming Home

2. At the Chateau

3. Work

4. Giving it Up

5. I know Where I’m Going

‘This Destination’ is out now! Buy/stream /download

 

Xsnoize Author
Mark Millar is the founder of XS Noize and host of the XS Noize Podcast, where he interviews top music artists and emerging talent. Known for insightful, in-depth conversations, Mark brings a passionate, fan-first approach to music journalism. Favourite album: Achtung Baby by U2. Follow on X: @mark_xsnoize.

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