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  • Mae Stephens unveils sultry new single ‘Blue’
  • Billy Ocean Announces Belfast and Derry Shows for September
  • LIVE REVIEW: Lorna Shore Deliver a Career-Defining Headline Show at Alexandra Palace
  • Super Furry Animals Unearth Early 1993 Recording ‘Pocket Sam’ Featuring Rhys Ifans
  • Mark Shaw of Then Jerico on The Return, legacy, and bringing the full band show to Ireland | XS Noize Podcast #270
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  • News
        • Mae Stephens
          News

          Mae Stephens unveils sultry new single ‘Blue’

          February 14, 2026

          Mae Stephens finished 2025 by stepping into her confident era with the provocative ‘Done With U’, and now the internationally Gold-certified artist’s reinvention continues as she shares her new single ‘Blue’. It comes ahead of […]

          BILLY OCEAN
          News

          Billy Ocean Announces Belfast and Derry Shows for September

          February 13, 2026

          One of the biggest recording stars Britain has ever produced, Billy Ocean is pleased to announce two very special shows at the Millennium Forum on September 13th and Waterfront Hall on September 14th with special […]

          Super Furry Animals
          News

          Super Furry Animals Unearth Early 1993 Recording ‘Pocket Sam’ Featuring Rhys Ifans

          February 12, 2026

          SUPER FURRY ANIMALS have released one of their earliest recordings, revealing the dreamy space-rock of Pocket Sam to fans with acclaimed-actor and original singer, Rhys Ifans on vocals. Captured on tape at Grassroots Studio in Cardiff as the Furries started to form in the […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          Helicon x Al Lover - Arise
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Helicon x Al Lover – Arise

          February 10, 2026

          Scottish band Helicon were formed in Glasgow’s East Kilbride by brothers John-Paul and Gary Hughes. They are a collective of musicians whose experimental sounds blend psychedelia, sitar, electronica and guitars to create a fuzzed-up wall […]

          ALBUM REVIEW: IST IST - Dagger
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: IST IST – Dagger

          February 9, 2026

          Manchester’s post-punk titans IST IST have never been a band to do things by halves. Rising from the city’s underground with a fiercely independent DIY ethic, they’ve spent years carving out a sonic identity as […]

        • 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

          LIVE REVIEW: Lorna Shore Deliver a Career-Defining Headline Show at Alexandra Palace Credit: Alina Salihbekova
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Lorna Shore Deliver a Career-Defining Headline Show at Alexandra Palace

          February 13, 2026

          The most incendiary force in modern deathcore, Lorna Shore, stormed the iconic Alexandra Palace for a night that felt less like a gig and more like a statement. Completing the bill were genre heavyweights Humanity’s […]

          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 […]

        • 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// 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 […]

          IN FOCUS// Biffy Clyro at 3Arena Dublin, Ireland Credit: Becca McCaffrey
          IN FOCUS

          IN FOCUS// Biffy Clyro at 3Arena Dublin, Ireland

          January 11, 2026

          Biffy Clyro put on a brilliant show at the 3Arena on Saturday, 10 January, delivering a set that was as heavy and intense as it was open and emotional. The sold-out Dublin crowd were treated […]

  • Gigs
        • Hans Zimmer
          Gigs

          Hans Zimmer: The ultimate fan’s guide

          August 27, 2025

          Hans Zimmer, the genius behind Hollywood’s most unforgettable scores, is back on tour with an electrifying live experience to share with his fans. From “Inception” to “Dune”, Zimmer is preparing to transform his soundscapes into […]

          Andrea Bocelli
          Gigs

          The ultimate fans guide to seeing Andrea Bocelli in Amsterdam

          August 21, 2025

          The Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli, will be at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam on March 29 and 30, 2026. The show will feature a mix of operatic tracks, pop songs, and classical repertoire. Bocelli is […]

          Eros Ramazzotti
          Gigs

          Eros Ramazzotti: Dates, venues, tickets and more

          August 18, 2025

          To celebrate the 40th anniversary of his breakout single, “Una Storia Importante”, Eros Ramazzotti will be performing live on some of the grandest stages across Europe, Latin America, and North America. Ramazzotti is a world-renowned […]

  • Interviews
        • 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 […]

          :Panic :Over
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: :Panic :Over Are Turning Northern Irish Indie Into a Global Sound

          October 16, 2025

          Neal McClelland meets the Northern Irish band whose anthemic sound is turning heads from Belfast to Tokyo. There’s something electric about catching a band right before liftoff — that mix of confidence, humour, and disbelief […]

  • Podcast
        • Mark Shaw - Then Jerico | XS Noize Podcast #270
          Podcast

          Mark Shaw of Then Jerico on The Return, legacy, and bringing the full band show to Ireland | XS Noize Podcast #270

          February 10, 2026

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Mark Shaw of Then Jerico to talk about The Return — a moment that reconnects legacy, live energy, and purpose as the […]

          Desertflowerboots_H - photo credit Sandrita Cardenas 1
          Podcast

          Crispian Mills of Kula Shaker on creativity, chaos, and Wormslayer | XS Noize Podcast #269

          February 8, 2026

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Kula Shaker frontman Crispian Mills to talk about Wormslayer — a record that captures the band feeling revitalised, confident, and creatively fearless. […]

          Dani Larkin
          Podcast

          Dani Larkin on Next Of Kin: life, loss, and learning to stay open | XS Noize Podcast #268

          February 3, 2026

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Dani Larkin to talk about Next Of Kin — a deeply emotive record shaped by time, patience, and a renewed sense of […]

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  • Ards And North Down Borough Council

Ards and North Down Borough Council

Ards International Guitar Festival
News

Ards International Guitar Festival returns from 19 – 23 April

April 17, 2023 XS Noize

Ards and North Down Borough Council is delighted to announce its 2023 Ards International Guitar Festival programme. The much-loved festival will take place from 19 – 23 April at various venues around Newtownards. The festival […]

Ards International Guitar Festival
News

Ards Guitar Festival 2023 Line-Up Revealed

February 23, 2023 XS Noize

Ards and North Down Borough Council is delighted to announce its 2023 Ards International Guitar Festival programme. The much-loved festival will take place from 19 – 23 April at various venues around Newtownards. The festival […]

IN FOCUS// Snow Patrol Acoustic at McKee Clock Arena, Bangor
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Snow Patrol Acoustic at McKee Clock Arena, Bangor, Northern Ireland

September 1, 2022 Bernie McAllister

Gary Lightbody, lead singer of Snow Patrol and the City of Bangor’s most famous son, was awarded the Freedom of the Borough by Ards and North Down Borough Council at a special civic ceremony at […]

Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody to receive ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music’ award in Belfast on November 15th
Gigs

SNOW PATROL To Play Acoustic Concert on Bangor Seafront To Celebrate the Award of Freedom of The Borough to Gary Lightbody

July 7, 2022 XS Noize

Gary Lightbody, lead singer of Snow Patrol and the City of Bangor’s most famous son, will be awarded the Freedom of the Borough by Ards and North Down Borough Council at a special civic ceremony […]

Ards International Guitar Festival 2020 Programme Announced
Gigs

Ards International Guitar Festival 2020 Programme Announced

February 19, 2020 XS Noize

Ards and North Down Borough Council is pleased to launch the 2020 Ards International Guitar Festival programme. The Festival will take place from 1 – 5 April at various venues around Newtownards. Now in its […]

Countdown on for 7th OPEN HOUSE FESTIVAL Bangor 1
Gigs

Countdown on for 7th OPEN HOUSE FESTIVAL Bangor

July 30, 2019 XS Noize

The seaside town of Bangor Co. Down is getting ready for the hottest month on its calendar when the seventh annual Open House Festival begins on Thursday 1st August. Throughout the 31 days of August, […]

Feeder, Alabama 3, Aslan + Fun Lovin’ Criminals join line-up for HARMONY LIVE 2019 1
Gigs

Feeder, Alabama 3, Aslan + Fun Lovin’ Criminals join line-up for HARMONY LIVE 2019

April 29, 2019 XS Noize

Harmony Live, supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council, has unveiled their exciting line-up for this year’s festival, to take place in Holywood Rugby Grounds from 31 May – 2 June 2019. Topping the […]

Ards International Guitar Festival 2019 Programme Launched 1
News

Ards International Guitar Festival 2019 Programme Launched

February 14, 2019 XS Noize

This year’s Ards International Guitar Festival will rock into Newtownards from 3 – 7 April. With an eclectic mix of brilliant local talent and international artists, expect guitar-inspired gigs, guitar clinics with industry professionals and […]

LATEST PODCASTS

  • Mark Shaw - Then Jerico | XS Noize Podcast #270
    Mark Shaw of Then Jerico on The Return, legacy, and bringing the full band show to Ireland | XS Noize Podcast #270
    February 10, 2026
  • Desertflowerboots_H - photo credit Sandrita Cardenas 1
    Crispian Mills of Kula Shaker on creativity, chaos, and Wormslayer | XS Noize Podcast #269
    February 8, 2026
  • Dani Larkin
    Dani Larkin on Next Of Kin: life, loss, and learning to stay open | XS Noize Podcast #268
    February 3, 2026
  • Paul Draper
    Paul Draper on Mansun Retold: revisiting old songs with new perspective | XS Noize Podcast #267
    January 27, 2026
  • Alexander Wolfe
    Alexander Wolfe on ‘Everythinglessness’ and confronting masculinity through music | XS Noize Podcast #266
    January 20, 2026
  • Callum Beattie
    Callum Beattie on new album INDI and trusting his instinct | XS Noize Podcast #265
    January 14, 2026

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  • Mark Shaw - Then Jerico | XS Noize Podcast #270Mark Shaw of Then Jerico on The Return, legacy, and bringing the full band show to Ireland | XS Noize Podcast #270 February 10, 2026
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  • Desertflowerboots_H - photo credit Sandrita Cardenas 1Crispian Mills of Kula Shaker on creativity, chaos, and Wormslayer | XS Noize Podcast #269 February 8, 2026
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