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Trending
  • Jack White announces 2026 UK & Ireland tour with Belfast Telegraph Building date
  • Nerina Pallot announces Royal Albert Hall show and first ‘Best Of’ album
  • Babyshambles bring the ‘Dandy Hooligan Tour’ to Belfast’s Limelight
  • Courteeners announce ‘God Bless The Band’ best-of album, new single and huge November 2026 UK arena tour
  • Open House Festival returns to Bangor with Lisa Hannigan, The Staves, Deirdre O’Kane and more
XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • Jack White
          News

          Jack White announces 2026 UK & Ireland tour with Belfast Telegraph Building date

          April 9, 2026

          Jack White has today announced plans for a wide-ranging 2026 headline tour. White and his band will also cross the Atlantic for a series of shows in the United Kingdom and Ireland, including a night […]

          Nerina Pallot
          News

          Nerina Pallot announces Royal Albert Hall show and first ‘Best Of’ album

          April 9, 2026

          The BRIT and Ivor Novello nominee Nerina Pallot is in the midst of an organic resurgence. Building a powerful personal connection directly with fans led to her selling out the London Palladium in 2024 – […]

          Babyshambles
          News

          Babyshambles bring the ‘Dandy Hooligan Tour’ to Belfast’s Limelight

          April 9, 2026

          After eleven long years Babyshambles returned to the stage for the ‘Dandy Hooligan Tour’ at the end of 2025. The tour coincided with the 20th anniversary release of Babyshambles’ much-loved, critically lauded debut album Down […]

  • 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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Bangor

The Florentinas
News

Bangor four-piece The Florentinas release new single ‘For You’

March 6, 2025 XS Noize

Following from playing main support to Snow Patrol throughout Europe over two weeks in February, Bangor four-piece The Florentinas are pleased to release their new single ‘FOR YOU’. Paddy from The Florentinas said; “For you’ […]

Mark Hegan
Interviews

INTERVIEW: Mark Hegan discusses his debut EP – ‘Human Mind’

November 6, 2023 Niall Donnelly

It’s been a busy few years for Bangor native Mark Hegan. Since 2019, he has released no fewer than nine singles and relentlessly performed on every stage he can get his two feet on. Having […]

Foy Vance
News

FOY VANCE returns to his hometown of Bangor for two shows in December

July 17, 2023 XS Noize

Foy Vance returns to his hometown of Bangor for two shows on Friday 8th & Saturday 9th December. The last time Foy played the Open House Festival in Bangor was in 2014, and the shows […]

Thom Southern
News

Belfast songsmith THOM SOUTHERN releases Lo-Fi heartbreaker ‘Love Hz’

April 14, 2023 XS Noize

A one-off release, the enigmatic Belfast songsmith is back with a new single that finds him stripping back the sonics to craft something of an unadorned and unassuming beauty. Pared back of arrangement and unspoiled […]

The Florentinas
Gigs

THE FLORENTINAS announce Empire Music Hall show on Friday 5th May

February 28, 2023 XS Noize

One of Ireland’s most exciting bands, The Florentinas are back with their new single ‘Weatherman’ released on February 24th. The Bangor four-piece have had an incredible twelve months, releasing two radio singles, ‘Sandcastles’ and ‘It’s […]

The Florentinas
News

Bangor four-piece THE FLORENTINAS are back with new single ‘Weatherman’

February 24, 2023 XS Noize

One of Ireland’s most exciting bands, The Florentinas are back with their new single ‘Weatherman.’ The Bangor four-piece has had an incredible twelve months, releasing two radio singles, ‘Sandcastles’ and ‘It’s Not In Vain’, and […]

The Court House
Gigs

Northern Ireland’s newest live music venue, THE COURT HOUSE, opens its doors in Bangor City

October 18, 2022 XS Noize

Following seven years of fundraising, lobbying, planning and extensive refurbishment, The Court House on Bangor seafront will finally open its doors to the public on Thursday, 20th October. The first performances will be from up-and-coming […]

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 […]

THE FLORENTINAS announce headline Belfast show at the Ulster Sports Club on Friday 4th March 2022
Gigs

THE FLORENTINAS announce headline Belfast show at the Ulster Sports Club on Friday 4th March 2022

February 7, 2022 XS Noize

Bangor four-piece The Florentinas have announced a headline Belfast show at the Ulster Sports Club on Friday 04th March 2022, the show announce follows the release of their new single ‘It’s not in Vain’. The […]

Bangor four-piece THE FLORENTINAS release new single ‘It’s Not In Vain’
New Music

Bangor four-piece THE FLORENTINAS release new single ‘It’s Not In Vain’

February 4, 2022 XS Noize

The Florentinas have released their new single ‘It’s Not In Vain’, today, February 4th 2022. The Bangor four-piece released their debut single ‘Sandcastles’ in October 2021 and earned key media support across Ireland, followed by […]

WARD THOMAS announce an Intimate Bangor Acoustic show on Tuesday 23rd November 2021
Gigs

WARD THOMAS announce an Intimate Bangor Acoustic show on Tuesday 23rd November 2021

August 23, 2021 XS Noize

British country-pop duo Ward Thomas are pleased to announce an Intimate Bangor Acoustic show on Tuesday 23rd November 2021 at First Bangor Church. Ward Thomas released their new album ’Invitation’ in October 2020 – the […]

SNOW PATROL and OPEN HOUSE FESTIVAL announce Ward Park FREE 1
Gigs

SNOW PATROL and OPEN HOUSE FESTIVAL announce Ward Park FREE

May 15, 2019 XS Noize

Open House Festival has joined forces with Snow Patrol to curate a line-up of exciting bands, musicians and electronic DJs to play in eight Bangor pubs on Friday 24th May – the night before the […]

THE STAVES join OPEN HOUSE BANGOR line-up
News

THE STAVES join OPEN HOUSE BANGOR line-up

April 29, 2019 XS Noize

English indie-folk trio The Staves are the latest band to be announced for this year’s Open House Festival, Bangor. The concert will take place on Thursday 22nd August in the beautiful setting of First Bangor […]

SNOW PATROL: CONFIRM Northern Ireland tour dates
Gigs

BBC Northern Ireland goes on the road with Snow Patrol, TONIGHT: BBC One at 10.35pm

April 24, 2019 XS Noize

For a quarter of a century, from small gigs to the biggest arenas in the world, Northern Irish rockers Snow Patrol have lived life on tour buses, aeroplanes and in hotels. In late 2018, after […]

INTERVIEW: Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody on Ward Park 3 - "We wanted to complete the hat trick." 1
Interviews

INTERVIEW: Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody on Ward Park 3 – “We wanted to complete the hat trick.”

April 11, 2019 XS Noize

Over the last 25 years, Snow Patrol have released 7 albums and racked up an impressive number of critical and commercial accolades, including 13 million global album sales, 1 billion global track streams, 5 UK […]

Irish Indie Folk Band VILLAGERS to Play at Bangor's Open House Festival 1
Gigs

Irish Indie Folk Band VILLAGERS to Play at Bangor’s Open House Festival

April 10, 2019 XS Noize

Irish indie folk band Villagers will play an intimate gig as part of this year’s Open House Festival Bangor. The concert will take place on Friday 23rd August in First Bangor church – a new venue for […]

THE SPECIALS to play at OPEN HOUSE BANGOR, this August
Gigs

THE SPECIALS to play at OPEN HOUSE BANGOR, this August

March 14, 2019 XS Noize

Legendary English band The Specials will visit Bangor, County Down, this August to play an outdoor concert as part of Open House Festival. The gig on Bangor seafront, overlooking the marina and Bangor Bay, will […]

TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB to join SNOW PATROL at Ward Park, Bangor on Saturday 25th May
Gigs

TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB to join SNOW PATROL at Ward Park, Bangor on Saturday 25th May

February 5, 2019 XS Noize

Following two years of worldwide touring, playing to ever-growing audiences, and culminating in headlining to a 40,000 sold-out audience at Community Festival, London, in June 2018, TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB is set to join SNOW […]

INTERVIEW: Snow Patrol's Nathan Connolly on new album Wildness + possible return to Ward Park, Bangor 1
Interviews

INTERVIEW: Snow Patrol’s Nathan Connolly on new album Wildness + possible return to Ward Park, Bangor

May 22, 2018 XS Noize

On May 25th, Snow Patrol will return with Wildness, which finds the band searching for clarity, connection, and meaning while staying true to the melodic songwriting prowess that brought them to prominence. Wildness taps into […]

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

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  • The Dandy WarholsCourtney Taylor-Taylor on Pin Ups, Dig! and taking back The Dandy Warhols narrative | XS Noize Podcast #278 April 1, 2026
  • Open House FestivalOpen House Festival returns to Bangor with Lisa Hannigan, The Staves, Deirdre O’Kane and more April 8, 2026
  • Bad Bunny6 of Bad Bunny’s biggest selling hits August 5, 2025

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