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  • Belfast Quartet Makeshift Art Bar Share New Single ‘Discipline’
  • Spiritualized Announce Rare Acoustic Mainlines UK Shows For December
  • Brian Fallon Announces New Album ‘Not Bad For New Jersey’ And Shares New Single ‘Pearls’
  • ALBUM REVIEW: Embrace – Avalanche
  • Danny McNamara on Embrace’s New Album ‘Avalanche’ and Why Life Doesn’t Wait | XS Noize Podcast #288
XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • Makeshift Art Bar
          News

          Belfast Quartet Makeshift Art Bar Share New Single ‘Discipline’

          June 11, 2026

          Belfast quartet Makeshift Art Bar have shared their new single “Discipline,” the second track to be taken from their forthcoming Marionette EP, out June 26 via Heist or Hit. The track follows April’s EP lead […]

          Spiritualized
          News

          Spiritualized Announce Rare Acoustic Mainlines UK Shows For December

          June 11, 2026

          Spiritualized have announced four rare Acoustic Mainlines shows in the UK this December, marking the 20th anniversary of their first-ever acoustic performances. The Acoustic Mainlines shows were originally conceived around the time of the making […]

          Brian Fallon
          News

          Brian Fallon Announces New Album ‘Not Bad For New Jersey’ And Shares New Single ‘Pearls’

          June 10, 2026

          Brian Fallon has announced details of his eagerly awaited new album, Not Bad For New Jersey, set for release via his own Lesser Known Records on Thursday, September 10, 2026, digitally, with the physical release […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Embrace - Avalanche
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Embrace – Avalanche

          June 10, 2026

          For three decades, West Yorkshire’s finest have been a steadfast pillar of the British music scene. Celebrating their 30-year milestone in 2026, Embrace return with their highly anticipated ninth studio album, Avalanche. It’s a record […]

          ALBUM REVIEW: Abrasive Trees – Light Remaining
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Abrasive Trees – Light Remaining

          June 3, 2026

          Death, grief and frazzled nerves conspire on an epic odyssey to the dark side Totnes experimentalists Abrasive Trees have long sailed choppy liminal seas between the living world and whatever lurks beyond it. Their debut […]

        • 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: Midge Ure Delivers a Classy, Nostalgic Night at Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall Credit: Alina Salihbekova
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Midge Ure Delivers a Classy, Nostalgic Night at Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall

          June 4, 2026

          On May 30th, legendary Scottish musician and songwriter Midge Ure brought a nostalgic, polished and deeply enjoyable show to Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall. The all-seated theatre was packed well before Ure and his band arrived […]

          Lone Assembly
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Lone Assembly bring dark synthpop and post-punk atmosphere to London’s MOTH Club

          May 27, 2026

          When a proposed property development threatened the future of the 300-capacity MOTH Club, the support to save it far exceeded the venue’s maximum attendance. Around 30,000 people signed a petition to protect the much-loved Hackney […]

        • 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
        • Col Gerrard
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: Col Gerrard on his self-titled debut, touring with Boyzlife and what comes next

          April 20, 2026

          London-born singer-songwriter Col Gerrard has loved music from an early age, and that passion shines throughout his self-titled debut album. Drawing on a range of influences, the record takes listeners on an emotional journey, with […]

          Ganser
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: Alicia Gaines on the Architecture of Ganser and Discomfort by Design

          April 12, 2026

          Chicago’s underground has always thrived in the margins, and few bands embody that restless, art-driven spirit quite like Ganser. Formed in the city’s DIY circuit, the group have carved out a reputation for wiry, confrontational […]

          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. […]

  • Podcast
        • Embrace
          Podcast

          Danny McNamara on Embrace’s New Album ‘Avalanche’ and Why Life Doesn’t Wait | XS Noize Podcast #288

          June 9, 2026

          Danny McNamara joins the XS Noize Podcast to discuss Embrace’s new album Avalanche, 30 years of the band, fatherhood, songwriting, The Good Will Out and why life doesn’t wait. […]

          The Hoosiers
          Podcast

          The Hoosiers on New Album ‘Compassion,’ Toxicity & Finding Joy Again | XS Noize Podcast #287

          June 2, 2026

          In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Irwin Sparkes and Alan Sharland from The Hoosiers. Irwin and Alan join Mark for a warm, funny and reflective conversation about […]

          robert arkins - the commitments
          Podcast

          Robert Arkins on The Commitments, Jimmy Rabbitte and Life After the Film | XS Noize Podcast #286

          May 25, 2026

          In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Robert Arkins, best known to millions as Jimmy Rabbitte in Alan Parker’s classic 1991 film The Commitments. Robert joins Mark for […]

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  • Brand New Friend

Brand New Friend

Brand New Friend
Gigs

Chordblossom Presents: Brand New Friend to Headline GIFTED at Belfast Empire

November 27, 2024 XS Noize

Chordblossom announce that Brand New Friend will headline GIFTED in the Belfast Empire on Thursday, 28 November 2024. Chordblossom says, We’ve been fortunate to host the band in several different venues over the years including […]

Brand New Friend
Podcast

INTERVIEW: Grandstand Glory: A Candid Conversation with Taylor and Lauren Johnson of Brand New Friend

September 21, 2023 XS Noize

In episode #147 of The XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar meets Taylor and Lauren Johnson of Brand New Friend to discuss their new album, ‘Grandstand.’ No strangers to Ireland’s buzzing live scene, Brand New Friend […]

Brand New Friend
News

BRAND NEW FRIEND release new single ‘Stars Bleed’ & announce Irish tour

August 4, 2023 XS Noize

Today (4th August), Brand New Friend release the single ‘Stars Bleed’ following their recent announcement of their forthcoming album Grandstand to be released September 15th. A song indebted to ‘Terror Twilight’ era Pavement, country artists […]

Brand New Friend
News

BRAND NEW FRIEND announce new album ‘Grandstand’ – Hear first single ‘Talk It Out’

June 9, 2023 XS Noize

Brand New Friend release their new single ‘Talk It Out’ and announce their new album, Grandstand. This indie-pop track is about wanting to express yourself but being unable to articulate how you feel. Touching on […]

BRAND NEW FRIEND make Belfast live return at THE BLACK BOX on 16th October
Gigs

BRAND NEW FRIEND make Belfast live return at THE BLACK BOX on 16th October

October 9, 2021 XS Noize

Exactly nineteen months after the postponement of their last headline show in Belfast, Brand New Friend are ready to take to the stage once again. Following the release of their EP ‘A Cure for Living’ […]

Join Northern Ireland’s finest musicians, actors, poetry and story-telling, filmed live at the Ulster Folk Museum for UNDER A CHRISTMAS SKY 1
Gigs

Join Northern Ireland’s finest musicians, actors, poetry and story-telling, filmed live at the Ulster Folk Museum for UNDER A CHRISTMAS SKY

December 8, 2020 XS Noize

Season’s Greetings to you all and welcome to Snow Water’s Under a Christmas Sky! Under a Christmas, Sky features Northern Ireland’s finest musicians, actors, poetry and story-telling, filmed live at the Ulster Folk Museum. From […]

Northern Ireland's top artists support REEVAH on the 'Lockdown inspired' video for her new single 'You Said, Tell Me'
News

Northern Ireland’s top artists support REEVAH on the ‘Lockdown inspired’ video for her new single ‘You Said, Tell Me’

June 8, 2020 XS Noize

A host of Northern Ireland’s top artists have come together to support Reevah on the ‘Lockdown inspired’ video for her new single ‘You Said, Tell Me’. On the video, Reevah said “We initially had other […]

Northern Irish Musicians Collaborate for Covid-19 Fundraiser
News

Northern Irish Musicians Collaborate for Covid-19 Fundraiser

May 15, 2020 Daniel Lynch

More than fifty Northern Irish musicians have collaborated to create an album of acoustic tracks which will raise funds for Help Musicians NI. Organised by Caitlin Palmer of No Matter, the 51 track album is […]

BRAND NEW FRIEND share new single 'Stop The Days' - Listen Now
Gigs

BRAND NEW FRIEND share new single ‘Stop The Days’ – Listen Now

January 31, 2020 XS Noize

In anticipation of their ‘A Cure For Living’ EP this Valentines Day (via Xtra Mile Recordings), the Northern Irish alt-rockers Brand New Friend are clearly feeling the love already and today release ‘ Stop The […]

BRAND NEW FRIEND play their biggest Belfast headline show to date at Voodoo on Saturday 14th March 2020
Gigs

BRAND NEW FRIEND play their biggest Belfast headline show to date at Voodoo on Saturday 14th March 2020

January 30, 2020 XS Noize

Brand New Friend break into 2020 in style with the release of brand new EP: ‘A Cure For Living’ and the announcement of their biggest Belfast headline show to date at Voodoo on Saturday 14th […]

BRAND NEW FRIEND - Release Lloyd Cole-inspired Single + Announce 'A Cure For Living' EP 1
Gigs

BRAND NEW FRIEND – Release Lloyd Cole-inspired Single + Announce ‘A Cure For Living’ EP

January 15, 2020 XS Noize

Following directly on from the warmly received ‘The Letter A’ released last Autumn, the Northern Irish indie-pop quintet make a fresh-faced return with a jubilant new single and confirmation of a 7 track EP: ‘A […]

IN FOCUS: Tin Man Heart Presents: Aaron Shanley + Taylor Johnson + Jaxson + I Am Muir @ The Sunflower Pub, Belfast 2
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS: Tin Man Heart Presents: Aaron Shanley + Taylor Johnson + Jaxson + I Am Muir @ The Sunflower Pub, Belfast

November 24, 2019 Bernie McAllister

The second instalment of collaboration gigs between XS Noize and Tin Man Heart brought a stellar line up of acts to Belfast’s Sunflower Bar on 22nd November. This time focusing on singer/songwriters, Aaron Shanley, Taylor Johnson […]

"I'm a bit of a perfectionist" - Jaxson talks songwriting, festivals & production wizards ahead of first Belfast show. 1
Interviews

“I’m a bit of a perfectionist” – Jaxson talks songwriting, festivals & production wizards ahead of first Belfast show.

November 7, 2019 XS Noize

Young artists are often told to “have a plan,” “know what the next six months, two years, five years, looks like.” For many, it’s a lot to wrap their heads around when all they want […]

INTERVIEW: "Writing is a cathartic experience" - I Am Muir's Brenna Goff says ahead of Belfast gig 1
Interviews

INTERVIEW: “Writing is a cathartic experience” – I Am Muir’s Brenna Goff says ahead of Belfast gig

October 29, 2019 XS Noize

I Am Muir burst on to Northern Ireland’s music landscape in early 2019. With a series of self-produced singles released on Soundcloud, I Am Muir is the new creative moniker of singer-songwriter Brenna Goff. Those […]

XS NOIZE & TIN MAN HEART bring some of Ireland’s best upcoming musical talent to the city on 22 November 1
Announcement

XS NOIZE & TIN MAN HEART bring some of Ireland’s best upcoming musical talent to the city on 22 November

October 6, 2019 XS Noize

The second instalment of collaboration gigs between XS Noize and Tin Man Heart brings a stellar line up of acts to Belfast. This time we’re focusing on singer/songwriters and hosting an evening of stripped-back acoustic sets. […]

INTERVIEW: Taylor Johnson of Castlerock five-piece Brand New Friend 2
Interviews

INTERVIEW: Taylor Johnson of Castlerock five-piece Brand New Friend

September 20, 2019 XS Noize

Castlerock five-piece Brand New Friend will play a headline show at The Limelight 2 in Belfast on 21st September 2019 – the final gig of their ‘Nothing Stays the Same’ tour. Mark Millar caught up […]

BRAND NEW FRIEND return with new single, ‘The Letter A’ - Watch Video
Gigs

BRAND NEW FRIEND return with new single, ‘The Letter A’ – Watch Video

September 6, 2019 XS Noize

After their stellar performance at the 2000trees Xtra Mile Recordings takeover in July, BRAND NEW FRIEND are returning with a new single, ‘The Letter A’, which they will support with a handful of gigs in […]

WIN: Tickets To See BRAND NEW FRIEND at The Limelight 2, Belfast on 21st September
Competitions

WIN: Tickets To See BRAND NEW FRIEND at The Limelight 2, Belfast on 21st September

August 9, 2019 XS Noize

Following their performance opening the Main Stage at Snow Patrol’s enormous Ward Park 3 concert, Castlerock five-piece Brand New Friend will play The  Limelight 2 in Belfast on 21st September 2019. XS Noize is giving […]

BRAND NEW FRIEND ('Nothing Stays The Same Tour’) announced for BELFAST LIMELIGHT 2 on Saturday September 21st
Gigs

BRAND NEW FRIEND (‘Nothing Stays The Same Tour’) announced for BELFAST LIMELIGHT 2 on Saturday September 21st

June 4, 2019 XS Noize

Following their performance opening the Main Stage at Snow Patrol’s enormous Ward Park 3 concert last weekend, Brand New Friend can announce a Limelight 2, Belfast show in September, with further dates to be announced soon. The five-piece from […]

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 […]

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LATEST PODCASTS

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  • robert arkins - the commitments
    Robert Arkins on The Commitments, Jimmy Rabbitte and Life After the Film | XS Noize Podcast #286
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    Broken Social Scene on ‘Remember The Humans,’ grief and why music still saves us
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