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  • Open House Festival returns to Bangor with Lisa Hannigan, The Staves, Deirdre O’Kane and more
  • Jesse Roper channels indie-Americana spirit on new single ‘Green Eyed Lady’
  • The Boxer Rebellion on ‘The Second I’m Asleep’ and the reset that brought them back | XS Noize Podcast #279
  • The Strokes announce seventh album ‘Reality Awaits’ and share new single ‘Going Shopping’
  • Why are More Indie Artists are Giving their Music Away for Free?
XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • Open House Festival
          News

          Open House Festival returns to Bangor with Lisa Hannigan, The Staves, Deirdre O’Kane and more

          April 8, 2026

          Lisa Hannigan, The Staves, Deirdre O’Kane, and The Tallest Man on Earth are just four of the acts performing at this year’s Open House Festival in Bangor, County Down. The Festival returns to Bangor for […]

          Jesse Roper
          News

          Jesse Roper channels indie-Americana spirit on new single ‘Green Eyed Lady’

          April 8, 2026

          Jesse Roper is a modern-day troubadour, his indie/Americana defined by his authenticity and an adventurous spirit that will appeal to fans of Leon Bridges, Alabama Shakes and JJ Cale. A master at connecting his personal […]

          The Strokes
          News

          The Strokes announce seventh album ‘Reality Awaits’ and share new single ‘Going Shopping’

          April 7, 2026

          Reality Awaits, the seventh studio album from The Strokes, is set for release on June 26 via Cult Records/RCA Records. The new single “Going Shopping” is out now. Recorded in Costa Rica with producer Rick […]

  • 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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Christmas

Under a Christmas Sky
News

Music Brings Belfast’s Streets to Life This December Under a Christmas Sky

December 1, 2025 XS Noize

Belfast City Council and Snow Water will be showcasing a magical programme of free live Christmas music events every weekend until 21st December 2025, celebrating Belfast’s status as a UNESCO City of Music. 20 days […]

East 17
News

Tony Mortimer Celebrates The 30th Anniversary of The East 17 Christmas Classic ‘Stay Another Day’ With A Host of Activity

November 7, 2024 XS Noize

East 17’s ‘Stay Another Day’ has become one of the all-time most beloved Christmas hits. It spent five weeks at #1 when it was first released in 1994 – beating Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want […]

BON JOVI
News

BON JOVI release video for ‘Christmas Isn’t Christmas’, filmed at Santa’s Pub!

December 6, 2023 XS Noize

As an early Christmas surprise for fans, rock and roll Hall of Fame band Bon Jovi released a new original holiday song, “Christmas Isn’t Christmas,” on Island Records. Recorded recently in Nashville. Jon has explained […]

EELS
News

EELS Announce New Compilation Album – EELS So Good: Essential EELS, Vol.2

November 2, 2023 XS Noize

Critically acclaimed rock group EELS have announced the release of a new compilation album, EELS So Good: Essential EELS, Vol.2, out on December 15th via E Works/[PIAS].  Spanning over 15 years, seven studio albums and […]

Litany
New Music

LITANY shares new single ‘Die Hard (Is A Christmas Film)’

December 9, 2022 XS Noize

“Yippee ki-yay, motherfucker!” If you’re one of the countless people who get the festive season started by once again watching McClane take on Gruber in ‘Die Hard’, you’ll know that translates approximately as “Christmas is […]

Sweet Megg
Video Premiere

VIDEO PREMIERE: Sweet Megg gets festive with her rendition of “Santa Baby”

December 2, 2022 Rebecca Haslam

It’s December, and for many music fans, that means only one thing – it’s now acceptable to play Christmas songs at full blast. One such song many are already cranking up the volume and singing […]

BENJAMIN FRANCIS LEFTWICH releases new video for his Christmas song ‘Tinsel In The River’
Gigs

BENJAMIN FRANCIS LEFTWICH releases new video for his Christmas song ‘Tinsel In The River’

December 15, 2021 XS Noize

Benjamin Francis Leftwich has today released the official video for his Christmas song entitled ‘Tinsel In The River’. Starring Benjamin himself, the video was directed by Oliver James Robbins and is available to watch below. […]

TRACK PREMIERE: SECH - Edge Of My Heart
Exclusive!

TRACK PREMIERE: SECH – Edge Of My Heart

December 10, 2021 XS Noize

Today, we’re pleased to be premiering the new release from hugely talented composer/songwriter Sebastian Pecznik, whose pop alias SECH (his nickname since childhood) is about to skyrocket once people get their ears around his debut […]

THE POLICE share previously unseen Christmas version of ‘Don’t Stand So Close To Me’
New Music

THE POLICE share previously unseen Christmas version of ‘Don’t Stand So Close To Me’

December 9, 2021 XS Noize

A previously unseen music video for The Police’s 1980 UK Number One hit ‘Don’t Stand So Close To Me’ has been unearthed from the band’s archives after 41 years. The video has now been released […]

Christmas is here, and so is the music 2
Features 2

Christmas is here, and so is the music

December 4, 2021 XS Noize

It’s time to stop getting lost in Eddie Vedder’s new album and start your preparations for Christmas. Yes, that’s right, the most wonderful time of the year is on the horizon and everything it entails. […]

SAINT ETIENNE release video for new Christmas single 'Her Winter Coat' 1
News

SAINT ETIENNE release video for new Christmas single ‘Her Winter Coat’

November 26, 2021 XS Noize

Saint Etienne, who released their critically acclaimed 10th studio album, I’ve Been Trying To Tell You in September, share details of their Christmas single, Her Winter Coat, due for release 10th December on Heavenly Recordings. […]

Following massive demand STATUS QUO announce Christmas 2022 run for the ‘Out Out Quoing’ tour
Gigs

Following massive demand STATUS QUO announce Christmas 2022 run for the ‘Out Out Quoing’ tour

November 16, 2021 XS Noize

Due to huge public demand, Britain’s best-loved rockers STATUS QUO are extending their ‘Out Out Quoing’ UK & Eire Spring Tour in 2022 and will now undertake an additional run of 6 high profile Christmas […]

LIFESHARE announce virtual online Christmas music festival this Saturday, December 19th 1
Gigs

LIFESHARE announce virtual online Christmas music festival this Saturday, December 19th

December 17, 2020 XS Noize

The homeless situation in Manchester has been an issue for some time but the pandemic has seen these numbers rise yet again, unfortunately. Lifeshare is a homeless charity based in Manchester and raises awareness for […]

Legendary British vocalist PAUL CARRACK to stream special festive concert this Christmas Eve
Gigs

Legendary British vocalist PAUL CARRACK to stream special festive concert this Christmas Eve

December 16, 2020 XS Noize

The legendary British vocalist Paul Carrack (Mike + The Mechanics, Ace) has announced he is to stream a very special performance of festive favourites this Christmas Eve. Billed as ‘Christmas with Paul Carrack’, Carrack is […]

BEAR'S DEN release new EP 'Christmas, Hopefully' today - Listen Now
New Music

BEAR’S DEN unveil new video for their festive single ‘Christmas, Hopefully’ recorded in immersive audio

December 10, 2020 XS Noize

Following the recent release of their critically-acclaimed new EP ‘Christmas, Hopefully’, Bear’s Den have unveiled the official video for the collection’s title-track. Recorded in immersive audio, similar to surround sound, the new visuals for ‘Christmas, […]

PREMIERE: Broken Forest releases Christmas single 'Stories Under the Pine Tree'
Video Premiere

PREMIERE: Broken Forest releases Christmas single ‘Stories Under the Pine Tree’

December 9, 2020 XS Noize

Do you know that feeling when all the Christmas rush of gifting, cooking, running around quietens down and you’re actually taking the moment to sit together with your family or friends by candlelight to share […]

RYAN MCMULLAN announces Christmas livestream from Ulster Hall, Belfast on Sunday 27th December 1
Gigs

RYAN MCMULLAN announces Christmas livestream from Ulster Hall, Belfast on Sunday 27th December

November 27, 2020 XS Noize

Ryan McMullan has announced an exciting livestream event which will take place this Christmas, on Sunday 27th Dec. Broadcast Live from the historic Ulster Hall stage, Ryan will be performing a set of music which […]

THE DARKNESS announce 'Lockdown Live: Streaming of a White Christmas, with The Darkness'
Gigs

THE DARKNESS announce ‘Lockdown Live: Streaming of a White Christmas, with The Darkness’

November 23, 2020 XS Noize

Following the release of their semi-prophetic Top 10 album Easter Is Cancelled at the end of last year, The Darkness are returning to close 2020 with a new message of festive joy and goodwill with […]

THE RAPPAREES - Announce Fairytale of the Pogues Tribute Shows, Friday 20th & Saturday 21st December 2019 @ The Limelight 1, Belfast
Gigs

THE RAPPAREES – Announce Fairytale of the Pogues Tribute Shows, Friday 20th & Saturday 21st December 2019 @ The Limelight 1, Belfast

December 2, 2019 XS Noize

Having penned one of the most iconic Christmas songs of all time, The Pogues are widely considered the grandfathers of Celtic Punk music. It’s for this reason that local folk legends The Rapparees have paid […]

ROBBIE WILLIAMS to release his first ever Christmas album, ‘The Christmas Present’ on November 22nd 2
Gigs

ROBBIE WILLIAMS to release his first ever Christmas album, ‘The Christmas Present’ on November 22nd

October 18, 2019 XS Noize

Robbie Williams will release his first-ever Christmas album, ‘The Christmas Present’, on Columbia Records on November 22. Available in CD (standard and deluxe), vinyl and cassette formats, the double album will feature two discs – […]

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

TOP UK MUSIC BLOG 2026

Trending Articles

  • LIVE REVIEW: Gorillaz bring 'The Mountain' to Belfast — no nostalgia at the SSE Arena debut Credit: Luke DysonLIVE REVIEW: Gorillaz bring ‘The Mountain’ to Belfast — no nostalgia at the SSE Arena debut April 1, 2026
  • The StrokesThe Strokes announce seventh album ‘Reality Awaits’ and share new single ‘Going Shopping’ April 7, 2026
  • U2U2 unveil new 6-track ‘Easter Lily’ EP April 3, 2026
  • Imagine Dragons11 of Imagine Dragons’ biggest selling hits April 10, 2025
  • The Dandy WarholsCourtney Taylor-Taylor on Pin Ups, Dig! and taking back The Dandy Warhols narrative | XS Noize Podcast #278 April 1, 2026
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  • KasabianKasabian unveil ‘Great Pretender’ and announce new album ‘Act III’ April 2, 2026
  • Bad Bunny6 of Bad Bunny’s biggest selling hits August 5, 2025

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