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  • Freya Ridings announces 2026 UK and EU tour with Belfast, Dublin, Cork and Kilkenny dates
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  • INTERVIEW: Alicia Gaines on the Architecture of Ganser and Discomfort by Design
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XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • Freya Ridings
          News

          Freya Ridings announces 2026 UK and EU tour with Belfast, Dublin, Cork and Kilkenny dates

          April 13, 2026

          Following the announcement of her forthcoming album Mother Of Pearl (out May 29th on BMG) last month, Freya Ridings has also announced a massive UK and EU tour, including shows at Ulster Hall, Belfast on […]

          Holy Holy - The Final Tour - A Celebration of Bowie
          News

          Holy Holy announce Belfast date on The Final Tour – A Celebration of Bowie

          April 13, 2026

          David Bowie’s former producer / bassist Tony Visconti and drummer Woody Woodmansey launched their Bowie project ‘The Best Of Bowie’ featuring long-time fan and friend Heaven 17’s Glenn Gregory plus the all-star Holy Holy band. […]

          Eighty Eight Miles
          News

          Eighty Eight Miles release debut EP “Class of Eighty Eight” ahead of biggest festival summer yet

          April 11, 2026

          They’ve played shows with Lottery Winners, The K’s, Red Rum Club, The Clause and overpass; attracted big name fans in the shape of Lindsey Buckingham and Blossoms; and sold-out four consecutive Birmingham headline shows, but […]

  • 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
        • 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. […]

          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, […]

  • 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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Jay Z

Beyonce
Opinion

How Beyonce went from pop girl band member to global superstar

September 10, 2024 XS Noize

From performing in local talent shows for recognition to headlining the halftime Super Bowl, Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter was born on September 4, 1981, in Houston, Texas. Simply known as Beyoncé, she is a singer, songwriter, […]

Taylor Swift Eras Tour 2024
Features

6 of the most influential music artists in the world

August 14, 2024 XS Noize

There are many artists with raw talents and a knack for releasing songs that resonate with audiences worldwide. They have also been Influential politically, socially and culturally. At some point they have lost the respect […]

Spotify
Features

Apple Music v Spotify – What I learned from making the switch after 10+ years

August 24, 2023 Chris Mullan

The mid-2000s were lean years in the distribution and consumption of popular music. The era of the mighty Compact Disc was over, and record companies scrambled to stem the flow of financial losses as, increasingly, […]

Gambling Culture
Features 2

Embracing the High Stakes: The Symbiosis Between Rap, Hip Hop, and Gambling Culture

June 5, 2023 XS Noize

Rap and hip hop have always been genres deeply entwined with exploring societal realities, personal experiences, and cultural identities. As a result, the narratives woven into this music often mirror the artists’ realities, offering a […]

NBA Superstars
Features 2

LeBron James and Damian Lillard: NBA Superstars Making Waves in Music Videos

May 17, 2023 XS Noize

Introduction: When it comes to the worlds of sports and entertainment, the realms of basketball and music often collide in exciting and memorable ways. In recent years, two NBA superstars, LeBron James and Damian Lillard, […]

INTERVIEW with Hannah Williams & The Affirmations
Interviews

INTERVIEW with Hannah Williams & The Affirmations

December 13, 2019 XS Noize

British soul hurricane, Hannah Williams will play a headline Belfast show at The Limelight 2 on Saturday, December 14th 2019. Hannah sensationally became part of Jay-Z’s chart-topping 4:44 album when the hip-hop superstar sampled her […]

Damon Dash's Film, "Honor Up," Gives a Violent, Soulful Rendition of Urban Life 1
Features

Damon Dash’s Film, “Honor Up,” Gives a Violent, Soulful Rendition of Urban Life

February 7, 2018 Allison Kugel

The life of Damon Dash appears to be an epic triumph to some, a Shakespearean tragedy to others. It depends on where you’re standing when you look at him. After speaking with the hip-hop mogul […]

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

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