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  • Julian Marley, son of reggae legend Bob Marley, announces Belfast show
  • ALBUM REVIEW: Sparta – Cut A Silhouette
  • Inspiral Carpets announce ‘Burn Like The Sun’ – their first studio album in 12 years
  • Faithless Announce Special Guests For CHSq Belfast Show With Phil Hartnoll, Justin Robertson & Marion Hawkes
  • American hard rock band Clutch announce Belfast show at Telegraph Building
XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • Julian Marley
          News

          Julian Marley, son of reggae legend Bob Marley, announces Belfast show

          May 29, 2026

          Born in London, England on June 4, 1975, Julian Marley is the son of reggae legend Bob Marley and Barbados-born Lucy Pounder. Growing up as a youth in a musical atmosphere, the Grammy Award Nominated […]

          Inspiral Carpets
          News

          Inspiral Carpets announce ‘Burn Like The Sun’ – their first studio album in 12 years

          May 29, 2026

          Inspiral Carpets announce Burn Like The Sun – their first studio album in 12 years, out January 29th, 2027 via Scruff of the Neck Records. The band have unveiled a special announcement video, narrated by […]

          Faithless
          News

          Faithless Announce Special Guests For CHSq Belfast Show With Phil Hartnoll, Justin Robertson & Marion Hawkes

          May 28, 2026

          Dance pioneers Faithless are back with their biggest Belfast headline show to date at Custom House Square on Thursday 20th August 2026, alongside very special guests, Phil Hartnoll (Orbital), Justin Robertson and Marion Hawkes. Few […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Sparta - Cut A Silhouette
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Sparta – Cut A Silhouette

          May 29, 2026

          Having spent two decades parsing the shifting sands of alternative rock, it takes something genuinely striking to cut through the noise. Enter Sparta’s latest offering, Cut A Silhouette. Spanning ten tracks across an urgent 33 […]

          Mull Historical Society
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Mull Historical Society – In My Mind There’s a Photograph

          May 26, 2026

          For Mull Historical Society’s last album, Colin MacIntyre — who is, in essence, Mull Historical Society — invited acclaimed authors to write lyrics for his musical compositions. The result was 2023’s In My Mind There’s […]

        • 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

          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 […]

          LIVE REVIEW: Kiefer Sutherland proves his country credentials with a heartfelt Union Chapel performance
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Kiefer Sutherland proves his country credentials with a heartfelt Union Chapel performance

          May 14, 2026

          Kiefer Sutherland may be known across the world as an actor and producer, but on stage at Union Chapel, that part of his life felt almost beside the point. With his fourth album, Grey, due […]

        • 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
        • 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 […]

          Nerina Pallot on 25 Years of Music, "Fire Escape Symphonies" and Why Hope Still Matters | XS Noize Podcast #285
          Podcast

          Nerina Pallot on 25 Years of Music and Why Hope Still Matters | XS Noize Podcast #285

          May 19, 2026

          In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by BRIT and Ivor Novello-nominated singer-songwriter Nerina Pallot. Nerina joins Mark for a warm, honest and reflective conversation about her new career-spanning […]

          Broken Social Scene on 'Remember The Humans,' grief and why music still saves people | XS Noize Podcast #284
          Podcast

          Broken Social Scene on ‘Remember The Humans,’ grief and why music still saves us

          May 12, 2026

          In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Kevin Drew and Charles Spearin of Broken Social Scene. Kevin and Charles join Mark for a warm, reflective and deeply human […]

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NI Music Prize

Sound of Belfast Festival
News

Sound of Belfast Festival 2025 Announced: Celebrating the City’s Musical Talent, 6–16 November

September 18, 2025 XS Noize

The Oh Yeah Music Centre has announced the details of its Sound of Belfast Festival for 2025. Taking place from 6 to 16 November, this annual celebration is dedicated to showcasing Belfast’s musical talents and its status […]

Into the Depths: Sister Ghost Discusses the Creation of 'Beyond the Water'
Podcast

Into the Depths: Sister Ghost Discusses the Creation of ‘Beyond the Water’

October 30, 2024 XS Noize

In Episode #198 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar interviews Irish artist Sister Ghost about their long-awaited debut album, Beyond The Water. Recorded in Los Angeles in the summer of 2022 with producer […]

The Sound of Belfast 2023
News

SOUND OF BELFAST 2023 starts today – dedicated to showcasing the city’s musical talents

November 9, 2023 XS Noize

The Sound of Belfast 2023 programme starts today. This annual celebration, dedicated to showcasing the city’s musical talents, takes place from 9th-19th November. Taking in Jazz, Rock, Blues, Trad, Folk, Pop, Electronic, Alternative and more, […]

sound of belfast
News

SOUND OF BELFAST 2023 announced from 9th-19th November

September 14, 2023 XS Noize

The Oh Yeah Music Centre has announced the details of its Sound of Belfast 2023 programme. This annual celebration, dedicated to showcasing the city’s musical talents, will take place from 9th-19th November. Taking in Jazz, […]

THOM SOUTHERN
News

THOM SOUTHERN announces new album ‘So Long My Friend’ – Hear lead single ‘Let Someone Else In’

June 16, 2023 XS Noize

Today, THOM SOUTHERN is pleased to confirm ‘So Long My Friend’, a brand new solo album slated for release on 8th September 2023 (via Mighty Good Leader). A rapid follow-up to his 2022 NI Music […]

Scratch My Progress EP
News

Belfast music hub OH YEAH MUSIC CENTRE releases Scratch My Progress EP

March 22, 2023 XS Noize

Belfast music hub, the Oh Yeah Music Centre is delighted to announce the release of this year’s showcase EP from its annual talent development programme – Scratch My Progress. The release features brand-new tracks, from […]

Robocobra Quartet
News

NI Music Prize – The Big Night at Ulster Hall was a proud moment for local music

November 17, 2022 XS Noize

The NI Music Prize returned to the Ulster Hall last night to a full house for a live showcase of some of the best music artists we have to offer. The event, which was organised […]

Sound of Belfast
News

New Data Underlines Music’s Integral Role in the Northern Ireland Economy

November 15, 2022 XS Noize

New data released today demonstrates the economic importance of music to Northern Ireland (NI). Figures published ahead of Wednesday’s Music Cities event, and the NI Music Prize show that, in 2019, the music sector in […]

SAINT SISTER and DEA MATRONA triumph at this year’s NI Music Prize 1
News

SAINT SISTER and DEA MATRONA triumph at this year’s NI Music Prize

November 18, 2021 XS Noize

The NI Music Prize returned to the Ulster Hall last night for a live showcase of some of the best music artists we have to offer. The event, which was organised by the Oh Yeah […]

The Oh Yeah Music Centre has announced details of this year's NI Music Prize event and line up 1
Gigs

The Oh Yeah Music Centre has announced details of this year’s NI Music Prize event and line up

October 19, 2021 XS Noize

The Oh Yeah Music Centre has announced details of this year’s NI Music Prize event and line up. After a year away from the stage due to Covid-19, the event will return to the Ulster […]

NI MUSIC PRIZE 2020 Winners And Their Awards
New Music

NI MUSIC PRIZE 2020 Winners And Their Awards

November 17, 2020 XS Noize

Despite COVID-19, the NI Music Prize went ahead last week and while it had to be done online, it was the most incredible evening of positivity, high-quality music and emotional speeches. Organised by the Oh […]

WATCH: VAN MORRISON'S special video message for SNOW PATROL at the NI Music Prize
News

WATCH: VAN MORRISON’S special video message for SNOW PATROL at the NI Music Prize

November 18, 2019 XS Noize

Local legend Van Morrison recorded a very special video message for Snow Patrol at the NI Music Prize, as the band were honoured with the ‘Oh Yeah Legend Award’ as supported by PRS for Music, […]

STEVE STRANGE to receive ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music’ award in Belfast on November 7th
News

STEVE STRANGE to receive ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music’ award in Belfast on November 7th

October 30, 2019 XS Noize

Steve Strange, will be presented with the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music’ award at the NI Music Prize in the Ulster Hall, Belfast, on November 7th. Steve is the second recipient of this special award that recognises […]

The Wood Burning Savages, ROE and Kitt Philippa triumph at the Northern Ireland Music Awards 2018 1
News

The Wood Burning Savages, ROE and Kitt Philippa triumph at the Northern Ireland Music Awards 2018

November 16, 2018 XS Noize

There were stunning performances with equally impressive visuals and lights from six of the nominees, including a jaw-dropping set from Hannah Peel with the 1st Old Boys Brass band, and a blistering set from The […]

GARY LIGHTBODY receives ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music’ award Tonight
News

GARY LIGHTBODY receives ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music’ award Tonight

November 15, 2018 XS Noize

Gary Lightbody received the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music’ award in Belfast this evening. Gary Lightbody, the singer, songwriter, musician and Snow Patrol front-man, was presented with the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music’ award at the NI Music […]

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

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

November 2, 2018 XS Noize

Gary Lightbody to receive  ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music’ award in Belfast on November 15th. Gary Lightbody, the singer, songwriter, musician and  Snow Patrol front-man, will be presented with the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music’ award at the  NI Music Prize in the Ulster […]

LATEST PODCASTS

  • robert arkins - the commitments
    Robert Arkins on The Commitments, Jimmy Rabbitte and Life After the Film | XS Noize Podcast #286
    May 25, 2026
  • Nerina Pallot on 25 Years of Music, "Fire Escape Symphonies" and Why Hope Still Matters | XS Noize Podcast #285
    Nerina Pallot on 25 Years of Music and Why Hope Still Matters | XS Noize Podcast #285
    May 19, 2026
  • Broken Social Scene on 'Remember The Humans,' grief and why music still saves people | XS Noize Podcast #284
    Broken Social Scene on ‘Remember The Humans,’ grief and why music still saves us
    May 12, 2026
  • da Googie
    Deb Googe & Cara Tivey on da Googie and bringing immersive sound to Belfast | XS Noize Podcast #283
    May 5, 2026
  • Glen Hansard on ‘Transmissions East’, Bob Dylan and a Record That Isn’t Looking Back | XS Noize Podcast #282
    Glen Hansard on ‘Transmissions East’, Bob Dylan and a Record That Isn’t Looking Back | XS Noize Podcast #282
    April 29, 2026
  • Miles Hunt on 40 years of The Wonder Stuff, burnout, Vent 414 and starting over | XS Noize Podcast #281
    Miles Hunt on 40 years of The Wonder Stuff, burnout, Vent 414 and starting over | XS Noize Podcast #281
    April 22, 2026

TOP UK MUSIC BLOG 2026

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