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Trending
  • Steven Wilson launches Headphone Dust – a home for pristine high-res & immersive audio
  • IN FOCUS// Ash ignite La Scala with career-spanning London show
  • Deftones announce major headline show at Irish Museum of Modern Art
  • The Boxer Rebellion announce seventh album and share powerful new single “Hidden Meanings”
  • The Black Keys return with new single ‘You Got To Lose’ and announce album Peaches!
XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • Steven Wilson
          News

          Steven Wilson launches Headphone Dust – a home for pristine high-res & immersive audio

          February 6, 2026

          Steven Wilson has announced details of a new online platform that will become the one-stop home for his renowned, Grammy-nominated spatial audio mixes, making “studio-quality immersive sound accessible to everyone”. The platform represents a major shift […]

          Deftones
          News

          Deftones announce major headline show at Irish Museum of Modern Art

          February 6, 2026

          Multi-platinum GRAMMY® Award-winning Sacramento band Deftones have announced a summer show at Irish Museum of Modern Art in Dublin on August 25th 2026, with special guests IDLES. This announcement comes ahead of the band’s sold-out […]

          The Boxer Rebellion
          News

          The Boxer Rebellion announce seventh album and share powerful new single “Hidden Meanings”

          February 6, 2026

          The Boxer Rebellion’s first full-length studio album since 2018 arrives with 10 soul-awakening songs this spring. UK/EU-wide tour dates concludes with a celebratory, London homecoming at Brixton Electric on album release weekend Things aren’t always […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          Consolers - Deep Breaths
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Consolers – Deep Breaths

          February 3, 2026

          Belfast’s Consolers haven’t spent their first year in the spotlight trying to deconstruct the DNA of alternative rock. Since their April 2025 arrival, they’ve been far more interested in the visceral payoff of a massive […]

          ALBUM REVIEW: Dry Cleaning - Secret Love
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Dry Cleaning – Secret Love

          January 23, 2026

          With their third studio album, Secret Love, South London’s Dry Cleaning have officially moved beyond the initial hype of the post-punk revival, evolving into a band willing to risk their established formula. Released via 4AD […]

        • 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// 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 […]

          LIVE REVIEW: Marmozets Bring Relentless Energy and Heart to Sold-Out Rescue Rooms Credit: Alina Salihbekova
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Marmozets Bring Relentless Energy and Heart to Sold-Out Rescue Rooms

          February 4, 2026

          British rock band Marmozets delivered an electric, sweat-soaked performance at Rescue Rooms on 26 January, turning the packed venue into a wall of noise and movement. Demand was so intense that security were forced to […]

        • 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// 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 […]

          IN FOCUS// Biffy Clyro at 3Arena Dublin, Ireland Credit: Becca McCaffrey
          IN FOCUS

          IN FOCUS// Biffy Clyro at 3Arena Dublin, Ireland

          January 11, 2026

          Biffy Clyro put on a brilliant show at the 3Arena on Saturday, 10 January, delivering a set that was as heavy and intense as it was open and emotional. The sold-out Dublin crowd were treated […]

  • Gigs
        • Hans Zimmer
          Gigs

          Hans Zimmer: The ultimate fan’s guide

          August 27, 2025

          Hans Zimmer, the genius behind Hollywood’s most unforgettable scores, is back on tour with an electrifying live experience to share with his fans. From “Inception” to “Dune”, Zimmer is preparing to transform his soundscapes into […]

          Andrea Bocelli
          Gigs

          The ultimate fans guide to seeing Andrea Bocelli in Amsterdam

          August 21, 2025

          The Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli, will be at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam on March 29 and 30, 2026. The show will feature a mix of operatic tracks, pop songs, and classical repertoire. Bocelli is […]

          Eros Ramazzotti
          Gigs

          Eros Ramazzotti: Dates, venues, tickets and more

          August 18, 2025

          To celebrate the 40th anniversary of his breakout single, “Una Storia Importante”, Eros Ramazzotti will be performing live on some of the grandest stages across Europe, Latin America, and North America. Ramazzotti is a world-renowned […]

  • Interviews
        • 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 […]

          :Panic :Over
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: :Panic :Over Are Turning Northern Irish Indie Into a Global Sound

          October 16, 2025

          Neal McClelland meets the Northern Irish band whose anthemic sound is turning heads from Belfast to Tokyo. There’s something electric about catching a band right before liftoff — that mix of confidence, humour, and disbelief […]

          Fabrizio Cammarata
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: Fabrizio Cammarata on Solitude, Connection, and the Inner Worlds of His New Album “Insularities”

          October 10, 2025

          Sicilian singer-songwriter Fabrizio Cammarata has returned with Insularities — a quietly profound exploration of connection, isolation, transformation, and memory. The record invites listeners into a space between light and shadow, where grief and love share […]

  • Podcast
        • Dani Larkin
          Podcast

          Dani Larkin on Next Of Kin: life, loss, and learning to stay open | XS Noize Podcast #268

          February 3, 2026

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Dani Larkin to talk about Next Of Kin — a deeply emotive record shaped by time, patience, and a renewed sense of […]

          Paul Draper
          Podcast

          Paul Draper on Mansun Retold: revisiting old songs with new perspective | XS Noize Podcast #267

          January 27, 2026

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Paul Draper to talk about Mansun Retold — a project shaped by distance, perspective, and the strange experience of meeting your younger […]

          Alexander Wolfe
          Podcast

          Alexander Wolfe on ‘Everythinglessness’ and confronting masculinity through music | XS Noize Podcast #266

          January 20, 2026

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Alexander Wolfe to talk about his deeply personal new album Everythinglessness. Watch the full video conversation. Written after a period of intense […]

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  • Ni Music Prize

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

  • Dani Larkin
    Dani Larkin on Next Of Kin: life, loss, and learning to stay open | XS Noize Podcast #268
    February 3, 2026
  • Paul Draper
    Paul Draper on Mansun Retold: revisiting old songs with new perspective | XS Noize Podcast #267
    January 27, 2026
  • Alexander Wolfe
    Alexander Wolfe on ‘Everythinglessness’ and confronting masculinity through music | XS Noize Podcast #266
    January 20, 2026
  • Callum Beattie
    Callum Beattie on new album INDI and trusting his instinct | XS Noize Podcast #265
    January 14, 2026
  • Sleaford Mods
    Sleaford Mods’ Jason Williamson on Planet X, cultural decay, and the evolution of the band | XS Noize Podcast #264
    December 6, 2025
  • Oliver Murray
    Oliver Murray on completing “The Beatles Anthology” and bringing Episode Nine to life | XS Noize Podcast #263
    December 4, 2025

TOP UK MUSIC BLOG 2026

Trending Articles

  • Bad Bunny6 of Bad Bunny’s biggest selling hits August 5, 2025
  • Steven WilsonSteven Wilson launches Headphone Dust – a home for pristine high-res & immersive audio February 6, 2026
  • Bad BunnyBad Bunny’s 2026 World Tour: Dates, venues, tickets, and more July 25, 2025
  • ALBUM REVIEW: Kula Shaker - WormslayerALBUM REVIEW: Kula Shaker – Wormslayer January 23, 2026
  • FaithlessFaithless to headline Custom House Square, Belfast on 20 August 2026 February 3, 2026
  • YungbludFive of Yungblud’s biggest hits August 24, 2025
  • BILLIE EILISH was "terrified" of Eminem growing up. The Billie Eilish phenomenon: Why she’s so popular  April 7, 2025
  • The Black KeysThe Black Keys return with new single ‘You Got To Lose’ and announce album Peaches! February 5, 2026
  • Kula ShakerKula Shaker expand the world of “Wormslayer” with an epic new short film February 3, 2026
  • Valencia GraceSTATE OF GRACE: Why Valencia Grace Is an Artist on the Brink January 31, 2026

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