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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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Northern Ireland

Music Venue Trust Annual Report 2025
News

Music Venue Trust Annual Report 2025 reveals stark reality for Northern Ireland’s grassroots music venues

April 15, 2026 XS Noize

Northern Ireland has produced Snow Patrol, Two Door Cinema Club, The Undertones, Ash, Stiff Little Fingers, Gary Moore, Van Morrison and more from a population roughly the size of Greater Manchester. Every one of them […]

Northern Ireland Event Summit
News

Belfast Hosts Inaugural Northern Ireland Events Summit Bringing Together Industry Leaders

March 12, 2026 XS Noize

Professionals from across Northern Ireland’s events, hospitality and tourism sectors gathered at the W5 Lecture Theatre yesterday in Belfast for the inaugural Northern Ireland Event Summit, presented by Eventsec alongside industry partners Belsonic, Aiken Promotions, […]

The Florentinas
News

Bangor four-piece The Florentinas release new single ‘For You’

March 6, 2025 XS Noize

Following from playing main support to Snow Patrol throughout Europe over two weeks in February, Bangor four-piece The Florentinas are pleased to release their new single ‘FOR YOU’. Paddy from The Florentinas said; “For you’ […]

Ed Sheeran makes surprise visit to Northern Ireland in support of Belfast music charities Credit: Bradley Quinn
News

Ed Sheeran makes surprise visit to Northern Ireland in support of Belfast music charities

January 11, 2025 XS Noize

World-renowned musician and singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran made a surprise visit to Northern Ireland this week as part of the UK-wide launch of his new charity, The Ed Sheeran Foundation. The Foundation, which aims to raise […]

The Farmer’s Bash
Gigs

The Farmer’s Bash is back in 2025 at Boucher Playing Fields

December 11, 2024 XS Noize

The Farmer’s Bash is back in 2025, and due to phenomenal demand, it will now be hosted across two days and four stages at Boucher Playing Fields—Northern Ireland’s largest concert venue! The inaugural outdoor edition […]

NI Music Prize 2024
News

NI Music Prize 2024: A Huge Night for Northern Ireland

November 14, 2024 XS Noize

The NI Music Prize took the roof off the Ulster Hall last night with an outstanding evening of Music from Northern Ireland. Featuring legends, contenders and show-stoppers, the event did not fail to deliver the […]

Wynona Bleach
Gigs

Bubblegrunge Belfast rockers Wynona Bleach announce new single “I Deserve That” and October tour dates

September 24, 2024 XS Noize

Blending alternative rock, shoegaze, and power pop, Wynona Bleach are a fierce and feisty four-piece band from Belfast, Northern Ireland. In 2021, they signed with the iconic indie label Fierce Panda (known for Coldplay, Placebo, […]

IN FOCUS// STIFF LITTLE FINGERS at Custom House Square, Belfast © Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// STIFF LITTLE FINGERS & Special Guests at Custom House Square, Belfast

August 19, 2024 Bernie McAllister

Legendary NI Punks STIFF LITTLE FINGERS returned to Custom House Square for another memorable night in Belfast on Saturday, 17th August 2024, alongside an all-star line-up of very special guests & friends, including THE DAMNED, THE […]

Eirewave
News

EIREWAVE Expands Coverage to Newry, Armagh, and Down on DAB+

July 14, 2024 XS Noize

Eirewave, the Northern Ireland pop and rock radio station, is thrilled to announce the expansion of its broadcasting reach with the launch of a new small-scale DAB service across Newry, Armagh, and Down. This significant […]

Belfast TradFest 2024
News

Trad will be the sound of the city as BELFAST TRADFEST adds more events to their festival programme

June 27, 2024 XS Noize

Belfast TradFest 2024: The World’s finest traditional musicians flock to Belfast for the fastest-growing festival of traditional music in Ireland, featuring over 370 events in the City. Belfast TradFest, Northern Ireland’s premier traditional music, song, […]

Belfast TradFest
News

BELFAST TRADFEST set to take over Belfast from July 21st – 28th 2024

June 4, 2024 XS Noize

Belfast TradFest, Northern Ireland’s premier traditional music, song, and dance festival, is back for its much-anticipated 6th edition. Running from July 21st to 28th, this year’s festival offers over three hundred and fifty events with […]

David C Clements
News

Northern Irish indie-rock innovator David C Clements returns with new single ‘Reckless’

April 24, 2024 XS Noize

After originally introducing himself with his spectacular debut album ‘The Longest Day In History’ in 2016, which featured his breakthrough anthem “My Dear Mother”, Northern Irish indie-rock innovator David C Clements has now made his […]

CASUAL RIOTS
Gigs

Indie rock 5-piece CASUAL RIOTS to play headline show at The Limelight 2, Belfast

March 22, 2024 XS Noize

Casual Riots are a 5-piece Indie rock band from Belfast, Northern Ireland. The band formed in 2019 from a collection of cool, hard-working guys who met at school, and they all couldn’t get enough of […]

THERAPY? announce 'Troublegum 30' show at The Ulster Hall, Belfast
Gigs

THERAPY? announce ‘Troublegum 30’ show at The Ulster Hall, Belfast

February 7, 2024 XS Noize

For Northern Ireland-originating rockers Therapy? resilience and survival have become watchwords. Enduring over three decades as the musical, cultural and social landscapes have shifted around them, the trio have forged and retained a powerful and […]

Billy Gillies
Gigs

BILLY GILLIES announces Custom House Square show on Saturday, 10th August 2024

February 2, 2024 XS Noize

Following his top 10 UK chart hit DNA, Trance superstar Billy Gillies is pleased to announce his biggest headline Belfast show to date at Custom House Square on Saturday, 10th August 2024. Billy will be […]

Gareth Dunlop at Ulster Hall, Belfast © Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Gareth Dunlop at Ulster Hall, Belfast

November 15, 2023 Bernie McAllister

Far From Saints were at The Ulster Hall, Belfast, as part of their extensive UK and Ireland tour with support from Belfast’s synth-pop artist, Gareth Dunlop, who played a fantastic set. Bernie McAllister was there […]

THERAPY?
News

THERAPY? reveal their mind-melting AI-generated video for ‘Woe’

November 1, 2023 XS Noize

Northern Irish rock outfit, THERAPY? reveal their mind-melting AI-generated video for ‘Woe,’ which is taken from their critically acclaimed new album ‘Hard Cold Fire,’ OUT NOW on Marshall Records.  As a growing fan favourite, ‘Woe’ […]

IN FOCUS// Haircut 100 at The Limelight, Belfast © Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Haircut One Hundred at The Limelight, Belfast

October 10, 2023 Bernie McAllister

Fresh from sold-out shows in London and Oxford in May, ’80s new wave pop band Haircut One Hundred kicked off their Haircut 100% Live Tour in Belfast with a brilliant performance at the iconic Limelight, […]

Jack Devlin
News

Irish Indie newcomer JACK DEVLIN releases new single ‘Dialogue’

September 22, 2023 XS Noize

Irish Indie newcomer Jack Devlin lands with new single ‘Dialogue’ released on 22nd September 2023, the follow-up to his 2022 release ‘Lies’. ‘Dialogue’ was written with Harry from Hudson Taylor; it’s a three-minute powerhouse with […]

IN FOCUS// The Prodigy at Belsonic, Ormeau Park © Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// The Prodigy at Belsonic, Ormeau Park

July 1, 2023 Bernie McAllister

The Prodigy played an exceptional outdoor performance at Ormeau Park, Belfast, on Friday, 30th June 2023. Following the band’s incendiary and emotionally charged sellout tour of the UK last July, their first since Keith Flint […]

Posts pagination

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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
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