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 about the reset behind the record, the band’s instinctive new creative process, and what it means to still be doing this 25 years on.
Watch the full XS Noize Podcast conversation below.
Released on 27 March 2026, The Second I’m Asleep finds The Boxer Rebellion sounding focused, instinctive and emotionally direct. Written and recorded in short, intense bursts, the album grew out of a process built on spontaneity rather than overthinking — with the band pushing themselves to work quickly, trust their instincts, and avoid overworking the songs.
In this conversation, Nathan Nicholson and Piers Hewitt reflect on the unspoken break that followed the band’s last full-length album, and how time away helped them reconnect with what made the band work in the first place. They talk about finding the right space to write again, why the new process brought a different kind of freedom, and how years of experience allowed them to trust the material sooner.
The discussion also explores the lyrical and emotional world of the record. Nathan talks about how his writing has changed over time, while songs including “Flowers in the Water” and “Hidden Meanings” open up a wider conversation about self-reflection, regret, acceptance and the passing of time.
There is also a strong thread running through the episode about longevity, family life, independence and the realities of keeping a long-running band going when life around it has changed. The conversation also looks back on key Boxer Rebellion albums including Exits, Union and Ghost Alive, as Nathan and Piers share memories, turning points and the songs they would choose to introduce new listeners to the band.
It’s an honest and engaging episode about songwriting, identity, survival and the quiet determination it takes to keep making meaningful work across decades.
Prefer audio? Listen here.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Podcasts | YouTube
Follow The Boxer Rebellion HERE.
About The XS Noize Podcast
With more than 270 episodes, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music’s legends, innovators, and trailblazers — a place where real conversations meet real stories.
Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has featured an extraordinary lineup including Scouting For Girls, The Twilight Sad, Steve Lillywhite, Paul Draper, Sleaford Mods, The Charlatans, Gary “Mani” Mounfield, Glen Matlock, Miles Kane, Matt Berninger, Saint Etienne, D:Ream, Gavin Rossdale, The Farm, Snow Patrol, John Lydon, Will Sergeant, Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Doves, Gavin Friday, David Gray, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, Razorlight, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, The Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, and Michael Head — among many more.
Explore the complete XS Noize Podcast archive.
New episodes drop weekly — subscribe for in-depth conversations with the artists who shape modern music.
Be the first to comment