In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with James Graham and Andy MacFarlane — the creative core of The Twilight Sad — to talk about their powerful sixth album It’s The Long Goodbye. Watch the full XS Noize Podcast conversation below.
Written across a seven-year period, It’s The Long Goodbye became the band’s most personal and emotionally direct record to date. Much of the album was shaped during a difficult chapter in James Graham’s life, as he navigated his mother’s illness, his own struggles with mental health, and the weight of grief and loss.
During the conversation, James and Andy reflect on the long creative journey behind the record — from the early demos developed during lockdown to the moment the songs finally began to feel like a cohesive album.
In this wide-ranging conversation, the band open up about their creative partnership after nearly two decades of making music together, the way their songwriting process has evolved over time, and why this album demanded a level of honesty that earlier records sometimes kept hidden behind metaphor.
They also discuss the band’s close relationship with Robert Smith of The Cure, who contributes guitar and six-string bass to several tracks after years of friendship and touring together.
The conversation also looks back at the band’s early years — from their debut album Fourteen Autumns & Fifteen Winters through the evolution of their sound and the challenges of sustaining a band across two decades in the music industry.
Along the way, James speaks candidly about the emotional themes at the heart of the new record, how songwriting helped him process personal loss, and why he hopes the album might resonate with listeners going through similar experiences.
Whether you’ve followed The Twilight Sad since their earliest recordings or are discovering the band for the first time, this conversation offers a thoughtful and revealing look at the people, experiences, and emotions behind one of their most important albums.
Prefer audio? Listen here.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Podcasts | YouTube
The Twilight Sad will be on tour in the UK and Europe in April and May including a performance at the Roundhouse in London. The band also recently announced news of a second Glasgow Barrowland show in early May. This will be followed by a handful of dates performing as special guests to The Cure in June and July and festival appearances including Bearded Theory, Isle Of Wight and Deer Shed.
THE TWILIGHT SAD headline shows:
Sun 12 April – Italy, Milan, Legend Club
Tues 14 April – Switzerland, Zurich, Bogen F
Weds 15 April – Germany, Munich, Ampere
Thurs 16 April – Germany, Berlin, Gretchen
Sat 18 April – Denmark, Copenhagen, Loppen
Sun 19 April – Norway, Oslo, Parkteateret
Mon 20 April – Sweden, Stockholm, Slaktkyrkan
Weds 22 April – Germany, Hamburg, Grünspan
Thurs 23 April – Netherlands, Utrecht, Tivolivredenburg Pandora Hall
Sat 25 April – Germany, Cologne, Gebäude 9
Sun 26 April – Belgium, Brussels, Rotonde – Botanique
Mon 27 April – France, Paris, Le Trabendo
Weds 29 April – UK, Bristol, Electric Bristol
Thurs 30 April – UK, London, Roundhouse
Sat 2 May – UK, Manchester, New Century Hall
Sun 3 May – UK, Newcastle upon Tyne, Boiler Shop
Tues 5 May – Scotland, Glasgow, Barrowlands
Weds 6 May – Scotland, Glasgow, Barrowlands
Sat 9 May – Ireland, Dublin, Button Factory
Live dates with The Cure + festival appearances:
Sun 24 May – Derbyshire – Bearded Theory
Sun 14 June – Italy, Firenze, Visarno Arena
Sun 21 June – Isle Of Wight – Isle Of Wight Festival
Weds 24 June – Cardiff, Blackweir Fields
Fri 26 June – Dublin, Marley Park
Sun 28 June – Belfast, Belsonic
Weds 8 July – Slovakia, Pohoda Festival
Fri 10 July – Germany, Berlin, Wuhlheide
Sat 11 July – Germany, Berlin, Wuhlheide
Sun 12 July – Germany, Berlin, Wuhlheide
Fri 24 – Sun 26 July – Topcliffe – Deer Shed Festival
IT’S THE LONG GOODBYE album artwork and tracklist:
- GET AWAY FROM IT ALL
- DESIGNED TO LOSE
- ATTEMPT A CRASH LANDING – THEME
- WAITING FOR THE PHONE CALL
- THE CEILING UNDERGROUND
- DEAD FLOWERS
- INHOSPITABLE/HOSPITAL
- CHEST WOUND TO THE CHEST
- BACK TO FOURTEEN
- TV PEOPLE STILL THROWING TVS AT PEOPLE
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 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.
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