Acclaimed British singer-songwriter Tom Hickox joins Mark Millar on the latest episode of the XS Noize Music Podcast to delve into his highly anticipated third album, The Orchestra of Stories, out 25 April 2025 via Family Tree Records.
Marking his return after a four-year hiatus, Hickox unveils a sweeping, cinematic collection of songs that fuse myth, memory, history, and heart. In this in-depth conversation, he discusses the emotional and historical inspirations behind standout tracks like “Chalk Giants,” “The Shoemaker,” “The Clairvoyant,” and “The Failed Assassination of Fidel Castro.”
Listeners will also hear how his background in composition helped shape the album’s orchestral sound, and how family legacies, personal memories, and real-life events sparked the storytelling behind the music.
Whether you’re drawn to storytelling in music, cinematic songwriting, or artists like Scott Walker, this episode is essential listening. The Orchestra of Stories is Hickox at his most ambitious—an album that elevates narrative songwriting to stunning new heights. Listen to episode #223 of the XS Noize Music Podcast with Tom Hickox – BELOW:
Or listen via YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS – Find The XS Noize Podcast’s complete archive of episodes here.
Previous XS Noize Podcast guests have included John Lydon, Will Sergeant, Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Doves, Gavin Friday, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, The Twang, 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, Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, Michael Head, and many more.
The Orchestra of Stories will be available on colour vinyl, CD and digitally.
Following the album’s release, on 9 May, Tom will play Kings Place, London, in what promises to be a vibrant show with an expanded, all-star orchestra line-up.
Tickets are available to purchase now through: https://tomhickox.lnk.to/KingsPlace-Tickets
In September, Tom will begin a 12-date UK tour:
28 September Hebden Bridge, Trades Club
29 September Exeter, Phoenix
02 October Edinburgh, The Caves
03 October Sheffield, Yellow Arch Studios
04 October Manchester, Halle St. Michael’s
05 October Newcastle, The Grove
07 October Birmingham, Glee Club
08 October Hull, Social
09 October Bristol, Lantern
18 November Milton Keynes, The Stables
21 November Cardiff, Acapela
30 November Brighton, Komedia
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