In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Zak and Matty from The Dream Machine to talk about Fort Perch Rock — the band’s third studio album and a record shaped by instinct, friendship and a deep connection to place. Watch the full XS Noize Podcast conversation below.
Formed in 2021, the band first emerged with their 2022 debut Thank God! It’s The Dream Machine, followed by 2024’s James Skelly-produced Small Time Monsters. With Fort Perch Rock, they move further into their own identity — self-produced and recorded between studios on the Wirral and in Liverpool.
Built with a DIY spirit, Fort Perch Rock leans into creative freedom. Zak and Matty discuss embracing a hands-on production approach, allowing songs to evolve naturally rather than chasing polish for its own sake. The local environment plays a strong role in the record’s atmosphere, grounding it in memory, shared experience and the energy of the Wirral and Liverpool music communities.
In this conversation, they reflect on their songwriting process — how ideas often begin with a riff or a feeling before being shaped collaboratively. They also talk about balancing nostalgia with originality, making music primarily for themselves rather than trends, and why live performance remains central to how their songs continue to grow and connect with audiences.
Prefer audio? Listen here.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Podcasts | YouTube
The band continues on their run of live dates concluding with a landmark homecoming celebration at Liverpool’s O2 Academy on Fri 27 March 2026. Including their instore appearances, all confirmed live dates are as follows:
Sun 8 March – Liverpool, Jacaranda
Mon 9 March – Leeds, Crash
Tue 10 March – Bury, Wax and Beans
Wed 11 March – Kingston, Banquet
Mon 16 March – Nottingham, Rough Trade
Tue 17 March – Edinburgh, Assai
Wed 18 March – Glasgow, Assai
Fri 27 March – Liverpool, O2 Academy
*with Kula Shaker
For remaining tickets for all upcoming live shows and Fort Perch Rock order information visit here.
About The XS Noize Podcast
With over 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 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 here.
New episodes drop weekly — subscribe for more in-depth conversations with the artists who shape our lives.
Be the first to comment