The XS Noize Podcast

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Editors guitarist and producer Justin Lockey joins Mark Millar to discuss the band's new album, Surface, Echo & Sound, returning to playing together in a room, and the turning point that helped secure Editors' future.

Following the electronics of EBM, Justin explains how the band built the new record around Tom Smith's acoustic guitar, keeping the arrangements simple and leaving the imperfections in their performances.

He shares the stories behind "The Rush", "Much Love", "Seriously" and "Happiness", alongside the influence of R.E.M., The Cure and the war films that became part of studio life.

Justin also discusses what he learned from Steve Albini and Flood, his concerns about AI-generated music, and why the human character of a recording matters more than technical perfection.

Looking back at joining Editors, he recalls a battered four-string Telecaster, writing the guitar part for "Sugar" before meeting Tom, and why The Weight of Your Love was crucial to the band's survival. He also explains how he recorded In Dream on a laptop with limited equipment.

Finally, Justin reflects on the democracy within Editors, bringing the new songs to the stage, and what still excites him about making records together.

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Website: https://www.xsnoize.com/

In episode #304 of the XS Noize Podcast, Nickelback bassist Mike Kroeger joins Mark Millar to discuss the band's new album, Everything Under The Sun, growing up with his brother Chad, and the brush with death that changed his outlook on life.

Mike explains why Nickelback wanted to make music at their own pace, shares his initial doubts about recording "Last Night Was Fun," and discusses bringing in John 5 to play on "Rattle the Cage."

He also explores the story behind "I Already Know," trusting Chad's songwriting instincts, and finding bass parts that serve the song.

Away from the studio, Mike opens up about discovering his Irish family, his close bond with Chad, and why he enjoys being in a famous band while keeping his everyday life away from the spotlight.

Reflecting on the health scare featured in Hate to Love: Nickelback, he explains why being right no longer matters to him and how the experience helped him let go of things he cannot control.

Looking ahead to Nickelback's 2027 world tour, including Dublin's 3Arena, Mike discusses choosing a setlist packed with hits. He also recalls discovering that Pantera's Abbott brothers were fans, shares his love of heavy metal, and reveals how he became a qualified gemologist.

Finally, Mike reflects on what he would miss most if Nickelback ended tomorrow.

Subscribe to the XS Noize Podcast for more in-depth conversations with the artists behind the music.

Website: https://www.xsnoize.com

In episode #303 of the XS Noize Podcast, Steven Wilson joins Mark Millar to discuss his new album, Requiem For A Village, embracing musical imperfections, and why he believes the human touch matters more than ever in an age of artificial intelligence.

Following the cosmic scale of The Overview, Steven explains why he wanted to explore British folklore, childhood memories and the unsettling atmosphere of folk-horror films such as The Wicker Man.

He discusses deliberately leaving instruments out of tune, experimenting with instruments he doesn't know how to play, and rediscovering the excitement of making music without everything being perfect.

Steven also talks about working with XTC's Andy Partridge and actor David Tennant, his concerns about AI-generated music, and what he's learned from remixing classic recordings by artists including Pink Floyd.

Looking ahead, he discusses performing The Overview at the Royal Albert Hall with an orchestra and choir, and reveals that he and Andy Partridge have discussed the possibility of a sequel — or even a trilogy — based around Requiem For A Village.

Finally, Steven reflects on the emotional power of music and why some of its magic may never be fully explained.

Subscribe to the XS Noize Podcast for more in-depth conversations with the artists behind the music.

Website: https://www.xsnoize.com/

Gabriella Cilmi joins Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to discuss her new album, Pure Love, being signed at just 13, the worldwide success of 'Sweet About Me', and finding her way back to herself as an artist.

Gabriella reflects on the pressures of becoming famous at 16, losing creative control and eventually stepping away to rebuild on her own terms. She also reveals how watching footage of herself singing as a ten-year-old helped inspire Pure Love, discusses the stories behind the new songs and explains why she sees the album as "a comeback in the sense that I'm coming back to myself."

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Subscribe to the XS Noize Podcast for more in-depth conversations with artists, songwriters, producers and bands from around the world.

The XS Noize Podcast is hosted and produced by XS Noize founder and editor Mark Millar.

My Morning Jacket frontman Jim James joins Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to discuss his new solo album, Wowed Out, rediscovering music from his past, his journey towards sobriety and self-acceptance, and what's next for My Morning Jacket.

His fifth solo LP and first new solo album in eight years, Wowed Out grew from a collection of abandoned film-score recordings Jim created with composer Brian Reitzell more than 15 years ago. Jim reveals how revisiting those forgotten sessions inspired an entirely new record and why he has learned to embrace quieter musical moments rather than chasing big choruses and guitar solos.

The conversation explores the meaning behind Wowed Out, the overwhelming nature of social media and modern technology, and Jim's efforts to reconnect with the world beyond his phone. He also shares the stories behind 'Hands On', 'Lost Child' and 'Come Again', opening up about quitting drinking four years ago, his search for belonging and the healing power of music.

Finally, Jim reflects on nearly 30 years of My Morning Jacket, why the band feel more connected than ever, plans to record a new album in November and the possibility of bringing Wowed Out songs into their live shows.

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Subscribe to the XS Noize Podcast for more in-depth conversations with artists, songwriters, producers and bands from around the world.

The XS Noize Podcast is hosted and produced by XS Noize founder and editor Mark Millar.

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Clint Boon to discuss his autobiography, Manchester Chronicles: True Tales of Music, Madness and Mayhem 1976–2006, the rise of Inspiral Carpets and the remarkable highs and lows of his life in music.

Clint recalls seeing the Sex Pistols at Manchester's Electric Circus in 1976—the night that convinced him he could form a band. He discusses joining Inspiral Carpets, introducing the Farfisa organ that helped define their sound and building the band independently through homemade recordings, merchandise, visuals and their own studio.

Clint also reflects on Noel Gallagher's journey from auditioning to become the Inspirals' singer to joining their touring crew, what Noel learned from watching the band at close range and when his songwriting with Oasis became impossible to ignore. He also remembers recording "I Want You" with Mark E. Smith and reveals what remains on the unfinished fifth Inspiral Carpets album.

The conversation becomes more personal as Clint recalls going from Glastonbury and Top of the Pops to signing on, hiding from bailiffs and relying on milk tokens to support his young family. He explains why he continued writing hopeful songs during that difficult period and how surviving a terrifying motorway crash changed his life.

Clint also discusses Mani's place in Manchester Chronicles, what success means to him now and what his 17-year-old self would make of the extraordinary life that followed that first Sex Pistols concert. Finally, he looks ahead to Burn Like the Sun, the first new Inspiral Carpets studio album in 12 years.

Buy Manchester Chronicles: https://geni.us/manchesterchronicles

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Visit XS Noize: https://www.xsnoize.com/

The XS Noize Podcast is hosted and produced by Mark Millar.

Stephen Mallinder joins Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to discuss Cabaret Voltaire's final tour, the return of Chris Watson, and the remastered edition of CODE.

Stephen reflects on why these final shows are both a celebration and an ending, and why he was determined not to let Cabaret Voltaire become its own tribute act.

He talks about reconnecting with Chris Watson, rebuilding the music using original technology and processes, and how revisiting the material brought Richard H. Kirk back into the room emotionally.

Stephen also looks back on CODE, working with Adrian Sherwood, and why he considers the album one of the most political records he and Richard made. He discusses the themes of technology, power, paranoia and greed, and why they still feel relevant today.

Elsewhere, Stephen talks about the rediscovered John Robie dub mix of "Thank You America", Cabaret Voltaire's roots in soul, dub, funk and electro, Gazelle Twin joining the final shows, and what it will mean to bring this chapter to a close in Sheffield.

Finally, Stephen looks ahead to what comes next after Cabaret Voltaire and explains why a limited-edition bottle of Henderson's Relish is such a fitting way to mark the end.

The XS Noize Podcast is hosted and produced by Mark Millar.

Jamie Webster joins Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to discuss his fourth studio album, Running Round The Sun, and the success, self-doubt and personal experiences behind his most reflective record yet.

Jamie looks back on his journey from playing Liverpool pubs for a pint of Coke and a packet of Quavers to huge headline shows, and reflects on why achieving his dreams hasn't necessarily made life easier to figure out.

He opens up about the more personal writing on the new album, including "Turning Point" and "Wherever You Are", discussing mental health, loneliness, asking for help and learning to recognise the good moments rather than constantly chasing what comes next.

Jamie also reveals how recording in New York shaped "Wherever You Are", the communities behind "Small Town Life", and why he wants his music to reach beyond his early association with Liverpool FC.

Elsewhere, Jamie explains what makes a Jamie Webster song, why he's returned to smaller venues, and whether making Running Round The Sun has helped him make sense of it all.

Running Round The Sun is released on 4 September 2026 via Modern Sky.

The XS Noize Podcast is hosted and produced by Mark Millar.

The Proclaimers have never been interested in becoming a nostalgia act. Craig and Charlie Reid join Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to discuss what still drives—and offends—them nearly 40 years after This Is the Story.

The brothers explore their uncompromising 13th studio album, You May Offend, whether people have become easier to offend and the political anger running through the record. They also reveal the stories behind "But It Is" and "The Grooming" and consider whether political songs can still change minds.

Craig and Charlie explain how their songwriting partnership continues to work after four decades, why they have never worried about being fashionable, and what it was like recording at Rockfield Studios with producer Dave Eringa and James Dean Bradfield.

The conversation also covers the dangers of nostalgia, "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" passing one billion streams, and what happens when songs such as "500 Miles" and "Sunshine on Leith" take on lives of their own.

Finally, they reflect on what they can write about in their sixties that the young men who made This Is the Story could never have understood.

You May Offend is released on 4 September via Cooking Vinyl.

The XS Noize Podcast is hosted and produced by Mark Millar.

Andros Georgiou joins Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to reveal the remarkable story behind Trojan Souls—the ambitious George Michael album that was never completed.

Andros discusses growing up alongside George, recognising his extraordinary musical ability at an early age and their work together on Boogie Box High's version of "Jive Talkin'," which featured an uncredited lead vocal from George.

He explains how Trojan Souls brought together an extraordinary line-up that included Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Janet Jackson, Seal, Sade and Bryan Ferry. Andros also reveals that complete vocals by George and Elton still exist for "This Kind of Love"—a song he hopes could one day be released as a duet.

The conversation explores George's remarkable songwriting and production process, the personal studio footage featured in the Trojan Souls film, what people still misunderstand about him and the emotional final conversation Andros shared with his lifelong friend.

Watch Trojan Souls – The Greatest Album That Was Never Made: https://trojansouls.com/

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In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Mystery Jets' Blaine Harrison and Ollie Taylor to discuss their seventh studio album, A Hole to See the Sky Through.

Blaine explains how a postcard artwork by Yoko Ono became the album's title, cover and guiding light. They also discuss recording with Leo Abrahams, the spontaneous creation of 'Black Sage' and how Ollie and his brother Eddie brought fresh energy to the band.

Elsewhere, Blaine shares the deeply personal story behind 'Soul River', written for a much-loved friend who died during the pandemic, and explains how 'Anaglypta' uses textured wallpaper as a metaphor for hiding the cracks in our lives.

They also reflect on the album's place alongside Curve of the Earth and A Billion Heartbeats, what keeps Mystery Jets moving forward after more than 20 years, and why songwriting remains a balance between "maths and magic."

A Hole to See the Sky Through is released on 21 August via Fiction Records.

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Hosted and produced by Mark Millar.

LE BOOM's Christy Leech joins Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast ahead of the duo's 360° immersive floor show at Limelight 1, Belfast.

Christy explains how secret raves and unconventional venues inspired LE BOOM to perform in the middle of the audience, removing the separation between the band and the crowd. He also recalls an unforgettable show on a boat in Sydney Harbour and discusses the community that has developed around LE BOOM's live performances.

The conversation explores Christy's creative partnership with his brother Andy, combining electronic music with spoken word, and embracing their Irish identity through writing and performing in the Irish language. Christy also discusses the story behind "BUACHAILLÍ," LE BOOM's gradual rise from intimate parties to sold-out shows, and reveals that the duo have finished an album.

LE BOOM's 360° immersive floor show, with special guests Grooveline, takes place at Limelight 1, Belfast, on Saturday, 8 August 2026.

Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.ie/le-boom-in-the-round-immersive-floor-show-fleadh-2026-belfast-08-08-2026/event/380064A7EA0A2B32

Watch more XS Noize Podcast episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@thexsnoizepodcast

Visit XS Noize: https://www.xsnoize.com/

The Script's Danny O'Donoghue joins Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to discuss the ideas, stories and songwriting behind the band's new album, "The User's Guide to Being Human."

Danny reveals how an unusual moment in Los Angeles inspired the album's title, why he returned to the studio within a week of finishing the Satellites tour, and how sobriety has changed his approach to making music.

He also discusses reuniting with longtime collaborators Andrew Frampton, Steve Kipner and Jimbo Barry, carrying Mark Sheehan's influence forward, and why a great lyric remains at the heart of The Script's music.

The conversation explores the meaning behind "Man in the Arena," friendship and forgiveness in "The Crowd Was Singing Wonderwall," and the wordplay behind new songs "Grow Old with Grace" and "Scars Align."

Elsewhere, Danny reflects on the difficult years before The Script found success, what achievement means to him today, and why songs such as "The Man Who Can't Be Moved" continue to connect with new generations nearly twenty years later.

At its heart, this episode is about songwriting, resilience, forgiveness and the light and shade of being human.

"The User's Guide to Being Human" will be released on 14 August 2026.

Pre-order / pre-save the album: https://thescript.lnk.to/UGTBHPR

The Script bring the Man in the Arena tour to The O2 Belfast on 2 November 2026.

Watch the XS Noize Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thexsnoizepodcast

Visit XS Noize: https://www.xsnoize.com/

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Hosted and produced by Mark Millar.

Tim Wheeler joins Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to discuss Ash's landmark debut album 1977, its 30th Anniversary Edition, "Girl From Mars," "Goldfinger," Owen Morris, young fame, Northern Ireland and taking the album back out on the road.

Originally released in 1996, 1977 turned Ash from teenage upstarts from Downpatrick into one of the defining guitar bands of the era. Featuring "Girl From Mars," "Goldfinger," "Kung Fu," "Oh Yeah," "Angel Interceptor" and "Lose Control," the album captured a young band moving at full speed — melodic, noisy, chaotic and full of life.

In this conversation, Tim reflects on what it feels like to see 1977 turn 30, why the album still belongs to both the band and the fans, and how Ash managed to stay together when so many bands from that era did not.

Tim also looks back on working with producer Owen Morris, who brought energy, chaos and confidence to the sessions. He talks about recording "Kung Fu," "Angel Interceptor," "Girl From Mars" and "Goldfinger," how Owen pushed the band in the studio, and why "Goldfinger" became such a major step forward for Ash as songwriters.

The episode also explores the new 30th Anniversary Edition of 1977, including the B-sides, the long-lost track "Bittersweet Blue," the band's live STABAL performance, and why the B-sides from that era might be the strangest Ash album of all.

Elsewhere, Tim opens up about the pressure of becoming successful at 19, having a number one album, appearing on Top of the Pops, touring the world, and trying to deal with the mental and emotional weight of dreams coming true while everything was moving too fast.

Tim also discusses the Northern Irish identity in Ash's music, the humour, melancholy and resilience that helped carry the band through, the emotional pull of playing Belfast, and why the 1977 anniversary tour feels like a celebration rather than simple nostalgia.

At its heart, this episode is about youth, friendship, pressure, survival, guitar music, and a record that became a coming-of-age story for both Ash and their fans.

Subscribe to the XS Noize Podcast for more in-depth conversations with music's legends, innovators and trailblazers.

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Tony Visconti joins Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to discuss David Bowie, Marc Bolan, T. Rex, Thin Lizzy, Phil Lynott, Blackstar, Scary Monsters, Holy Holy and the art of producing timeless records.

Best known as one of the most celebrated producers in music history, Tony played on Bowie's early records and went on to produce some of the most important albums of David Bowie's career. He also worked closely with Marc Bolan and T. Rex, worked on classic Thin Lizzy records, and remains a vital part of Bowie's musical legacy through Holy Holy.

In this conversation, Tony discusses Holy Holy's Final Tour – A Celebration of Bowie. He reflects on keeping Bowie's music alive on stage, why he still practises bass every day at 82, and what performing gives him that producing doesn't.

Tony also opens up about the craft of production — what a great producer gives an artist, how he listens to a song in its earliest form, and why vocal performance is so important. He shares a brilliant story about Bowie recording "Where Are We Now?" in one take, and explains how they kept the surprise return of Bowie's music completely secret.

The conversation also explores Tony's long creative relationship with Bowie, from The Man Who Sold The World and Heathen to Blackstar and Scary Monsters. Tony discusses Bowie's voice, his constant reinvention, the secrecy around his later recordings, the creative vitality of Blackstar, and why Scary Monsters became his favourite Bowie album to work on.

Elsewhere, Tony looks back on Marc Bolan and T. Rex, explaining the difference between Bolan's fast, instinctive studio approach and Bowie's more meticulous creative process. He also shares memories of working with Thin Lizzy and Phil Lynott, describing Phil's presence in the studio, his bass playing, and the brotherhood within the band.

Tony also talks about the Bowie archive, Glenn Gregory singing Bowie without impersonating him, what younger artists should understand beyond Bowie's image and fashion, and what it means for Holy Holy to keep Bowie's music alive with love.

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Rosa Walton joins Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to discuss her debut solo album, Tell Me It's A Dream, out now via Transgressive Records.

Best known as one half of Let's Eat Grandma alongside Jenny Hollingworth, Rosa steps into a bold new chapter with her most personal and expansive work to date — a record full of light, colour, open skies, friendship, dreams and emotional honesty.

In this conversation, Rosa talks about why Tell Me It's A Dream did not feel like a solo project made to prove a point, but rather a natural space to explore songs that did not quite fit inside Let's Eat Grandma.

She reflects on making music outside the band, developing a different vocal style, writing constantly, and how the album became a world of its own.

Rosa also discusses working with Sam E Yamaha, recording in Wales at StudiOwz, and co-producing the album with David Wrench, whose long creative relationship with Rosa helped make the process feel safe, open and freeing.

The conversation also explores songs including "Sorry Anyway," "Prettier Things," "Heart To Heartbreak" and "Halfway Round The World," as well as Jenny Hollingworth appearing as Jenny On Holiday on "Prettier Things."

Elsewhere, Rosa reflects on the huge life of "I Really Want To Stay At Your House" from Cyberpunk 2077, why the song's success felt disorientating, and how she separated that moment from the guitar-led world of Tell Me It's A Dream.

As Rosa says in the episode, if Tell Me It's A Dream was a place, it would be a vast, freeing, dreamlike landscape in the sky — with ice cream.

Listen to episode #290 of the XS Noize Podcast with Rosa Walton.

Belfast rock duo Dea Matrona join Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to discuss their second album, Hate That I Care — a bold, more personal and self-assured new chapter for Mollie McGinn and Orláith Forsythe.

Written, recorded and produced entirely by the band, Hate That I Care finds Dea Matrona leaning further into alt-rock while exploring vulnerability, identity, pressure, friendship, self-production and the feeling of not fitting neatly into other people's expectations.

In this conversation, Mollie and Orláith look back on what they learned from their debut album, For Your Sins, how that record helped them understand who Dea Matrona were, and why Hate That I Care feels like the album where they are now telling people who they really are.

They discuss the title track, which Mollie describes as being written to herself, the exhaustion of masking emotions, and how the album became a way of processing difficult feelings through songwriting.

The conversation also explores "My Own Party" and the powerful line "always feeling like an outsider at my own party," the heavier emotional world of "John Doe," the deeply personal story behind "Aisling," and the moment "Magic Spell" helped unlock the direction of the record.

Mollie and Orláith also talk about producing the album themselves, writing and finishing music while on tour, their creative partnership, the early school-day rivalry that turned into a band, and how they continue to push each other as writers, musicians and producers.

They also reflect on Dea Matrona's journey from busking in Belfast to playing Reading and Leeds, Electric Picnic and Rock Werchter, touring with The Beaches, and preparing to join Sting on tour across Europe.

As Orláith says near the end of the conversation: "For Your Sins was introducing who we are, and Hate That I Care is telling you who we are."

Listen to episode #289 of the XS Noize Podcast with Dea Matrona.

Danny McNamara from Embrace joins Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to discuss the band's new album Avalanche, 30 years of Embrace, and why he feels more inspired now than ever.

In this conversation, Danny reflects on the band's landmark debut The Good Will Out, the huge comeback with Out Of Nothing, and why new music — not nostalgia — is still what drives him.

Danny also talks about the life lesson running through Avalanche: life doesn't wait for you to be ready. He discusses marriage, fatherhood, learning to live in the moment, and how those changes have reshaped his songwriting.

Elsewhere, Danny opens up about songs including "Road To Nowhere," "Up In Your Feelings," "Pure O," "Get Out Of My Own Way" and "Coming Home," as well as his creative relationship with his brother Richard McNamara, the stories Embrace fans share with him, and why this chapter feels like a beginning rather than a look back.

Listen to episode #288 of the XS Noize Podcast with Danny McNamara from Embrace.

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Irwin Sparkes and Alan Sharland from The Hoosiers to discuss their new album Compassion, the toxicity that inspired it, and how the band found joy, self-belief and purpose again.

The band first broke through in 2007 with their debut album The Trick to Life, featuring huge singles including "Worried About Ray" and "Goodbye Mr A." But this conversation is not just about looking back. It is about where The Hoosiers are now — creatively, personally and emotionally.

Irwin and Alan talk about making Compassion, the ideas behind the record, rediscovering joy, holding on to self-belief, and what it means to meet the world with more humanity after years of change, pressure and experience.

They also reflect on friendship, survival, the band's journey, the lessons learned along the way, and why this new chapter feels so important.

The full video version of this conversation is available on the XS Noize YouTube channel.

The XS Noize Podcast is an independent, long-form music interview series hosted by Mark Millar, featuring in-depth conversations with artists, songwriters, producers and cultural figures about the stories behind the music.

Listen/watch and follow XS Noize: Website: xsnoize.com

In this 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 looks back on life before the film, his musical roots, fronting his own band Housebroken, and how his sister first introduced him to Roddy Doyle's book. He reflects on why he initially saw The Commitments as a possible distraction from his music, before becoming the face and voice of one of the most beloved music films ever made.

In this warm and honest conversation, Robert talks about working with Alan Parker, finding Jimmy Rabbitte's natural Dublin rhythm, the humour and energy that still make the film resonate, and the moment he realised The Commitments had become much bigger than just a film.

He also shares brilliant behind-the-scenes stories from the shoot, including Van Morrison auditioning for Joey "The Lips," memories of the famous bath scene, Johnny Murphy's motorbike mishap, and what fans still say to him more than three decades later.

The conversation also goes deeper into what happened after The Commitments — the pressure of sudden fame, travelling to Los Angeles, signing to MCA, working on an unfinished Housebroken album, and the frustration of being recognised as Jimmy Rabbitte when he wanted to be seen as an artist in his own right.

Now, Robert is returning to the music with Robert Arkins' Commitments, marking the 35th anniversary of The Commitments with UK and Ireland shows. He talks about bringing those songs back to the stage, adding Detroit and Northern Soul into the live set, and why the audience energy still reminds him of watching the film with a crowd.

At its heart, this episode is about music, identity, second chances, and what happens when one role follows you for the rest of your life.

Listen to the full episode now.