In Episode #228 of the XS Noize Music Podcast, host Mark Millar is joined by English singer-songwriter Will Varley to discuss his upcoming seventh album, Machines Will Never Learn To Make Mistakes Like Me, out 30th May 2025.

Recorded in a ramshackle Kent swamp studio with longtime collaborator Tom Farrer, the album introduces a bold new sound, pairing lush, cinematic production with Varley’s trademark storytelling. Inspired by the East Kent Coast and US Midwest, the songs explore broken relationships, life on the road, and mental resilience against global uncertainty.

Featuring guest appearances from Billy Bragg, Eleni Drake, and Dan Smith of Bastille, the album captures the tension between everyday life and the looming sense of apocalypse — while still searching for light and hope.

In this conversation, Will talks about the making of the album, his evolving creative process, and why storytelling still matters in uncertain times.

Highlights include: Writing and recording in Kent and the US Midwest, Collaborating with Billy Bragg, Eleni Drake & Dan Smith, Touring life, mental health, reinvention, and A new sonic chapter for Varley. Listen to episode #228 of the XS Noize Podcast with Will Varley – 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, David Gray, 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.

XS Noize Podcast Episode #227: Sea Fever – Phil Cunningham, Tom Chapman, and Beth Cassidy on Surface Sound, Musical Chemistry, and Honouring Denise Johnson

In Episode #227 of the XS Noize Music Podcast, host Mark Millar is joined by Phil Cunningham, Tom Chapman, and Beth Cassidy of the genre-blending band Sea Fever to talk about their powerful second album, Surface Sound.

Sea Fever is a five-piece supergroup featuring members of New Order, Haven, Johnny Marr’s band, Section 25, and Brix & The Extricated. The band returns with Surface Sound — a bold fusion of alt-rock, dance, and electronic pop across ten euphoric tracks.

In this episode, Phil, Tom, and Beth discuss:

• The creative process and sonic ambition behind Surface Sound

• How their unique chemistry has evolved since 2021’s Folding Lines

• Crafting standout singles like “Breaking Out” and “Loose Cut”

• The emotional weight of Denise Johnson’s stunning guest vocals on “Explanation”

• How their individual musical legacies shape the identity and future of Sea Fever

Surface Sound showcases Sea Fever at their most confident and collaborative, from pulsing synths to layered guitar textures and powerful lyrics.

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.

In Episode 226 of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar chats with writer and director Matt Aston about Reception: The Wedding Present Musical — a brand new stage production inspired by the music of David Gedge, The Wedding Present, and Cinerama.

The show, running from August 22 – September 6 at The Warehouse at Holbeck, Leeds, celebrates The Wedding Present’s 40th anniversary with a story of friendship, love, and loss — all soundtracked by hits from the band’s four-decade career, plus a brand new song.

Matt discusses how the idea formed after seeing David Gedge perform with orchestras and why the band’s storytelling was perfect for the stage.

A must-listen for fans of The Wedding Present and anyone interested in how indie rock is being reimagined in musical theatre.

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.