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.

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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.

Follow XS Noize:

Website: https://www.xsnoize.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xsnoizemusic/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/xsnoizemusic/
X: https://x.com/xsnoizemusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thexsnoizepodcast

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.