The Loud And Quiet Podcast

Under the microscope of this month’s Roundtable are big summer albums from The Strokes , Phoebe Bridgers and Charli XCX . And then: the best joke of the year, a whip through the Mercury Prize shortlist and who we think will it, and some good guesses at what each of our previous Prime Ministers’ drugs of choice are. How else will we work out if Andy Burnham is cool or not? Listen above or wherever you get your podcasts. Further reading/viewing Stu’s Honky Tonk outing in Austin, Texas Andy Burnham PLAYING A GUITAR!!! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit loudandquiet.substack.com/subscribe

Recorded the day after the GREATEST MOMENT IN BRITISH HISTORY, this month’s fuzzy Roundtable features discussion around the 11-minute art-noise album by New York band YHWH Nailgun , maximum lushness from Kelsey Lu 7 years after her debut, and Madonna ’s hilarious club sequel. Stu also reports back from Taylor Swift’s wedding and learns about how World Cup ‘goal songs’ work (and that they exist). All 3 of our intrepid reviewers share their favourite albums of the year so far. Listen above or wherever you get your podcasts. Support the podcast by signing up to our newsletter here Further reading/viewing Madonna Graham Norton special Role Model Hermit by Mary in the Junkyard Hurts Like Hell by Charlotte Cornfield Play Me by Kim Gordon Loud Bloom by Olof Dreijer Wendy Eisenberg by Wendy Eisenberg This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit loudandquiet.substack.com/subscribe

21 years ago Simon Taffe mapped out an idea for a new type of independent festival. Less than 12 months later he put on the first ever End of the Road at a cost of £450k. The capacity was 5,000; he sold 1,300 tickets and gave away another 7,000 to competition winners. Crucially, it didn’t rain and, against the odds, he made it work. End of the Road has since become one of the UK’s most beloved festivals, still independently owned when a vast majority have been bought out by the Live Nations of the world. Previous headliners have included dream bookings Sufjan Stevens, Joanna Newsom, Patti Smith and an endless parade of great and good artists in not only folk, indie and art-rock but, increasingly, electronica, ambient and experimental too. This year’s festival has Pulp, CMAT, Mac Demarco and the recently revealed secret headliner, Geese. On this episode of the podcast, I ask Simon about the challenges he’s faced over the last 20 years, who there is left to book, was he insane to give this thing a go in the first place, the favourite sets from festivals past, EOTR as a place for fine dining, and if it would be possible to start a festival like this from scratch today. Listen above or wherever you get your podcasts. Support this podcast and read our writing at loudandquiet.stubstack.com Further reading/viewing End of the Road website The story of EOTR on the Music Made Me Do It Podcast This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit loudandquiet.substack.com/subscribe

Under the microscopes of our 3 intrepid reviewers this month are new albums by Danish punks Iceage , Pittsburgh noise pop trio Feeble Little Horse and the buzziest rapper in the world right now, Fakemink . Plus, has Drake beaten his career-ending beef simply by flooding the zone with algorithm chum? Who would be on your version of Charli XCX’s new album cover? And how will Sam defend the new Belle & Sebastian World Cup song? Listen above or wherever you get your podcasts. Support Loud And Quiet here Further reading/viewing Boards of Canada, Inferno review Aldous Harding, Train on The Island review YHWH Nailgun album review in our Album Stock Market feature Anton Corbijn on the podcast Fast Show’s Indie Club How Drake Lost the Plot, from The New Yorker Belle & Sebastian ‘It Only Takes One Lion’ video This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit loudandquiet.substack.com/subscribe

Joe Newman – frontman, guitarist and chief songwriter in art rock band alt-J – estimates he’s recognised no more than twice a year; the dream/improbable scenario for a musician operating at his impressive level of success. Following four alt-J albums, Newman is about to release his excellent debut solo record under the name JJerome87. It’s call The Canyon (coming 27 June) and has a distinctly Californian sound. A big sound, I tell him in this week’s podcast, as abstract as that sounds. What I meant was that it sounds like a million people are playing on it, while Newman’s gift for strange lyrics that mean the world remains. “Baby come away with me / Let’s get lazy eye surgery.” Join us for a discussion around success, Los Angeles, how to tell you band you’re making a record without them, and a slow motion Hobbit orgy. Support this podcast and L&Q at loudandquiet.substack.com Listen above or wherever you get your podcasts Further reading/viewing jjerome87.com Ticket’s for Joe’s album launch show at Bush Hall, London ‘Track and Field’ video This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit loudandquiet.substack.com/subscribe

Not only do we discuss our customary new albums this month (from Canadian microtonal space aliens Angine de Poitrine , NY electro punk band Lip Critic and new art rock greats Modern Woman ) but also the Geese viral mirage, a very horrible football song and what exactly is the Met Gala? Listen above or wherever you get your podcasts. Further reading/viewing Angine de Poitrine KEXP session Wired’s Geese marketing exposé North London Forever Modern Woman Bandcamp Lip Critic Bandcamp Angine de Poitrine Bandcamp This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit loudandquiet.substack.com/subscribe

Support this podcast by subscribing to Loud And Quiet for just £3 per month Considering the city of Sheffield’s music heritage – from the future pop of The Human League to stadium rock giants Def Leppard, industrial pioneers Cabaret Voltaire, legendary electronic label Warp, Pulp, ABC, Arctic Monkeys, Self Esteem, hundreds more – it’s borderline impressive that it’s never been chronicled in one book. Other music cities (Manchester, Liverpool, New York) have been 100 times over, but the people of the Steel City are a modest bunch. Writer Daniel Dylan Wray has now written that book, spanning from 1960 to the early 2020s. It’s called Groovy, Laidback & Nasty , and is publish this week, on 7 May. I spoke with Dan about his first book, from Peter Stringfellow’s forgotten life promoting Jimi Hendrix to the 150+ artists he spoke with to help tell this story. There’s also some good advice for fellow writers, and some hard truths about how writing a book actually works. Listen above or wherever you get your podcasts. Further reading Order a copy of Groovy, Laidback & Nasty Tickets to Dan’s book launches in Sheffield, London and Brighton Dan’s first article on Sheffield, about historic night club Niche Jive Turkey for The Guardian David Lynch interview for Loud And Quiet Just What is an Industry Plant Anyway? for Loud And Quiet David Byrne interview for Loud And Quiet This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit loudandquiet.substack.com/subscribe

When WU LYF were the band that every label wanted to sign in 2010 they rejected all offers, recorded their debut in a church with the help of their fans, and split up. 15 years later they’ve unexpectedly returned with a second album. Less surprising is how they’ve released A Wave That Will Never Break, sticking to their original ethos of building a community of their own. This time around, what they’re rejecting most of all is streaming platforms, instead building their own via their website WORLDUNITE.ORG , which is the only way to hear the new record, other than buying a copy in a store. The site also features an Instagram-like journal, tickets, a fan chat and merch, all for fans who become members. Ellery and Tom from the band joined me to discuss why they felt they had no option but to do things this way, and what it was like to be the hottest band in the UK in 2010. Listen above or wherever you get your podcasts. Support Loud And Quiet and this podcast by subscribing to our Substack Further reading/viewing WU LYF on the Culture Show Is WU LYF’s return the most perfectly timed in indie history? WORLDUNITE.ORG This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit loudandquiet.substack.com/subscribe

Once a month 3 members of the Loud And Quiet team (Sam Walton, Gemma Samways and Stuart Stubbs) meet up to review 3 albums released over the last 30 days – usually records that had everyone talking. This month, it’s the turn of Harry Styles’ pivot to electro pop, James Blake’s first independent release, and the debut from NYC duo Fcukers. Revisited is the debut phenomenon from Arctic Monkeys, with the help of a quiz that is FUN. Remember that! It’s a fun thing to listen to and play along with. This episode is not sponsored by Gary Barlow’s wine company. Sadly. Further reading/viewing The New Yorker article on album launches not hanging around James Blake’s plate-spinning album cover Support this podcast and all things Loud And Quiet via our substack newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit loudandquiet.substack.com/subscribe

Before Canadian Inuk throat singer Tanya Tagaq starts any show she announces where the exits are in case anyone isn’t into her often aggressive and improvised performance. She’s completely fine with the walkouts, and we’ve perhaps not had anyone on the show before who’s as comfortable within themself as Tanya is. Also an author, visual artist, activist for the protection of indigenous rights in Northern Territory Canada and around the world, theatre maker, teacher and, recently, an actor in True Detective and North of North , Tagaq has just released her 7th album, Saputjiji . It’s a record that features her also singing conventionally for the first time. This episode of the podcast turns into something of a therapy session as Tanya talks of her life spent not caring what strangers think of her. We also get into how Björk ended up featuring on her 2005 debut album, if more acting is in the works, and how all of her life experiences have simply come to her, almost by accident. Listen above or wherever you get your podcasts. Further reading/viewing Tanya’s performance at the 2014 Polaris Prize Support the podcast and Loud And Quiet by subscribing to our newsletter This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit loudandquiet.substack.com/subscribe

One member of the Loud And Quiet team may have let slip during this episode of the Roundtable that they get their new music recommendations from The Graham Norton Show. Join Gemma Samways, Sam Walton and Stuart Stubbs for our monthly album reviews, taking on the 9th record by Gorillaz , Danny L Harle ’s Euro trance debut/not debut Cerulean , and the heavy, heavy sound of Manchester industrial electro noise band Mandy, Indiana . We also put Radiohead ’s King of Limbs back under the microscope 15 years on from its release – an album recorded at Drew Barrymore’s house. Listen above or on whichever podcast app you prefer. Support this podcast with a paid subscription at https://loudandquiet.substack.com/ where you'll receive our written interviews, reviews and essays too. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit loudandquiet.substack.com/subscribe

Gemma Samways, Sam Walton and Stuart Stubbs put 3 new albums under the microscope for the year’s first Roundtable episode of the podcast. Those albums are the third from south London post-punk band Dry Cleaning , and a couple of debuts, from LA big voice Tyler Ballgame and Phoenix underground rap duo By Storm . The anniversary record we take a second look at is of course Bowie ’s parting gift, Blackstar , released 10 years ago, just 2 days before his death. Did we all get so caught up in grief that we loved that album without really listening to it, or does it stand up better than ever? Listen above or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search The Loud And Quiet Podcast. Subscribe to our newsletter and support Loud And Quiet at https://loudandquiet.substack.com/ Further reading/viewing Sam’s Dry Cleaning cover feature from 2022 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit loudandquiet.substack.com/subscribe

One of the reasons Flying Lotus hasn’t released an album since 2019’s Flamagra is because he’s spent the last 5 years directing a sci-fi horror movie called Ash , starring Aaron Paul. Today he’s announced a new EP – a maximalist collection of tracks called Big Mama , the first to be released via his own Brainfeeder label, which has been releasing others since 2008. On this episode of the Loud And Quiet Podcast, FlyLo reflects on what making a feature film takes out of you, and how Big Mama came to be from a desire to not write music but sound . More music (new and old) is on its way in 2026, including a reissue of FlyLo’s long-out-of-circulation 2006 debut album 1983, which fans have had to find on YouTube until now. Recorded at the end of 2025, we also get into his new year’s resolutions, which range from profound self improvement to hanging out with a big reptile. Listen above or wherever you get your podcasts. Further reading/viewing Big Mama ’s artwork Ash trailer Kuso trailer ‘Fire Is Coming’ with David Lynch This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit loudandquiet.substack.com/subscribe

Yesterday, Metronomy – a band who have been on a break since 2022 and estimate that they won’t be back until late 2027 at the earliest – announced a single surprise live show for 2026, at London’s LIDO festival on 14 June. The band’s songwriter and producer, who started Metronomy as a solo project in 1999, has been keeping himself busy in the meantime, working with others, including Robyn once again, and Adam Buxton, whose 2024 novelty record, Buckle Up , he produced. Speaking with Joe at his home earlier this month, he reflects on the band’s recent Greatest Hits album and explains why it doesn’t mark the end of the band; only that he isn’t rushing inspiration to make a meaningful return. He’s found a lot of that in Lily Allen’s most recent album, and would like Tim Rice or Tim Curry to play him in the biopic of his life. Or Mark Ruffalo. Listen above or wherever you get your podcasts. Further reading/viewing Tickets to Lido Loud And Quiet early Metronomy cover feature (Nights Out era, 2008) Loud And Quiet cover feature ( Love Letters era, 2014) Elton John, Tantrums and Tiaras Follow The Loud And Quiet Podcast on your favourite podcast app by visiting any Substack podcast post and tapping the icon of your preferred app. Sign up to a paid subscription to unlock all full episodes of the show This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit loudandquiet.substack.com/subscribe

2025 has been the 30th year of Biffy Clyro, the Kilmarnock trio who always wanted to be 100 people’s favourite band 1 million people’s 10th favourite band. On this episode of the Loud And Quiet Podcast, frontman, guitarist and lyricist Simon Neil reflects on the band’s beginnings and what drove them to sign to a major for their fourth album, Puzzle . It was, says Neil, a no-brainer, despite them never wanting to be on a big label, and none of their favourite records coming from that world. The payoff has been undeniable, as Biffy became the UK’s biggest rock band, covered by an X-Factor winner and scoring four number 1 albums, including this year’s 10th record, Futique . Not band for a group of friends who were signed at T In The Park playing the Unsigned Band Stage, when their kit fell apart and was covered in blood. Further reading/viewing Simon on A View From A Bridge The Loud And Quiet Marmaduke Duke shoot and interview ‘Machines’, the Rock Version Follow The Loud And Quiet Podcast on your favourite podcast app by visiting any Substack podcast post and tapping the icon of your preferred app. Sign up to a paid subscription to unlock all full episodes of the show This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit loudandquiet.substack.com/subscribe

In the final roundtable of 2025, Gemma Samways, Sam Walton and Stuart Stubbs take on the new album from goblin indie band Sorry, Detroit rapper Danny Brown’s hyperpop record, Stardust , and Rosalía’s swing for pop opera greatness with LUX . Rounded off with our personal albums of the year. Further reading/viewing The Loud And Quiet Albums of the Year list The Danny Brown Show on YouTube Follow The Loud And Quiet Podcast on your favourite podcast app by visiting any Substack podcast post and tapping the icon of your preferred app. Sign up to a paid subscription to unlock all full episodes of the show This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit loudandquiet.substack.com/subscribe

As Wakefield trio The Cribs prepare to release new album Selling A Vibe , twin brothers Gary and Ryan Jarman remember the mid-00s indie scene they never fully belonged to, and explain why Steve Albini remained their hero after they recorded with the legend they’d admired since childhood. Paying attention to the last song on your album is important, they say, because it could be the last song anyone ever hears from your band. And that was nearly the case a few years ago, when they discovered that they didn’t own their own catalogue, which almost caused them to quit the band. For more from Loud And Quiet, and to support, visit https://loudandquiet.substack.com/ Follow The Loud And Quiet Podcast on your favourite podcast app by visiting any Substack podcast post and tapping the icon of your preferred app. Sign up to a paid subscription to unlock all full episodes of the show This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit loudandquiet.substack.com/subscribe

Once a month Stuart Stubbs, Sam Walton and Gemma Samways get together to discuss the new albums that everyone has been talking about over the last month. In October 2025 that’s been Tame Impala’s first dance record, Dave’s verbose third, and of course Lily Allen’s revenge opera West End Girl . We always reassess an anniversary record too, and this month ask if Madonna’s Confessions on a Dance Floor still stands up 20 years later. And would people be as outraged by a 47-year-old woman in a leotard in 2025? Further reading/viewing Pitchfork’s Confessions on a Dance Floor review Pitchfork’s Deadbeat review The Sophist on Lily Allen’s West End Girl Follow The Loud And Quiet Podcast on your favourite podcast app by visiting any Substack podcast post and tapping the icon of your preferred app. Sign up to a paid subscription to unlock all full episodes of the show This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit loudandquiet.substack.com/subscribe

As we leave behind the month of September, Gemma Samways, Sam Walton and Stuart Stubbs discuss new albums from Geese, David Byrne and Mark William Lewis. Plus a look back Grimes’ most successful record, but why aren’t we all still talking about Art Angels 10 years later? Support this podcast via our Substack page, for less than £4 per month! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit loudandquiet.substack.com/subscribe

Back again for another look back at 3 key releases from the past month, Gemma Samways, Sam Walton and Stuart Stubbs discuss new albums from Ethel Cain, Mac DeMarco and Water From Your Eyes, with just enough time to reconsider MGMT’s willfully difficult second album Congratulations , release 15 years ago. Was it as bad as everybody said back then? Has it got better with age? And what’s it like to be a label who has to reject an album? Further reading/viewing Dom Haley’s Water From Your Eyes interview The Guadian’s article on Terence Trent D’Arby Mac DeMarco on the Midnight Chats podcast Mac DeMarco in Amsterdam Follow The Loud And Quiet Podcast on your favourite podcast app by visiting any Substack podcast post and tapping the icon of your preferred app. Sign up to a paid subscription to unlock all full episodes of the show This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit loudandquiet.substack.com/subscribe