The Boxer Rebellion on 'The Second I'm Asleep' and 25 years together (#279)

The Boxer Rebellion join Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to talk about The Second I'm Asleep, their first full-length studio album since 2018.

In this episode, Nathan Nicholson and Piers Hewitt discuss the six-year gap between records, the reset the band needed, and how the new album came together through a more instinctive, less overthought creative process.

They talk about writing quickly, trusting the songs sooner, and why The Second I'm Asleep feels more immediate, spacious and human. The conversation also explores lyrical themes on tracks like "Flowers in the Water" and "Hidden Meanings," alongside wider reflections on self-doubt, growth, and the passing of time.

Elsewhere, Nathan and Piers look back on key albums including Exits, Union and Ghost Alive, speak about long-term independence, family life, and the realities of keeping a band together for 25 years.

In this episode:
– The Second I'm Asleep
– the six-year gap between albums
– songwriting and lyrical evolution
– independence and longevity
– family life, touring, and staying creative
– key memories from Exits, Union and Ghost Alive

About The XS Noize Podcast

Hosted by Mark Millar, the XS Noize Podcast features in-depth conversations with some of the most influential artists in modern music.

With over 270 episodes, guests have included Steve Lillywhite, Matt Berninger, Gary Numan, Peter Hook, Bernard Butler, The Charlatans, Sleaford Mods, Snow Patrol, Elbow, Travis and many more.

New episodes drop weekly.