#247. The Jacques’ Finn O’Brien on New Album "Make Repetition!"

In Episode #247 of the XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar is joined by Finn O’Brien — frontman of London via Bristol indie band The Jacques — to discuss the band’s powerful new album Make Repetition.

The Jacques’ story is one of resilience, tragedy, and survival. Formed as teenagers, they rose quickly with early festival slots and a Libertines support show at Hyde Park, before facing devastating setbacks — including the loss of bandmate Will Hicks and Finn’s own battle with addiction. Now, with Make Repetition!, produced by Dan Swift, Jules Apollinaire, and Gordon Raphael, the band have emerged with their strongest, most confident work to date.

In this episode, Finn talks about the stories behind songs like “Nothing Amazing” and “Via Dolorosa,” how he ended up making John Lydon cry while touring with PiL, and what really happened when the band’s gear was stolen by their tour manager. He also reflects on music as a vital lifeline, the resilience that has carried The Jacques forward, and why their next record might be a concept album.

Previous XS Noize Podcast Guests
Over 240 episodes in, XS Noize has welcomed legends and trailblazers, including:

Matt Berninger, Saint Etienne, D:Ream, Gavin Rossdale, The Farm, Snow Patrol, John Lydon, Will Sergeant, Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Doves, Gavin Friday, David Gray, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, Razorlight, 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, The Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, Michael Head — and many more.

Find The XS Noize Podcast’s complete archive of episodes here.