#222. Saint Leonard – The Madness, Magic & Music Behind 'The Golden Hour'

The XS Noize Podcast

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar chats with Saint Leonard—the visionary artist formerly known as Kieran Leonard—about the extraordinary journey that led to his third and most ambitious album, The Golden Hour.

From recording his debut, Good Luck Everybody, at Stanley Kubrick’s historic home to headlining sold-out shows at London’s The Windmill and Third Man Records and supporting The Libertines on tour, Saint Leonard has built a reputation for fearless reinvention.

In this fascinating conversation, Leonard shares the wild and deeply personal story behind The Golden Hour—an album shaped by Wild nights in Berlin’s underbelly, Spiritual awakenings in India, Isolation in a GDR-era apartment during the pandemic, and Collaborations with Brian Eno and members of Fat White Family.

Recorded at the legendary Hansa Studios in Berlin and Paul Epworth’s Church Studios in London, The Golden Hour blends electronic textures, techno pulses, and Weimar cabaret flair—all woven together with Leonard’s surreal storytelling and dark wit.

Highlights include:

Meeting Fat White Family by chance in Berlin and forming a band overnight

Collaborating with Brian Eno and how it reshaped his sonic vision

Wrestling with identity, paranoia, and rebirth during lockdown

Using music to capture the absurdity of existence—with a wink

The Golden Hour is not just an album—it’s a full-blown experience: cinematic, unhinged, and unforgettable. Listen now for a deep dive into the madness, magic, and music of Saint Leonard.

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 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, John Lydon, 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.