Callum Beattie on new album INDI and trusting his instinct (#265)

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Callum Beattie to talk about a pivotal moment in his career and his forthcoming album INDI, released January 23rd. After landing two consecutive #1 albums on the Scottish Albums Chart, breaking into the UK Albums Chart with 2023's Vandals, clocking up over 50 million streams, and selling more than 100,000 tickets in Scotland, Callum Beattie's rise has been steady, earned, and unmistakable. That journey reached a major milestone with his sold-out headline show at Glasgow's OVO Hydro, his biggest to date. INDI is his most personal record so far. The album explores inner conflict, self-reflection, and the search for real connection, written with a clarity that comes from trusting instinct rather than chasing expectation. Produced by Joe Cross (Courteeners, The LaFontaines, Louis Tomlinson), the record pairs direct, honest songwriting with a stripped-back confidence that lets the songs breathe. The Hydro show underlined just how far Callum has come, with The Scotsman describing him as "a Caledonian Sam Fender." Rather than a peak moment, it feels like a line drawn — with 2026 set to scale things even further, including a headline show at Edinburgh Castle and a headline slot at Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival. In this conversation, Callum talks openly about writing INDI, the mindset behind the songs, and what it means to arrive at a point where ambition, vulnerability, and belief finally meet. A calm, honest conversation with an artist stepping into his stride. Listen to Mark Millar's in-depth interview with Callum Beattie now on the XS Noize Podcast. Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Podcasts | YouTube