After the New Year buzz and the start of awards season, we look at some of the finest new music around and the hottest films and gigs on the planet.

The cover is graced by chart star of the moment Ellie Goulding, who is gearing up to take Dublin's O2 by storm on March 1. Talking to Ed Power, she bares all about baring all, and openly discusses her upbringing, music and the media’s obsession with her.

Also getting a grilling from our fine reporters are a plethora of illustrious homegrown and international names:

Andrew Maxwell on bananas, UFOs and Mormons; Samantha Mumba on her return to music and working with R&B royalty; Jared Leto on returning to the silver screen; and former NASA commander Chris Hadfield sits down for our HP Interview to talk about life, the universe and everything… including David Bowie.

There are also chats with Newton Faulkner, George Ezra and Maximo Park.

In Critical Mass, judgement is passed on the latest offerings from Beck, Bombay Bicycle Club, Wild Beasts and, of course, so much more.

Pick up the new issue of Hot Press available now!