Our minds are already on a sun-drenched (as opposed to rain-drenched) Marlay Park and this year's Longitude, which runs July 17 –19, so for this fortnight's issue we look at the big acts set to play.
There are no bigger right now than Friday headliner Hozier.
With Andrew Hozier-Byrne making massive waves in the US, we report from the epicentre of Hoziermania in America, catching his landmark performance in New York's Hammerstein Ballroom. We also talk to the key players in his camp, as the Wicklow star's manager, producer and videomaker open up about the man behind the phenomenon.
Plus, we select 10 other artists you really can't miss at this year's festival.
In terms of revealing interviews, you'll find features on Laura Marling, who talks LA living and existential crises; Emin, an Azerbaijani singer with a billionaire dad and Donal Trump on speed dial; Matthew E. White, who talks religion and abuse; and a whole host of other names including The Staves and Canadian producer Daniel Lanois.
In the Hot Press Interview, Olaf Tyaransen has a memorable encounter (or two) with charity worker and children's rights campaigner Christina Noble.
Frontlines finds us examining the astonishing facts that have come to light following Graham Dwyer's conviction for the murder of Elaine O'Hara. We also ask: when someone goes missing, what happens next? We speak to the family of Dublin man Peter Gallagher, who disappeared in 2003.
Elsewhere, there are chats with Irish horror film director Conor McMahon and the Irish Arts Council's head of literature Sarah Bannan, who has just penned her first novel.
We also run the rule over new musical offerings from Kendrick Lamar, Sufjan Sevens, The Cribs and more and report on recent gigs from Morrissey, Gavin James, Jameson Live, All Tvvins and Usher.
It hits shelves on Thursday, April 2.
To purchase your copy of Hot Press 39.06 with Hozier on the cover order online direct from hotpress.com
Or download the iOS app for iPad/iPhone
Or download the Android App