Album Review: The Shins, Heartworm

Triumphant return to form from James Mercer-led troupe

Cirque Experience: We meet Irish novelist Neil Jordan

One of Ireland’s most successful authors and filmmakers, Neil Jordan discusses his superb new novel Carnivalesque, his upcoming TV series Riviera, and the 25th anniversary of his classic film The Crying Game.

The Blades Rock Whelan's

With the launch of their brand new album Modernised, The Blades – fronted by the legendary Paul Cleary – are back at the forefront of Irish rock. And the reaction of the crowd at Whelan’s last night confirmed exactly that...

The Cutting Edge: 30 Years On with The Blades' Paul Cleary

Paul Cleary of legendary Dublin rockers The Blades discusses the band's first album in over three decades, the cracking Modernised.

Jameson Bow St. Sessions take Dublin by Storm!

Brian Deady, All Tvvins and Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats ring the capital’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations

Album Review: Julie Byrne, Not Even Happiness

Bewitching sophomore outing from Buffalo singer

In Conversation With Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham on enjoying major commercial success with The Black Star Riders and keeping the Lizzy flame alive.

Book Review : 4321 , Paul Auster

4 3 2 1 is Paul Auster’s first piece of fiction since 2010’s Sunset Park and clocks in at an impressive 866 pages.

Cool Hand: An Interview With Jack Lukeman

Cult crooner Jack Lukeman on his cracking new album, reaching artistic maturity and remaining optimistic in the current gloomy political climate. By Roisin Dwyer

Live Review: Vibe For Philo at The Workman’s Club

Hot Press were down at The Workman's Club last night to cover the 31st Vibe For Philo - called 'Saga For An Ageing Orphaned Child.'

THE 12 INTERVIEWS OF XMAS: Sylvia Patterson on Her Memoir and Illustrious Career

Roisin Dwyer recalls Sylvia Patterson opening up about Bono's pearls of wisdom and the time when she called Prince the 'Purple Perv'.

Legend for The Voodoo Lounge this weekend

Saturday marks the return of the Icelandic duo.

Inside track - The Life of O'Reilly

The cracking new album from folk singer Marc O'Reilly is among the highlights on the domestic front this fortnight.

Martin Fry On Inadvertently Creating Gorillaz

Art-pop legend talks to Hot Press about creating the sequel to ABC’s classic The Lexicon Of Love and being Hugh Grant’s voice coach.

The Membranes play two Irish dates this weekend

The Blackpool post-punks hit Clonakilty Guitar Festival and Fibber Magee’s

Film Review: One More Time With Feeling

During press for the 2014 psychodrama 20,000 Days On Earth which portrayed a fictional day in the life of Nick Cave he admitted “the mask has calcified”, meaning he is unable to show the world anything other than the character ‘Nick Cave’ he created as a youth.

Book Review: Sylvia Patterson, I'm Not With The Band

Journalist Sylvia Patterson was in the thick of it during the golden age of music journalism; a scribe for Smash Hits in its '80s zenith and a key voice of the NME during the Brit Pop era - an era when music magazines were at the height of their influence.

Live Review: Elvis Costello and the Imposters @ Iveagh Gardens

Flanked by the Imposters, Mr McManus proves he's the very real deal

LIVE REVIEW: SELK @ The Grand Social

The launch of their debut album sees the duo on rare form

Wilco & Lucinda Williams Beat The Americana Drum

It was drizzling for the appearance of Wilco and Lucinda Williams at the Iveagh Gardens. But the music was very fine indeed...

Ructions on the Way

There’s a lot going on among Ireland’s thriving talent pool of electronic music producers and labels. With new projects on the way from Matador, Hybrasil, Plutonic Dust, Psychonavigation, Phraktal and Michael Lovatt, April promises to be a busy month.

Allow Us To Be Frank: Interview with The Frank And Walters

Veteran Cork rockers The Frank and Walters discuss their excellent new album, Songs For The Walking Wounded, which features a cameo from Hollywood A-lister and Frank's super fan Cillian Murphy.

Teenage Kicks: My Life as an Undertone

LIKE A ROLLING 'TONE. The Undertones were like comets, bursting out of Derry in the punk era. Now, the band's bassist Michael Bradley has told the story of their early years in a highly entertaining new memoir.

Dylan and Able

What have the voice of Henry Miller, the 1979 Irish mass of Pope John Paul II, and a gong played by Samuel Beckett got in common? They are all sampled on the intriguing new album by Dylan Tighe.

Book Review: The Drowned Detective by Neil Jordan

Bloomsbury

Review: Suede At Dublin's Olympia Theatre

The Irish crowd were treated to a night of nostalgia and exuberance

The Strypes light up The Olympia

Our ears are still ringing from the incendiary performance the Cavan lads put in this past weekend. If you weren't lucky enough to be in attendance - or just feel like reliving it - then check out our review of a memorable night in Dublin

3Arena rocked by Def Leppard, Whitesnake and Black Star Riders

The clock was turned back on Sunday as a trio of veteran acts proved there's plenty more life left in 'em. The North Wall was host to a hard-rocking party to end them all, and Hot Press was there to catch it all

The Blades Interview

Post-punk legends The Blades have put out their first new music in a generation and sound just as vital as ever.

Hunger Makes Me A Modern Girl - Carrie Brownstein

The Citizens Interview

Seven years have passed since the release of Dublin luminaries Saville’s Nostalgia album. Now three of the four members are picking up where they left off, this time as The Citizens.

Michael Palin Interview

Much-loved comedian, actor, writer and television presenter Michael Palin talks to Roisin Dwyer ahead of a flying visit to Dublin. His Thirty Years Tour promises to give a bare glimpse of the man behind the mask.

The Drays Interview

16-years in the making - sort of! - The Drays have caused perfect pop fans to salivate with their new album. Stephen Ryan and Eileen Gogan talk new beginnings, old friends and the art of being patient with Roisin Dwyer.

REPORT: Sultans Of Ping reign supreme at Rock City

The Cork heroes impressed at the Indie All Dayer in Nottingham... PHOTO CREDIT: Colm Kelly 


Eimear McBride Interview

Her debut novel languished for nine years – but now A Girl Is A Half Formed Thing author Eimear McBride is a literary sensation. She talks to Roisin Dwyer about her unlikely journey – and equally unorthodox prose style.

Sleaford Mods Interview

At a time when music is increasingly reluctant to stand-up and be counted, Sleaford Mods are different – a rough and ready agit-prop crew who put polemic at the heart of their musical identity.

Richard E. Grant Interview

He claimed a slice of cinematic immortality as star of Withnail And I. However, Richard E. Grant has a never allowed that iconic role to define him. Instead, he has hopscotched between big and small screen parts and recently embarked on an alternative career as creator of best-selling perfumes.

For Those About To Doc, We Salute You

These are heady days for fans of music documentaries, with cinematic tributes to Wilko Johnson and The Damned incoming. Roisin Dwyer talks to the men behind the movies.

LIVE REPORT: AC/DC at Aviva

The Aussie legends rock Dublin.

Jon Ronson Interview

Cult author Jon Ronson has taken a lot of heat for his controversial new book So You've Been Publicly Shamed, which explores the murky world of social media shaming.

Gareth Murphy Interview

Gareth Murphy’s Cowboys and Indies charts the decline of the music industry – but, he argues, it’s not all doom and gloom.

Fight Like Apes Interview

After half a decade, a falling-out with their record label and a controversial crowdfunding campaign, Fight Like Apes are back with their most surprising album yet.

Roddy Doyle Interview

Hot Press's Write Here, Write Now competition took place as part of Dublin’s One City, One Book festivities, which this year celebrated Roddy Doyle’s brilliant Barrytown Trilogy. Doyle was one of the judges for Write Here, Write Now, and was on-hand for the presentation ceremony in the Mansion House. Here he discusses his work and career...

Hot Press talks to The Pop Group's Mark Stewart

Back with the first Pop Group album in 35 years and ahead of their Irish show, frontman Mark Stewart opens up about working with Paul Epworth, campaigning against Nigel Farage and influencing Nick Cave and Thurston Moore.

Saigon You Crazy Diamonds: Viet Cong check in

Arising from the ashes of Women, Viet Cong have transcended their controversial (in some quarters) name with a fantastic debut album and rollicking live tour.

Jailhouse Rock: Wayne Kramer and the Jail Guitar Doors Initiative

Punk legend Wayne Kramer on bringing Billy Bragg’s jail guitar doors initiative to mountjoy.

Live review: Dropkick Murphys & Blood Or Whiskey

A St. Patrick's Day gig to remember in Vicar Street...

LIVE REVIEW: The Creators in The Grand Social

A packed Grand Social greeted this debut show by R&B supergroup The Creators.

Hot Press meet Black Star Riders

Stepping outside their Thin Lizzy incarnation, hard-rockers Black Star Riders are back with a second collection of sizzling original material.

Popical Paradise: Popical Island celebrates birthday

One of Ireland's top indie labels has just celebrated its fifth birthday

Life During Wartime - Hot Press meets James Ellroy

The first book in a new quartet by legendary crime author James Ellroy, Perfidia is a sprawling epic set in Los Angeles during World War 2. He discusses the background to the novel, his aversion to technology, and a possible new TV series with director David Fincher.

Inside Track: Academic For The People

Christmas comes early as we give our lowdown on the best Irish talent of 2014.

Pine and Dandy - Hot Press meets Dave Geraghty

When is a solo album not a solo album? Bell X1’s Dave Geraghty explains why his Join Me In The Pines project is a stand-alone affair with a difference (and not just because his mother sings on it).

His Shining Light - Hot Press meets Tim Wheeler

Tim Wheeler’s first solo project is dedicated to the memory of his father George, who passed away in 2011. The Ash frontman talks to Roisin Dwyer about the influence he had on his career and how making the album Lost Domain helped him come to terms with his loss.

Death Becomes Her - Hot Press meets Aoife Kelleher

Her day job is working on the Vincent Browne Show. At night she’s been known to hang around cemeteries. Roisin Dwyer meets the documentary maker whose award-winning film about Glasnevin Cemetery is receiving deadly reviews.

The Author Explodes - Julian Cope Interview

Julian Cope has many strings to his bow: post-punk legend, archaeology expert, author...and, as you might’ve suspected, he’s a rattling good interview.

LIVE REPORT: Royal Blood at The Academy, Dublin

A "mesmerising" set from the Brighton duo. Check out Emma Synnott's photo gallery here Read More

Front Lines: Gleeson Street

The most successful dynasty in Irish acting, the Gleeson family are set to star together for the first time in Enda Walsh’s upcoming play, The Walworth Farce

Where Eagulls Swear - Eagulls Interview

They divided indie-dom down the middle with an expletive-packed online screed. But Eagulls are keen to leave the controversy behind and focus on their songs and on famous friends such as Bill Murray and Macca.

Johnny Marr Interview

The former Smiths guitarist has had a fresh lease of life following the release last year of his first solo album. Now he’s back for seconds with a cracking follow-up. He discusses growing old with dignity, playing music with his sons and why he sees himself as an 'actor' who doesn’t like to be typecast.

JJ Burnel on the passing of Robin Williams

Strangler JJ Burnel was shocked at his friend Robin Williams committing suicide.

20,000 Days On Earth - Film Review

PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST AS AGING ROCK ICON

In Great Nick - Nick Cave Documentary

The legendary Bad Seed wouldn’t be caught dead starring in a conventional documentary. 20,000 Days on Earth is something else entirely...

House About That

One of our top new labels is celebrating its third annivesary in style.

Talking to Joe - Joseph O'Connor Interview

As the brother of Sinead O’Connor, it’s no surprise that Joseph O’Connor knows a few things about the music industry. But in his latest novel, The Thrill Of It All, the award winning writer demonstrates a depth of knowledge to match his enduring passion for music.

Inside Track - Indie Go Go

One of our favourite festivals is almost here. Yes, it’s time to head down south to Indiependence, where the selection of Irish talent is absolutely stellar

The Levon Helm Band – The Midnight Ramble Sessions Volume 3

Third instalment of collected material from Band singer/drummer’s celebrated shindigs.

Inside Track - Songs For The Stef

Fed up hearing about the death of music The Mighty Stef’s Stefan Murphy is aiming to prove the doubters wrong by setting up a new record label

Sisters Of Mercy's Andrew Eldritch in conversation

The iconic frontman and sole remaining original member of the band talks about spending time with David Bowie and Leonard Cohen, why he has no plans to release another Sisters album or return to the UK, his memories of playing in Ireland and much, much more…

Inside Track: Summer Loving

Plenty of summer loving as the gigs, festivals and launches keep on coming...

Inside Track- Bright Club

Some of your favourite Irish acts come together to campaign on behalf of mental health awareness this fortnight

The Minutes-Let's Talk About Secs

They blazed a trail of leather-jacketed angst through Dublin indie-dom with their astonishing debut. Now The Minutes are back – old and wiser, yes, but more determined to rock your world than ever before.

Boys in the corner: Hot Press meets We Cut Corners

What's that coming over the hill? It's a múinteoir! Two of them, in fact. Teachers by day, angsty rockers by night. Choice nominated We Cut Corners discuss their second album

Our Franz Eclectic: Hot Press meets Alex Kapranos

Franz Ferdinand's Alex Kapranos on his Twitter dust-up with Pharrell, ten years in the business and suprise at the popularity of the group's latest LP

Emma Donoghue - Frog Music

Wilko Johnson and Roger Daltrey - Going Back Home

Feelgood legend's trip down memory lane with Who frontman

It's Finn for some: Hot Press meets Neil Finn

Crowed House leader Neil Finn on his highly experimental new solo record, his debt to the Hobbit and Game Of Thrones and why he fears the interent is turning him into a recluse

Inside Track: Codes break their silence

Electro-indie troupe Codes swoop back with a cracking new long-player

Little Matador - Little Matador

Snow Patrol guitarist unveils sublime qotsa-esque side-project

Inside Track: Rebell Swell

Another up-and-coming Cork talent will ensure the People's Republic stays on the musical map

Inside Track: Steven's Day

A top Northern tunesmith has released the best record of his career. Gary Lightbody will be thrilled - so should you.

Inside Track: Rag Trade

With a new album on the way Raglans have given us a taste of what to expect...

Armistead Maupin - The Days of Anna Madrigal

Inside Track: No Sloppy Seconds

For two up-and-coming acts, a second album represents a chance to try new things and meaningfully progress their sound

Pressing Matters: Interview with Tramp Press

A new independent imprint, Tramp Press, is planning to shake the often complacent Irish publishing industry up in 2014.

Neil Finn - Dizzy Heights

Veteran tunesmith adds new colours to his palette

Inside Track: The long and windings road

Our favourite indie wallflowers return with a cracking new tune. Roisin Dwyer investigates...

The Inside Track: January Bliss

Just because Christmas is over doesn’t mean we have to feel all down and dreary. For Irish music fans, especially, there’s lots to be cheerful about.

Music Nation: Black Star Riders

The latter-day incarnation of Thin Lizzy recently released a cracking collection of originals under the Black Star Riders moniker. Here, band leader Scott Gorham shares memories of the punk wars, reflects on the success of the new project, and explains his awe of professional golfers

Hot Press meets The Blades

With their long-awaited reunion almost upon us Paul Cleary of Dublin punk legends The Blades recalls run-ins with U2, legendary manager Andrew Loog Oldham, and The Smiths

Music Nation: Going Ape

Your favourite provocative pranksters are back – with an EP and a long-player to follow. But first, a new tour

We Cut Corners' preview

A taster for We Cut Corners’ eagerly anticipated new album is on the way.

Moshing Impossible: Steve Hughes speaks up

It’s a tall order: how do you graduate from metal drummer and MTV host to acclaimed stand-up? Steve Hughes shares the secrets of his unlikely route to the comedy summit...

Queens Of The Stone Age

Propulsive drums, that familiar riff... BANG! The explosive ‘You Think I Ain’t Worth A Dollar, But I Feel Like A Millionaire’ signals the Queens’ arrival.

All Island Champions

We’re not even all the way through 2013 yet and already 2014 is looking like a bumper year thanks to indie collective Popical Island