Saved By The Bell
With Bell X1 once again nominated for a Choice Music Prize, making inroads in America and set for The Music Show, Paul Noonan talks to Craig Fitzpatrick about his delight over the election of fellow RDS guest President Michael D. Higgins, charity gigs, activism and how he has dealt with the turmoil of the past few years in song.
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Latest Articles by Craig Fitzpatrick
They’re not a manifesto band, but Brooklyn’s PARQUET COURTS are a principled, fiercely intelligent bunch. Undermining ‘slacker’ labels on their literate and layered new album, co-frontman Andrew Savage talks imprisonment, artistic compromise and… his cat.
15 Jul 2014
Bound for Knockanstockan 2014, The Eskies boast outlandish origin stories, Billy Connolly’s outlook and songs designed to terrify your average Mumford & Sons fan. They tell Craig Fitzpatrick about making the most ‘deranged’ folk around, WHILST we pick the other unmissable acts heading for Blessington Lakes this July
23 Jun 2014
As The Horrors continue their winning streak of daring yet accessible albums, Craig Fitzpatrick meets the beat and the voice of the band. While drummer Joe Spurgeon warns against pressing his singer for lyrical explanations, Faris Badwan talks about bad first impressions and how he’s “the worst liar in the world.”
19 Jun 2014
Three years in the making, Daithí Ó Drónaí’s debut album In Flight is finally with us. He tells Craig Fitzpatrick about leaving his traditional roots behind for a dance-pop direction, his changing fanbase and unique position in the Irish music scene.
13 Jun 2014
No longer mere bluesy rabble-rousers, bonafide viral video stars The Hot Sprockets return with their Gavin Glass-assisted second album. They talk doubling their fanbase, their cosmic link and why it was not cowbell they were after, but more congas.
03 Jun 2014
Forget fabricated feuds with Beyoncé and Rihanna: Emily Kokal wants the world to know that Warpaint are really peacemakers at heart. They also find Sabbath riffs sexy and see the healthy side of perversity
28 May 2014 - Interview
Taking tips from The Script as they prepare to bring an East Wall sound to the wider world with their second album, a rebranded O.R.B. talk naysayers, connecting with their fan base and staying grounded.
28 May 2014 - Interview
Chris Martin delivers comfort food for the soul as he consciously uncouples
21 May 2014 - REVIEW
Superstar DJ and film composer David Holmes saw MDMA undermine sectarianism in '90s Belfast. His wilder days behind him, the producer and soundtracker still likes a good spliff. "I can't work without it!" he tells Craig Fitzpatrick.
23 Apr 2014 - Interview
Spurred on by Damien Dempsey's advice and Lindsey Buckingham's airfare, Nicole Maguire finally releases her debut album. Counting down the hours to her first Late Late Show appearance, she tells Craig Fitzpatrick about the importance of perseverance.
22 Apr 2014 - Interview
Post Flight Of The Conchords fame, Rhys Darby wants to put New Zealand comedy properly on the map. He tells Craig Fitzpatrick about ambitious new series Short Poppies and pays tribute to his friend, Philip Seymour Hoffman.
16 Apr 2014 - Interview
A noise-pop quartet based around the friendship of Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig, Lucius sprang to life in a Brooklyn mansion and are bound for Europe. In between, there's been trips to Willie Nelson's ranch and songwriting as "self-help".
14 Apr 2014 - Interview
How did a 15-year-old swords and sorcery saga, much adored by Greeks, become the hottest television property since The Sopranos? Hot Press takes a place on the red carpet as the Game of Thrones cast arrive for the Irish premiere of the show's much-anticipated new season...
11 Apr 2014 - Frontlines
A true melting pot of music, DFF is a new supergroup marking the point where everything from chamber pop and Irish trad to the influence of Congolese "guitar sorcerer" Franco converge in glorious sound.
11 Apr 2014 - Interview
High-fiving princes, hiding out in Tesco and acting as the filing in a Brangelina sandwich. And that's just this year.Tinie Tempah on his rise from admiring semi-detached houses from his council estate to moving into uncharted territory for his music genre, as the rapper gets stadium-sized.
10 Apr 2014 - Interview
In which one of the world's greatest rappers, Danny Brown, celebrates life without the lean.
01 Apr 2014 - Interview
"The Irish State is harming women." So says Dr. Mark Murphy, a leading voice in a new movement that wants to lend considered, medical heft to the abortion debate. And they don't think half measures are any solution...
27 Mar 2014 - Frontlines
A new line-up and confident debut in place, "mutant" quartet Raglans take time before touring to tell Craig Fitzpatrick about steering clear of scenes, crashing The Strypes' on-stage party and asking their producer to give them that ol' Phil Collins snare drum magic.
27 Mar 2014 - Interview
Starting out writing weepy tunes on her family's estate, a Bon Iver cover propelled a teenage Birdy to stardom. Two albums in, she talks cheering up and taking control.
26 Mar 2014 - Interview
Hayden Thorpe of Wild Beasts on masculinity crises, Miley Cyrus, how he wasn't referring to Arctic Monkeys when bemoaning 'Americanised' bands and why Morrissey's autobiography could be akin to a "snuff movie".
20 Mar 2014 - Interview
"Capturing the imagination" in Cork, the CPPC aims to undermine and, ultimately, end the party system in Ireland. Are their independents in with a shout this May or is it a case of political naivety?
18 Mar 2014 - Frontlines
Hanging with Bono and the U2 boys, squiring Taylor Swift and plotting his first ever Dublin show, musician-turned-actor Reeve Carney has certainly been flying high since he played Peter Parker in Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark.
13 Mar 2014 - Interview
Five Joan As Policewoman albums in, Ms Wasser talks creation, the late Lou Reed and wonders "how did I get here?"
11 Mar 2014 - Interview
Free spirit delivers disappointing soul-in-a-strait-jacket
11 Mar 2014 - REVIEW
Delighted that guitar bands are out of favour and promoting the Swiss family Robinson method of album-making, Yannis Philippakis of Foals would quite like to start a family, but might end up "smashing the place up".
03 Mar 2014 - Interview
Will the Gabriel Byrne-led Quirke, based on John Banville’s Benjamin Black thrillers, usher in The Era of Celtic Noir? Nick Dunning, playing the part of Byrne’s guarded brother-in-law, says the ingredients are all there...
03 Mar 2014 - Interview
Breaking out the vocoder, old friends Lar Kaye and Conor Adams are now delivering interstellar electro-pop as TVVINS. DON’T: expect a Adebisi Shank/The Cast Of Cheers mash-up, DO: look for the Cher influences.
27 Feb 2014 - Interview
Abandoning indie guitars and bored by anonymous electronic artists, William Doyle grabbed his laptop and headed for the hinterland. Now, as East India Youth, he’s found a sound, a voice and… is that Brian Eno in the audience?
27 Feb 2014 - Interview
They used to get naked in Bournemouth; now they're partial to line-dancing in Kerry. Bombay Bicycle Club on giving up the rock wildness, their Mumbai-influenced fourth album and facing rabid One Direction fans.
18 Feb 2014 - Interview
As one of the big names on the BBC Sound Of 2014 list, it’d be easy to get a big head. Instead, young Bristol-based bluesman George Ezra is too busy winding Tom Odell up online, serving Spanish pastries out of vans and pondering the legality of human taxidermy.
12 Feb 2014 - Interview
From a multicultural background, raised in Paris and in love with Dublin, Matthieu Chardon would read Hot Press to perfect his English. Now, as the Shoot to Thrill co-winner, he's created a daring advertisement that's true to his 'Live Life to the fullest' ethos.
04 Feb 2014 - Interview
Based in London, Scott Altman has worked on the video for Kanye West's globe-shaking 'Blkkk Skkkn Head' and employed The Strypes in his shoot to thrill success. The music-loving Dubliner talks working with his heroes and his ambitions for 2014.
04 Feb 2014 - Interview
It took massive online attention and a heart-to-heart with Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon to get Laura Elizabeth Hughes to a place where she was confident pursuing a music career. The Dublin artist tells Craig Fitzpatrick about opening her eyes and finding her voice.
28 Jan 2014 - Interview
Making the most of the musical wonderland that is Grouse Lodge, Corner Boy’s Michael D’Arcy recalls the Red Bull Bedroom Jam victory that got his band there and talks about wrestling banjos back from the grasp of Marcus Mumford
10 Dec 2013 - Interview
Being influenced by a singing farmer on a tractor, getting drunk off The Strypes’ drink tokens and signing to US label Graveface are all on the agenda as Dott’s Anna McCarthy tells us how to keep things simple.
10 Dec 2013 - Interview
“Unfiltered” and “not embarrassed of anything” is how California star Lissie describes herself. A good thing too, when you’re faced with recalling accidental crystal meth encounters and people picking over your most direct material to date
09 Dec 2013 - Interview
A shining example of the restorative effects of spending time with Rick Rubin in Malibu, Jake Bugg effortlessly shakes off lazy “grumpy young man” tags in person. Still, he finds time in Dublin to wrinkle his nose at James Blake’s Mercury win and warn photographers off hanging around his hometown.
02 Dec 2013 - Interview
Bressie has pieced together a star-studded album to raise awareness about Cycle Against Suicide, a charity close to his heart...
28 Nov 2013 - Frontlines
... or more accurately, Jason Manford waiting for Hot Press. Eager in every sense, the Mancunian comic is back ‘standing up’ after time spent acting, presenting, singing, and raising internet hell. “Everyone has something wrong with them,” he tells Craig Fitzpatrick.
20 Nov 2013 - Comedy
She hates “truck songs” in her country music, wrinkles her nose at Taylor Swift mentions and pens odes to smoking weed and gay best friends. Meet Kacey Musgraves from Golden, Texas, as she takes on Europe for the first time...
19 Nov 2013 - Interview
Launched in Ireland last month, HMV’s new digital music store and app finds the retailer merging the bricks and mortar experience with online accessibility. James Coughlan, managing director of HMV Digital, discusses wranglings with Apple and HMV’s “trusted voice”.
18 Nov 2013 - Frontlines
They wowed Dakota on Arthur’s Day 2012 and entertained student revellers at this year’s Trinity Ball, but tonight is the moment when AlunaGeorge make their first full-length splash in Dublin.
08 Nov 2013 - REVIEW
A Friday night Dublin battered by wind and rain, and Stano is finally ready to reclaim his city.
07 Nov 2013 - REVIEW
When most people think "Vampires", sex isn't very far from the mind. As he takes lead in NBC's Dracula, however, Jonathan Rhys Meyers is thinking "suffering". The Irish film star on how he can relate to the man inside the monster, addiction, heartache and all...
05 Nov 2013 - Interview
As he brings his Union Jack-loving, loudmouth comic creation ‘the Pub Landlord’ to Vicar Street, Al Murray admits that talk of being a British institution makes him feel like a “crumbling building” but has plans for a big screen future.
29 Oct 2013 - Comedy
At an age when most are worrying about impending Leaving Certs, facial blemishes and the mysteries of the opposite sex, The Strypes are playing Glastonbury and being acclaimed by the likes of Dave Grohl and Elton John. With debut album Snapshot just released, they talk to Craig Fitzpatrick about their extraordinary rise – and why rock and roll is here to stay.
10 Oct 2013 - Interview
I’m sprinting through a field in Stradbally and the pangs of regret are already arriving...
13 Sep 2013 - REVIEW
Interested in a career in music, design or the arts? The good news is that there has never been a wider variety of options for school-leavers,
11 Sep 2013 - Reports
A Bangor musician who reckons Ed Sheeran’s young fans thought he was Ed’s “demented uncle” on tour, Foy Vance is really a long-latent talent who’s struck creative gold somewhere in the Scottish Highlands.
05 Sep 2013 - Interview
The Premier League is back – but who will be this season’s heroes and villains? Judging by Jose Mourinho’s sparkling press conferences, we already know who the resident side-splitter is...
03 Sep 2013 - Foulplay
Act-of-the-weekend Savages hypnotising a packed Cosby Tent, a shambolic Palma Violets charming all, Hudson Mohawke providing the coolest late night soundtrack around – Craig Fitzpatrick caught it all at a beautiful Saturday Picnic.
02 Sep 2013 - News
They’ve conquered Ireland and much of Europe in the past year. Now KODALINE are getting ready for what is sure to be an emotional return to Electric Picnic...
22 Aug 2013 - Interview
He spoke to Hot Press at the Arthur's Day launch in Hogan's.
12 Aug 2013 - News
Michael Bublé hasn’t been “this intimate in a long time”. No surprise when you’ve sold over 40 million records and stadiums have become your natural stomping ground. In the midst of his O2 arena run, the Canadian superstar on impending fatherhood and how he’s handy in a bar fight...
09 Aug 2013 - Interview
On the unvarnished, naturally beautiful Chop Chop, Bell X1 have hit the "reset" button. Before they head off for new frontiers, they get nostalgic about Music In Mouth's 10th anniversary, worry about the state failures and Anglo Tapes of the present day, and look forward to life as wrinkly rockers, when, they assure us they will keep their waistlines in check...
01 Aug 2013 - Interview
Prolonged exposure to the sun can affect people in strange ways. As the temperature begins to cool ever so slightly on a Saturday evening in Marlay Park, it would appear it has turned sensitive soul Conor J. O'Brien into a swaggering rock star. No sooner are Villagers on stage than he's gently mocking his band mates' attire, later re-introducing them after a brief solo turn as "The Village People".
21 Jul 2013 - REVIEW
She’s selling out The O2, I’m lying on the floor crying in a onesie.” Luisa Omielan on how Queen Bey inspired her debut stand-up show ‘What Would Beyoncé Do?!'...
19 Jul 2013 - Reports
With a bill bookended by Cali sister act Haim and Vegas headliners The Killers, the Phoenix Park seems to have relocated to the Pacific Time Zone for one day only...
19 Jul 2013 - REVIEW
Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig doesn’t want to get all “highfalutin”. He will, however, declare his love for Joyce’s Dubliners and note that, on their new record, “every word and every phrase is full of meaning”. It’s permitted. His Longitude-bound quartet have just breezily washed away all those “preppy pop” connotations with a musical masterclass on their third attempt...
18 Jul 2013 - Interview
Halfway through their EP Puzzle Project, Guinness Arthur’s Day - Play On The Day winners In Their Thousands release their debut single, the beautifully crafted ‘Tear It All Apart’. The Donegal band discuss trashing Citroëns, living in near isolation and the almost telepathic relationship they have with one another...
16 Jul 2013 - Interview
As the man who guided Donegal to the Sam Maguire Cup for the first time since 1992, Jim McGuinness is already a legend. The former All-Ireland footballer and manager of the current All-Ireland champions talks about the importance of “chimney pots” and how to help keep Ireland “overachieving.”...
15 Jul 2013 - Reports
As part of the arts panel, Chris O’Dowd returns from Hollywood stardom to lend a helping hand at home. He talks about working with Christopher Guest and Lena Dunham. And he tells Craig Fitzpatrick: “we need more auteurs”...
12 Jul 2013 - Reports
After a dark period of creative turmoil that led to the departure of their guitarist, Editors regrouped in Nashville. Relieved to be returning with a new album, singer Tom Smith admits they “were staring at the end.”...
09 Jul 2013 - Interview
Team Danny’s just had a big Voice UK win, and now The Script are signing up for even more mentoring. They talk to Craig Fitzpatrick about how slow the music industry has been in embracing innovation...
09 Jul 2013 - Reports
Restoring some sonic daring to radio-friendly R&B, AlunaGeorge are a striking London double-act both in studio and in person. They talk big expectations and wrestling the key change back from Westlife...
04 Jul 2013 - Interview
Approaching their 20th anniversary, Sigur Rós have shed a band member and their icy exterior. They've also gained a seventh album and immortality on The Simpsons. An amiable Georg Hólm tells Craig Fitzpatrick about messing with Jónsi's bowed guitar...
02 Jul 2013 - Interview
Zillion-selling, honey-voiced chanteuse Dido scotches rumours that she's become the musical wing of the Syrian revolutionary movement...
01 Jul 2013 - Interview
The Great Gatsby would approve...
01 Jul 2013 - REVIEW
Back with Bankrupt!, Phoenix are rediscovering their Gallic identity and finding beauty in the mundane. Craig Fitzpatrick talks to Thomas Mars, a man Bill Murray calls “the only Frenchman that could play rock and roll, ever.”...
28 Jun 2013 - Interview
After a painstaking process, Haim have completed their debut Ialbum. Only Prince, lead singer Danielle tells us, can tear them apart now...
26 Jun 2013 - Interview
Convalescing at his Sydney home, a poorly Jono from Jagwar Ma talks compliments from Noel Gallagher, inaccurate Madchester labels and whether he’d risk getting shot to work with Phil Spector...
20 Jun 2013 - Interview
She is the 17 year old schoolgirl who came from nowhere to scoop the top prize in The Big Break, brought to you by ALCATEL ONE TOUCH . Katie Laffan has what it takes to go all the way...
17 Jun 2013 - Interview
Divorce and death inform KT Tunstall’s fifth record, which came together in the desert when a songwriter met a “maverick”...
14 Jun 2013 - Interview
Since gracing our cover, Kodaline have made friends with people called Chickenhawk and Deputy Dan in the heart of America, fumbled a Daft Punk cover on French TV and beaten up their singer for the sake of art... words Craig Fitzpatrick photo Graham Keogh...
13 Jun 2013 - Interview
Having just written a new teen novel, Pauline McLynn is also preparing to take on Mrs. Brown’s Boys with Jason Byrne. She talks to Craig Fitzpatrick about her dual roles as actress and author.
11 Jun 2013 - Interview
With the plan being “over-indulgence”, O Emperor are a little surprised that, rather than being a proggy double album, new record Vitreous is something far more commercial. words Craig Fitzpatrick
11 Jun 2013 - Interview
The skies were blue and the rock ‘n’ dance action hot as the likes of Kasabian, Chic and Primal Scream took care of Forbidden Fruit headlining duties. Team Hot Press were, as ever, in the thick of the festival action…
06 Jun 2013 - REVIEW
Last summer they set Marlay Park on fire with an incendiary double-header alongside Noel Gallagher. Now Kasabian have their sights set on Forbidden Fruit.
04 Jun 2013 - Interview
Arriving in Dublin with the fantastic Arc under their belts, Everything Everything should be ‘avin it large’. Instead, they’re that other kind of Manchester band, worrying about “holier than thou” fans, the bleak future of the universe and the possibility that “boring rock will live forever.”
31 May 2013 - Interview
Still the Josh Homme Show, despite guests...
31 May 2013 - REVIEW
As Austra come to Ireland, singer Katie Stelmanis talks about her operatic beginnings, why she has no hate for Arcade Fire, and why Grimes was right to call the music industry sexist.
29 May 2013 - Interview
Jaded yet joyful, literate yet primed for mass consumption, Little Green Cars are the most mystifying Irish act with the ‘next big thing’ tag in an age. REM say they should at least know what they don’t want to be. And what do they want to be? Just able to sleep at night...
21 May 2013 - Interview
A force to be reckoned with in political comedy, things have become awfully personal for Marcus Brigstocke recently. With his extra-marital affair in the papers and his 40th birthday looming, it could be worse. He used to moonlight as a podium dancer whilst working on an oil rig...
13 May 2013 - Interview
He’s got a lyrical eye for detail and melodist’s ear for a hook...
13 May 2013 - REVIEW
Ruban Nielson fondly remembers nu-soul as his ’60s and should probably tour less. “I just go off the rails”, admits Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s Kiwi conductor...
03 May 2013 - Interview
After a year of both sold-out gigs and death threats, it’s little wonder that Frank Turner’s fifth solo album finds him in reflective form. The English troubadour tells us why Mick Jagger is a fraud and why he won’t touch Margaret Thatcher “with a fucking bargepole!”
02 May 2013 - Interview
’80s-inflected Dublin act Vann Music are still in that musical honeymoon period. The secret? “Synths, and lots of them!”
29 Apr 2013 - Interview
It’s big and it’s clever as New Yorkers call rock’s bluff...
25 Apr 2013 - REVIEW
They’ve featured on Grey’s Anatomy and rubbed shoulders with British politicians and Pixies alike. Gary Barlow is gushing over them on Twitter, while Julian Lennon enjoys photographing their soundchecks. With their debut album ready and several high profile summer festival dates confirmed, a fast-rising Kodaline have certainly come a long way from the earlier “fucking awful” teen incarnation that battled it out on You’re A Star...
23 Apr 2013 - Interview
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