A Choice Is Gonna Come

Our leading politicians have been dragging their heels, but the voices on the street are loud and clear: people want a referendum to repeal the 8th amendment. we look at the momentum behind the pro-choice campaign, as Tara Flynn and Róisín Shortall shine a spotlight on the issue.

Rufus Wainwright Interview

Ahead of his eagerly-awaited Sligo Live appearance, Rufus Wainwright talks opera, fatherhood, and why the new Pope makes him optimistic.

Girl Band Interview: Delirium Tremendous

The most ferocious young act on the planet. But not in a macho way. Girl Band on their music as glorious release, how their visceral debut album helped lead singer Dara Kiely put a psychotic episode behind him, and why the world needs more Kanyes.

Dr. Shari McDaid - Mental Health Reform

Committed to promoting improved mental health services in Ireland, Mental Health Reform has scored a major victory in these very pages with Minister Lynch's funding pledge. Regardless, the way Dr. Shari McDaid tells it, radical change is still required...

Introducing: Ports

Another rising act you should be keeping an eye and an ear on - while they might have had to change names, the artists formerly known as Little Bear are ready to strike

Introducing: Galants

Another rising act you should be keeping an eye and an ear on, in the shape of a pair of Dublin-based noise merchants

The Dead Weather - Dodge & Burn

Third gothic outing for Jack White and co.

Queen Of The Damned: Nick Oliveri interview

Long considered the wild man of modern rock, Nick Oliveri has entered midlife with a more thoughtful outlook. Reflecting on how anger ended his days in Queens Of The Stone Age, he talks about his friendship with Josh Homme and how, if you're crashing cars and engaging with SWAT teams, it's good to have fans...

The Libertines - What became of the likely lads?

... well, they got the band back together only to find they were bigger than ever before. Excluding a vibe that recalls the carefree, surreally quick-witted early days of the band rather than the druggy darkness and conflict of their initial collapse, the Libertines welcome Hot Press into their surprisingly chilled 3Arena dressing room to talk about everything from the dangers of smoking whilst doing yoga to tricking the Guinness Book Of World Records. Oh, and that long-awaited third album...

Codes Interview

Achieving creative autonomy thanks to their loyal, patient fanbase, Codes are back with long-awaited second album Aaltars and are very much doing things on their own terms. words Craig Fitzpatrick

The Strypes Interview

Much was made of their retro roots when they charged onto the scene but, as they enter their college years, The Strypesare better built than most to tackle the modern music industry. They tell us why they couldn't care less if people get it for free.

Raising The Bar: Paul Young Interview

With two Oscar nominations and Angelina Jolie on board for their next project, Kilkenny's Cartoon Saloon are the heart of Irish animation's worldwide success. Co-founder Paul Young talks to Craig Fitzpatrick.

ELECTRIC PICNIC: Day Three Review

The Irish shine during a jam-packed finale in Stradbally...

Electric Picnic preview: Blur

Long acknowledged as the best of britpop, their reunion has seen Blur properly transcend eras and genres. As they take their seat at the greatest bands of all time table. They bring their cool new treats to Stradbelly.

Battles Interview

Fully instrumental and loving it, New York trio Battles admit vocals were always an afterthought anyway as they deliver a third album titled with Snoop's laid-back outlook in mind.

Al Porter Interview

While some dream of a room with a view, Al Porter dreams of a Harold's Cross house without a hall. The coming talks about his strong Taillight identity and desire to take on Britain.

Frank Turner Interview

“There were very negative things going on in my life, but I survived.” Frank Turner looks on the bright side with Craig Fitzpatrick.

Ryan Sheridan Interview

From Riverdance-ing as a youngster to struggling as a busker on the streets of Dublin, the success story of Ryan Sheridan has been a long time in the writing. Having conquered territories as a far afield as Germany and Australia, and back with his second solo album, the Monaghan star talks about living for the live experience, how music is all about freedom, and his plans to give the likes of Mogwai and Sigur Ros a run for their post-rock money in the future.

Cole's Corner: Oliver Cole interview

On the rosy side of his love/hate relationship with music since Turn ended, Oliver Cole is back "on a one man mission to make people engage." After five years, here's his Year Of The Bird...

The Districts Interview

Lovers of energised guitar rock will adore The Districts. While their home town in Pennsylvania is still shrugging its shoulders, they’ve found admirers in the likes of the great Fred Armisen…

Interview with Longitude Headliners alt-J

You can count Woody Harrelson and Yoko Ono as fans, while they can’t understand why their mate Miley Cyrus gets a hard time for enjoying sex and weed. Against all odds, alt-J have become A Very Big Deal in rock music. But, as Gus Unger-Hamilton explains, they’ve had no help from the Illuminati…

Catfishing For Compliments

Meet Van McCann, lead singer for Catfish And The Bottlemen. With an Irish jig-playing grandfather and a desire to outdo label mates U2, he's bringing Conor McGregor philosophy to guitar rock. PHOTO CREDIT: Tom Oxley

Flo Morrissey Interview

Winning over her heroes and ready to bring her debut album to the world, London folk songwriter Flo Morrissey is worth adopting as one of our own.

LIVE REPORT: The Libertines wow 3Arena

Expectations are exceeded in style on a balmy Thursday evening in Dublin.

Ash Interview

Back! Back!! BACK!!! in long-playing form, Ash talk rejuvenation, dealing with the machine and how these days they only compete with themselves.

Long May She Rain - Interview with SOAK

Rubbing shoulders with Paul Weller, singing prescient calls for love and raging against the British Conservative party, Bridie Monds-Watson is already an important figure. And that's all before the first SOAK album carries to enchant this summer.

Imelda May Interview

Back in Dublin to join the likes of Paolo Nutini in Marlay Park this July 4, Imelda May talks about how his dad is a big fan and her recent adventures abroad – including a chance meeting with another Dubliner recently signed to Capitol…

Muse - Drones

Prog as protest music that doesn’t fly

Young Wonder Interview

With Young Wonder injecting Scandi-pop with some Irish warmth, singer Rachel Koeman talks creation in isolation and why the first long-playing cut should be the deepest.

Ciaran Lavery Interview

Ciaran Lavery's mission in music is to avoid being put into a box. It's a big part of the reason we've put him on the cover. A hugely exciting young talent from the tiny village of Aghagallon in Antrim, he's a "singer-songwriter" who hates the images of cardigan-clad Dylan-worshippers which that nomenclature usually conjures.

Counting Crows Interview

A firm favourite of Irish audiences for two decades now, Counting Crows singer Adam Duritz is here to tell us the feeling’s mutual. He also discusses touring life, the problem with major labels and why he can’t judge the American Sniper...

Mini Mansions Interview

Five years after their first album – blame Alex Turner and Josh Homme for the wait – Mini Mansions’ second is a triumph. The band’s Michael Shuman discusses Brian Wilson collaborations and his turbulent Queens Of The Stone Age career.

Gavin Glass – Everyday Is Like Sunday

...But it's not all silent and grey. A songsmith always capable of bottling heartbreak, Gavin Glass is ready to sweep away the broken pieces on the meditative Sunday Songs. He talks to Craig Fitzpatrick about dropping the clichés, approaching 40 and how it's all about the kids.

Forbidden Fruit Day 2 Review: Hip-hop Saturday

R&B and hip-hop mount an impressive challenge after a dance-y start to the Royal Hospital Kilmainham weekender.

The Name Of The Game

Introducing the finest musical talent around on Other Voices and getting dastardly again in season five of Game Of Thrones, Aidan Gillen is back at the epicentre of the TV action. In this extensive interview, the Dublin star talks candidly about the precarious nature of what he does... words Craig Fitzpatrick photos Kathrin Baumbach

The Treasure Principle: Dan Hegarty on his new book

Not content with turning the nation on to terrific sounds via the airwaves, 2fm’s Dan Hegarty has enlisted a few of his famous friends for a new book that aims to give overlooked albums their moment in the spotlight

REVIEW: Blur return with The Magic Whip

Intimate, global, old, new. Blur's long-playing comeback is a remarkably effortless-sounding journey.

Le Galaxie: The Sky is the Limit

They’ve left their Drive soundtracks by the side of the road and got productive while doing LA by foot. Back with a forward-thinking, streamlined stomper of an album, Le Galaxie explain why a major label deal is only the starting line.

Duke Special - Look Out Machines!

A direct and synthy collection from the Duke

Mansions of Glory: Mini Mansions Interview

Five years after their first album – blame Alex Turner and Josh Homme for the wait – Mini Mansions’ second is a triumph. The band’s Michael Shuman discusses Brian Wilson collaborations and his turbulent Queens Of The Stone Age career.

Matters of Stave Concern: The Staves interview

Justin Vernon from Bon Iver guaranteed The Staves “something good” would come from recording in his Wisconsin studio. Jessica Staveley-Taylor tells Craig Fitzpatrick what happened next...

Cool Hand Duke: Duke Special interview

He won’t help you pick people up in a bar but if you get them home, Duke Special can definitely provide the soundtrack. “Terrible wingman” Peter Wilson talks collaboration, covering Joy Division in Manchester and why being an artist needn’t be torture.

A Man Of Modest Means: Isaac Brock interview

Eight years after Modest Mouse hit number one in the US, frontman Isaac Brock confesses of recording the follow-up: “I wanted a meal and built a restaurant.” Now armed with two new albums, he’s wondering: “Do I get paid still? Does that still go on?!”

Villagers - Darling Arithmetic

Conor O'Brien gets as intimate as a love letter

Markus Feehily out on his own

Westlife-less and ready to strike out alone, Markus Feehily talks about his early struggles being a pop star, why Ash “fucking hated” Westlife, the effect his coming out still has a decade on and his hopes for the same-sex marriage referendum.

Choice 'too mainstream'? Delorentos don't think so

Kieran McGuinness discusses U2, Hozier and the rest of his band's Choice Music Prize competition this evening.

Marika Explains It All

A songwriter who isn't looking for the spotlight, Marika Hackman reckons the most cathartic things are lurking in the dark.

Smells Like Green Spirit: Jameson's St. Patrick's Live Event

A glorious trinity even Paddy himself would praise, Delorentos join We Cut Corners and Little Green Cars for this year’s Jameson St. Patrick’s Live Event. Ahead of the Vicar Street date, the band’s Kieran McGuinness talks all things Irish and musical.

Once In A Killing Moon: Echo & The Bunnymen interview

Will Sergeant on how his band never wanted to end up "cheesy" and "crap" like Rod Stewart, how 'The Killing Moon' might be the greatest song ever written, his relationship with singer Ian McCulloch and dealing with being "sidelined" on their last album.

Inherent Voice: Una Foden interview

Una Foden of The Saturdays has taken on a new role coaching young hopefuls on The Voice Of Ireland. In a career-spanning interview, the Tipperary star talks songwriting, the struggle to succeed – and how women’s place in pop has never been stronger...

Get Jape, Hear Jape, Fly

How birth, death and getting bored of his own music whilst walking in Malmö helped Richie Egan create a Jape album for the ages.

Year of the Dragon

Firsthand witnesses to the Hozier phenomenon, Wyvern Lingo are hoping it's their time to shine. The hotly-tipped Bray act chat their rapid evolution with Craig Fitzpatrick.

Good Air Days

Courteney Cox presents them with champagne, Nicole Scherzinger appears before them singing their songs like an angelic vision and frontman Steve Garrigan has almost convinced himself that, yes, they're actually a proper band by now. The second coming of Kodaline is upon us. But before Coming Up For Air drops, the band take a breather in a country estate and talk newfound experimentation, living in La La Land, and the Irish conquering the globe.

Kodaline Interview

Kodaline became one of the biggest Irish bands of recent years thanks to their debut album, In A Perfect World, a major hit both here and in the UK. As they set their sights on conquering America with its Coming Up For Air successor, the boys talk about hanging with Courteney Cox and Sacha Baron Cohen in LA, their friendship with Ed Sheeran, and their ever-growing army of fans.

Kasa Del Tom - Hot Press meets Kasabian

Sleeping easier now Glastonbury is done and dusted, Tom Meighan of Kasabian declares: “We won the fucking war!” Eager to celebrate in Dublin, he just has a battle with his missus to overcome first...

Prized Turner - Hot Press meets Mike Leigh

Veteran English filmmaker Mike Leigh might be renowned for the intensity of both his art and his approach to it but, as his new film Mr. Turner hits Irish screens, he argues “the craic is great” on set.

A Law Unto Themselves - Love/Hate Special

With our favourite anti-hero Nidge now back on the street, but still up to his neck in shit, we meet the characters cosying up to him in Love/Hate’s fifth series – and those trying to take him down. From Team Nidge, there's actors Aoibhínn McGinnity and Laurence Kinlan. and on the Flip side, John Connors and newcomer Johnny Ward, who discuss the stunning success of the show.

Grammar Of The Gods - London Grammar Interview

Dodging sexism and politics, London Grammar are adjusting to life as a very big deal. Band founder Dan Rothman takes stock and talks advice from Chris Martin and being bowled over by Irish crowds.

Welcome To Night Vale: Jeffrey Cranor interview

Theatre of the macabre mind is back en vogue as Welcome To Night Vale and its twice-monthly, blackly humorous dispatches from the most cursed town in fictional America takes podcasting to new realms. Co-creator Jeffrey Cranor talks to Craig Fitzpatrick as the live show rolls into Dublin.

Locking Horns - The Antlers Interview

After a couple of heartbreakingly heavy albums, Peter Silberman of The Antlers tells Craig Fitzpatrick how he found happiness and a sense of home on this year’s Familiars.

Lost In Transition - The Lost Brothers Interview

How a mini Coral reunion and coming “full circle” in Liverpool brought about The Lost Brothers’ most forward-thinking album to date.

Voice of Experience - Nikki Hayes Interview

SPIN 1038 personality Nikki Hayes on her secret struggles with depression and how becoming a mother gave her the courage to gain control.

New York Giants

How Interpol realised three is the magic number and why, if you must, you can call their new album a comeback. The band’s heartbeat Sam Fogarino talks about their “toxic” ex-member, saying no to drugs and all the goings-on in ‘The House Of Interpol’.

Groom On Fire - Groom Interview

With a new baby on board and Popical Island ensconced in their new HQ, Mike Stevens finally finds time for a Groom album. He tells Craig Fitzpatrick about his reflective nature and why bands shouldn’t be embarrassed to be Irish.

Tropics Of Conversation - James Vincent McMorrow Interview

It started with the news that James Vincent McMorrow would soon be performing ‘No Diggity’ and ended with an ice bucket challenge. In between, McMorrow talked about the success of Post Tropical, and how he now spends all day high-fiving himself, in front of a rapt Chatroom crowd.

Adam Cohen 'We Go Home' - Album Review

SON OF LEONARD DOESN’T ESCAPE FATHER’S SHADOW

Go Her Own Way - Hilary Woods Interview

Ahead of launching her new EP at the Tiger Dublin Fringe Festival, former JJ72 member Hilary Woods on hanging up her bass for a paintbrush and her recent, enchanting return to music as a solo artist.

Electric Picnic Live Review - Wild Beasts

They operate best under cover of darkness, but still put in a strong show as the sunshine appears...

Electric Picnic Live Review - Foals

Once adored by the indier-than-thou crowd, Foals are now a mainstream proposition in the best possible sense.

Rumble In The Jungle - Jungle Interview

They set the blogosphere on fire with a neo-funk sound and mysterious persona. With their true identity revealed, Jungle talk removing the ego from art and why XL is the best place to make it.

Grove Is In The Heart

As supernatural thriller Hemlock Grove returns to Netflix for its second season, creator Eli Roth is eager to earn a place in what he calls “the golden era” for horror on the small screen.

Frontlines: Rankin File

A renowned photographer who went from snapping Kate Moss to families in the Congo, former Britart ‘enfant terrible’ Rankin is all grown up. He is now fronting Collabor8te, a platform for promising film-makers...

Shanks for the Energies

How energy drinks made Adebisi Shank “unrealistically optimistic” and fuelled their third album, as an unmasked Vinny McCreith sits down with Craig Fitzpatrick and offers U2 some advice…

The Ed is Nigh - Ed Sheeran Interview

Ed Sheeran’s rise to the top has been meteoric. Or has it? The hottest solo property in pop talks about working with Pharrell and Rick Rubin, the crisis he endured last year and why, unlike his friends in One Direction, nobody would be too surprised if he was caught smoking weed...

Safe Harbour – Big September Interview

The road has been a long one for Big September, but this summer they arrived at the top of the charts. The indie quintet talk loss, overcoming addiction, keeping the faith and the warm embrace of Bray.

SLOW CLUB - Complete Surrender

Three’s good company for Sheffield pair

Some Like It Goethe - Manic Street Preachers Interview

Truly at their best on the trans-European thrill-ride that is Futurology, Manic Street Preachers refuse to become irrelevant. At his sloganeering best, Nicky Wire talks about our ‘whitewash culture’, scaring the BBC and why Morrissey should head for the ballot-box.

Parquet Courts Interview: Brooklyn Heights

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.

The Eskies Interview – Look who's Knockan

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

The Horrors Interview: Everything Is Illuminated

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.”

Daithi Interview: In Flight Entertainment

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.

The Hot Sprockets – Soul Brother, Where Art Thou?

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.

Warpaint Interview – War And Peace

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

Boys To Men

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.

Coldplay- Ghost Stories

Chris Martin delivers comfort food for the soul as he consciously uncouples

Drugs Report: Interview with David Holmes

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.

Southern Belle: Hot Press meets Nicole Maguire

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.

My TV Fortnight

Rhys in our time: Interview with Rhys Darby

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.

Let There Be Light: Hot Press meets Lucius

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".

Frontlines: Game of Thrones

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...

The Franco Files: Hot Press meets DFF

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.

The Tempah Rap: Interview with Tinie Tempah

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.

Wild Beasts: Live at the Olympia

Turn That Brown Upside Down: Hot Press meets Danny Brown

In which one of the world's greatest rappers celebrates life without the lean.