Dua Lipa might just be the perfect pop star for our times - articulate, with passionately-held opinions and a talent for strident chart anthems - but as Ed Power (who has tracked her career from its fledgling days and was the first Irish journalist to interview her) relates, behind her extraordinary success is a story of struggle, heart-ache and never-say-die ambition. As well as taking us through her career, we also look at five other essential acts to check out at this year's Electric Picnic.

Elsewhere in the issue, we speak to Ireland's first major hip-hop export Rejjie Snow about his long rise to the top, working with world class producers, his take on Irish identity - and how he had to find himself before he could find the lyrics fro his stellar debut.

Speaking of finding lyrics, there's very few songwriters who could boast the widespread appeal and commercial success of Snow Patrol's Johnny McDaid. He talks about receiving an IMRO Outstanding Achievement Award, his craft, his influences and working with the best in the business.

As if that weren't enough, we have a jam-packed film section this issue. Hollywood superstar Bryan Cranston discusses his role in cult director Wes Anderson's latest masterwork, Isle of Dogs, while perennial baddie Ben Mendelson talks to Roe McDermott about Ready Player One.

On top of all that, we have two very special reports. The first on Record Store Day, and the wonderful independents stocking the finest in vinyl; the second on Ireland's best venues, featuring interviews with The Strypes, Wyvern Lingo, Stephanie Rainey, and Olympia Theatre manager John Johnston.

In a hugely revealing Hot Press Interview, ex-Tanaiste Joan Burton talks about remaining unrepentant over pension cuts, experiencing flashbacks of the Jobstown protests, why she feels Labour should never share power with Sinn Fein, and much more.

In our Frontlines section, Roisin Dwyer talks to Ailbhe Smyth about the launch of Together 4 Yes umbrella campaign, while Paul Nolan talks to ex-Blair spin doctor Alastair Campbell about his new book, Jeremy Corbyn, Northern Ireland, and Brexit.

Plus, we have superb interviews with the likes of (take a deep breath!) Smyl, The Stunning Alastair Campbell, designer Aisling Duffy and Brett Anderson,, as well as all the usual previews, reviews and news that you'd expect from Hot Press, including coverage of the newest releases from Jack White, Keywest, Le Galaxie and more.

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