In the new issue: Kingfishr grace the cover of the Hot Press Student Special

As a brand new academic year kicks off, we're thrilled to bring you the annual Student Special Issue of Hot Press – featuring chart-topping cover stars Kingfishr...

One of the star turns last weekend at Electric Picnic, Kingfishr have joined the elite group of Irish artists who’ve simultaneously topped the singles and albums charts here.

In a major interview, Eddie, McGoo and Fitz talk to Stuart Clark about meeting at university, being proud of our culture, drunken shenanigans, the power of music and what they've learned from The Boss...

Kingfishr at Electric Picnic. 31 Aug 2025. Photo: Abigail Ring/hotpress.com

As part of our Student Special, we're bring you an essential, extensive guide to making the most out of your college experience – with insights from UCD Student Union President Michael Roche, and many more.

We also outline the vast variety of learning options awaiting those who want to broaden their horizons – across Further Education, Higher Education, and other inspiring programmes...

Elsewhere in the issue:

Dean Fertita of rock heroes Queens Of The Stone Age discusses the band’s extraordinary new film, in which they deliver a stripped back performance in the Paris catacombs.

Queens of the Stone Age. Photo: Andreas Neumann

Back with her brilliant new album Juniper, Joy Crookes discusses coming through difficult times, societal beauty standards, and her Irish roots.

Ahead of the release of her solo debut, ex-Little Mix member JADE discusses finding her voice as a solo artist, her connection to the queer community, and speaking out on the issues important to her.

JADE

Dublin producer MOIO enjoyed a year full of “crazy shit” after his hit ‘Moments’ blew up online. He discusses his musical journey, performing with Dermot Kennedy and defying expectations.

As they release their debut album Have At It! via the legendary Claddagh Records label, buskers-turned-festival favourites DUG discuss flogging rocks to fans, identity crises, and American music.

DUG at The Ambassador Theatre/copyright Patrik Meier

Co. Kerry artist Ronan Kealy, aka Junior Brother, talks about the folklore, experimentation and modern influences that combined to create his latest opus, The End.

Backstage at Collins Barracks, Shame sit down to discuss their “back to basics” new album Cutthroat, Louis Walsh, Oscar Wilde, and why “standing up for what you believe in is just the bare minimum you can do.”

Shame supporting Wunderhorse at Collins Barracks on August 19th, 2025. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com

As the Presidential race hots up, left candidate Catherine Connolly discusses religion, music, a united Ireland, the EU, Clare Daly, Mick Wallace, and a whole lot more, in a fascinating Hot Press Interview.

Model-turned-actor Niamh McCormack discusses the joys of playing a badass in House Of Guinness, the Peaky Blinders thread running through her career, and close encounters of the Chris Pine, F. Murray Abraham and Bridgerton kind.

Niamh McCormack in House of Guinness. Netflix

And that's not all! The new issue also features the likes of Blood Orange, Mimi Webb, Myles O'Reilly, Sanatorium director Gar O'Rourke, Olivia Spuds, BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions director Kahlil Joseph, Deacon Blue, Girls & Boys writer/director Donncha Gilmore, and lots, lots more...

Plus: we bring you all the action from across the Electric Picnic weekend – including a Hot Press Chat Room round-up, and highlights from our unmissable live reports...

So don't miss out! Pick up your copy in shops later this week, or order online below: