With the build-up to Electric Picnic simmering very nicely indeed, we're looking ahead to the unmissable Stradbally bash with our mouthwatering EP preview issue. Leading the way is pop superstar Niall Horan, who headlines on Saturday night.

Making his return to the midlands on the back of his chart-topping third album, The Show, the singer talks openly to Lucy O'Toole about Mullingar, Irish upbringings, the homegrown scene, emigration songs, Joe Biden, doing his first-ever festival circuit as an artist – and lots more besides.

And that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to our action-packed Picnic coverage, which also features interviews with Aussie rockers Amyl & The Sniffers, Nell Mescal, Gurriers and Cian Ducrot – as well as all the essential info on this year's event.

Cian Ducrot at Cyprus Avenue. Copyright Trevor McGrath.

Also in this issue: following the sad passing of Sinead O'Connor –one of the true icons of Irish music – we round up the extraordinary range of tributes that have been paid, and reflect on the indelible impact Sinead made on music at home and abroad.

Elsewhere in our music coverage, Samuel T. Herring of cult art-pop crew Future Islands talks to Will Russell about the band’s upcoming Dublin date, getting the U2 seal of approval, and the possibility of covering (yes) Joe Dolan.

Reneé Rapp

Also in our brilliant batch of music interviews, we catch up with Reneé Rapp, Pa Sheehy and Birdy. Plus, as she takes on the role of Kathleen Behan in a new production of Mother Of All The Behans, Imelda May discusses her deep connection with Dublin – and why she feels musicians should be striking against streaming platforms.

Meanwhile, in our TV and film coverage, Hollywood star Jess Darrow chats about Prime Video’s new tennis drama Fifteen Love, starring Aidan Turner and Carlow's own Ella Lily Hyland. Plus, director Celine Song discusses her hugely acclaimed feature film debut, Past Lives, a brilliant exploration of love and shared memories.

Fifteen Love

Also, there's a fantastic set f interviews in our bumper books section: Colin Walsh discusses his marvellous, bestselling literary thriller Kala, the genius of Donna Tartt’s The Secret History, and the current turbulent political landscape. Plus we talk to the brilliant Megan Nolan and Coork literary superstar-in-the-making, Caroline O'Donoghue, about their latest novels.

The issue is in shops now, and available to order online below: