Hot Press is proud to launch a brand new podcast series, based on the acclaimed Up Close And Personal shows. The first episode – starring Gemma Hayes – is available to listen to now, with more episodes, featuring Mary Coughlan, Damien Dempsey, Tim Wheeler of Ash, Conor O’Brien of Villagers and Andy Irvine & Donal Lunny set to follow in the coming weeks.

As part of the series, recorded over six nights at The Grand Social in Dublin, Hot Press selected six classic – and enormously successful – Irish albums, crossing decades and genres. The programmes take a deep dive into each LP, with the artist recalling the circumstances of the time, the influences, the songwriting process, the recording of the albums – and much more besides – in the company of interviewers specially selected for each album. The series is produced by Hot Press in association with Aidan Shortall of Up Close and Personal Promotions and with the assistance of the Live Performance Support Scheme and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

Chronicling historic moments – from the release of Planxty in 1973 to Villagers' Awayland in 2013 – the Up Close and Personal series explores 40 years of Irish music history, with eye-opening new revelations and reflections shared by the artists at the centre of the albums. For fans, students, musicians and practitioners of Irish music at every level, it should be seen as an unmissable series.

“There is so much to be learned from each and every one – about songs, songwriting, the influence of producers, choosing songs to record, making great records, and so on," comments Hot Press editor Niall Stokes. "There is a wonderful, hugely revealing aspect to the whole enterprise, with the artists expressing themselves very powerfully and with wonderful honesty. But there is also a rich vein of humour that makes them marvellously entertaining.

“There are slightly different experiences involved in the different platforms, but really, they should be listened to on Spotify – or viewed on YouTube – by anyone with an interest in Irish music, and in Irish songwriting."

In Episode 1 of Up Close and Personal: the Podcast – out now – Gemma Hayes discusses the making of her Mercury Prize-nominated album, Night On My Side, with Lucy O’Toole. Co-produced by Dave Odlum and David Fridmann, the album has taken on a legendary status among fans. The show features the first ever live performance of ‘My God', alongside three other tracks from the album – while Gemma also shares exclusive news about a new album that's currently in the works.

As well as featuring deeply personal insights from Gemma, the discussion also finds her reflecting on the unique spirit of the late '90s and early '00s Irish music scene she was immersed in.

Listen to Episode 1, starring Gemma Hayes, now:

A new Up Close and Personal podcast episode will be posted each week – follow us on social media for further updates. See the full line-up below:

• Gemma Hayes – Night On My Side – Presented by Lucy O’Toole
• Mary Coughlan – Tired & Emotional – Presented by Paul Nolan
• Damien Dempsey – Seize The Day – Presented by Lucy O’Toole
• Ash (Tim Wheeler) – 1977  – Presented by Paul McLoone
• Villagers (Conor J. O’Brien) – Awayland – Presented by Paul McLoone
• Planxty (Andy Irvine & Donal Lunny) – Planxty  – Presented by Pat Carty

All episodes are also available now on the Hot Press YouTube channel.

This special series of intimate conversations, is produced by Hot Press, in association with Aidan Shortall of Up Close and Personal Promotions, and supported by the Live Performance Support Scheme and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.