Tonight on Uprising: Hozier, Pillow Queens, Villagers, Nell Mescal and 49th & Main star in Episode Three

The magic continues tonight on Uprising – as we reach the half-way point in the unmissable four-part music series, produced in association with Hot Press. Episode Three airs at 9pm on Virgin Media One, with another star-studded line-up of Irish artists...

Across the episode, you can look forward to dazzling appearances from Hozier, Pillow Queens, Villagers, Nell Mescal and 49th & Main.

Tonight's show will also feature a powerful tribute to one of Ireland’s greatest artists, Sinéad O’Connor, who died last year. Villagers' Conor O’Brien performs a stark and emotional rendition of ‘Black Boys On Mopeds’, a protest song that resonates as powerfully today as it did when Sinéad first released it in 1990.

Villagers at UPRISING. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

“We’ve seen some truly remarkable performances on Uprising so far,” Hot Press editor Niall Stokes says, “and the third programme in the series builds brilliantly on that. It is especially lovely to hear Villagers take on what is a Sinéad O’Connor classic. Conor O’Brien does a really marvellous job on what was a hugely important song when it was released.”

Opening tonight’s episode are the brilliant Pillow Queens, who’ve had a whirlwind couple of years, making a huge impression both at home and abroad. In addition to two spectacular live performances, the four-piece sit down with presenter Katja Mia to talk about James Cordon, Tony Soprano and their band mantra – that the political is personal.

Pillow Queens at UPRISING. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

Stuart Clark of Hot Press also sits down with Hozier – covering a wide range of topics, from the Irish language to singing in Joni Mitchell’s house.

Plus, there’s superb performances from the rising Kildare-born star Nell Mescal and Kilkenny indie pop outfit 49th & Main – both of whom look set to hit fresh heights over the year ahead.

Nell Mescal at UPRISING. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

Elsewhere in the episode, you'll get further insights from even more of our Uprising artists, discussing everything from the items they can't leave home without, to looking after their mental health.

The first instalments in the series are now available now to view on the Virgin Media player.

Presented by Katja Mia, with Hot Press deputy editor Stuart Clark taking on the role of roving interviewer, Uprising showcases some of the finest talents on the Irish music scene right now. Across four powerful episodes, filmed at The Complex in Dublin’s North inner-city, there’ll be performances from bright new talents and established stars alike, as well as topical discussions, outspoken opinions – and, of course, lots of fun.

Over the course of the series, you can expect appearances from Hozier, Imelda May, Denise Chaila, Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová, Nell Mescal, Pillow Queens, The Coronas, Villagers, Picture This, Lyra, Mik Pyro, Susan O'Neill, HamsandwicH, Tolü Makay, Junior Brother, Shobsy, Celaviedmai, and more...

Executive Producers on the powerful new series are Debbie Thornton (for Animo TV Productions), Niall Stokes (for Hot Press), and Sheila Meaney, with Ailbhe Maher as Series Producer and Joe Edwards as Director. Uprising was made with the support of Coimisiún na Meán.

A mix of music, entertainment and fascinating insights into the lives of musicians, Uprising is not to be missed...

Watch the third episode of Uprising on Virgin Media One tonight, January 26, at 9pm.

49th & Main with Katja Mia at UPRISING. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.