Uprising: Groundbreaking new Irish music series – produced in association with Hot Press – to launch on Virgin Media this month

Those long, dark Friday nights of January just got a little livelier – with the news that Uprising, a brand new, star-studded, four-part music series, produced in association with Hot Press, is coming to Virgin Media One.

Launching on January 12, Uprising will air at 9pm every Friday, until February 2.

Presented by Katja Mia, with Hot Press deputy editor Stuart Clark taking on the role of roving interviewer, Uprising is set to showcase 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 look forward to 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...

Denise Chaila at UPRISING. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

Musicians will perform current and favourite tracks from their catalogue, as well as revealing their thoughts on issues that really matter to them. The series will also offer insights into the rise of A.I.; how musicians mind their mental health; and the importance of – to coin a phrase! – UpSpeaking. There’s also a chance to hear how different artists fell in love with music, as they reveal the first gig they went to – and the song they wish they wrote.

Other highlights include a special tribute to Sinéad O'Connor – with Villagers' Conor O'Brien performing a stark and emotional cover of 'Black Boys On Mopeds' from the late Irish star's globe-conquering 1990 album, I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got.

Villagers at UPRISING. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

“The music scene in Ireland is really soaring now,” Hot Press editor Niall Stokes comments, “with so many brilliant artists coming through and making great records. Uprising captures that energy, in a series of what turned out to be genuinely breath-taking performances.

"We approached Animo TV Productions about getting involved as producers because we were aware of their track record in delivering big TV productions with real style and substance. It turned out to be a brilliant collaboration in every respect.

"But we also wanted to fulfil the Hot Press mission of always seeing the music in the context of both what is happening in society and what inspires and motivates artists," he continues. "I think everyone who loves music will enjoy Uprising immensely. I want to doff my cap in particular to Katja Mia, who did a brilliant job throughout as presenter.”

Katja Mia at UPRISING. Copyright MIguel Ruiz.

Katja Mia recently spoke about her work on the series in an interview published in the Hot Press Annual 2024.

"The performances are incredible," she remarked. "And also you can expect to see a really raw side to the artists. You see the likes of Lyra being super-candid about body positivity. You see the likes of Ryan Hennessy being super-candid about his poetry around mental health. And also the likes of Celaviedmi talking about freedom of speech, in the way that she writes songs and raps. So it’s really raw.  You get the intensity of an incredible concert and then at the same time you feel like you’re backstage with them asking these intimate questions.

"It is such an honour to be part of Uprising," she added. "I grew up with music – so to be part of a show that celebrates music, celebrates emerging artists in Ireland, and existing artists in Ireland that are going into new lanes of music, is incredible."

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.

A mix of music, entertainment and fascinating insights into the lives of musicians, Uprising is not to be missed with the first show airing on Virgin Media One on Friday 12 January, at 9pm.

Uprising was made with the support of Coimisiún na Meán.

Watch Uprising on Virgin Media One every Friday from January 12 to February 2, at 9pm.

Imelda May at UPRISING. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.