Following the release of his acclaimed new album Plz Stay, bb last month, Ciaran Lavery is back with a performance on the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions' Y&E Series – streaming live on the Hot Press Instagram tonight, July 14, at 7.30pm!

The Co. Antrim artist's new album was born out of a period of prolonged personal turmoil.

"I came out the other side feeling quite raw and a little bit empty," he says. "I was like a dish cloth that had been completely wrung out. I really lost my way, and I began writing as I was beginning to look at myself and figure out who the fuck that was in front of me. I kind of had a full breakdown and it felt like the start of the end, because I didn't really know where I was going."

Last week, Ciaran shared the video for the album's latest single 'Bella Union'. Loaded with the trademark tongue-in-cheek humour that runs throughout Plz Stay, bb, the track is an obvious reference to iconic record label Bella Union, and explores the uncertainty that comes with trying to sign a record deal as an independent artist.

Since launching last month, The Y&E Series has been shining a light on some of the best new and emerging talent that Ireland has to offer in 2020. Across the series, 40 acts are joining Hot Press on Instagram for special live performances across 40 consecutive days, thanks to the support of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

Watch Ciaran Lavery tonight, July 15, as part of the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions' The Y&E Series – live on the Hot Press Instagram (@hotpressmagazine) at 7.30pm.

Take a look at some of the other brilliant acts set to perform on The Y&E Series over the coming days below:

Thursday, 16 July: JACK RUA
Glam-based pop artist Jack Rua has just released his debut mini-album ‘Narcissus’. Inspired by some of the most ambitious and creative artists of the last fifty years, Jack Rua spent his formative years studying the work of icons such as David Bowie, Madonna, Lady Gaga & Prince; analysing their every move and how they used their art forms to innovate and rebel. He has fast become one of the most compelling young glam pop artists in the country.

Friday, 17 July: JANET DEVLIN
Many will remember Janet Devlin from her storied days as an X-Factor contestant, but that was just the beginning. Devlin's latest concept album Confessional came with a matching book, and saw the singer use her phenomenal voice and Celtic sensibilities to grapple with her demons. Inadvertently finding a new meaning in 2020, the final album single ‘Big Wide World’ brings a positive message of re-embracing the outside world.

Saturday, 18 July: JESSY ROSE
Formerly a member of Hare Squead, Jessy Rose took a break from the group back in 2017 – now, he's back and better than ever. The 23 year-old Dubliner blends R&B and elements of soul to create a tender and touching sound, while his latest solo offering 'Bloom’ was described as a "moving, radio-ready ballad” by Hot Press.

The Y&E Series, supported by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, is broadcast live at 19:30 every night from the Hot Press Instagram (@hotpressmagazine).