Exciting set of up and coming Irish acts added to the Y&E Series lineup

Since it first began, the Hot Press Y&E Series has showcased hundreds of intimate performances from some of the best young and emerging Irish musicians. With a month's worth of of memorable gigs under our belt, we're delighted to a announced the set of of exciting names to bring some light to those dreary November evenings.

This year's series boasts a staggering total of 40 shows, featuring a mesmerising range of sounds, styles, and personalities, live and direct via the Hot Press Instagram. 

“The prospect of hearing new music from some of Ireland’s most exciting young and emerging acts is incredibly exciting, and this year’s Hot Press Young & Emerging Series promises just that," comments Minister Catherine Martin. "I am delighted the Series has developed into one of the best ways audiences, all around the world, can connect with the next generation of Irish musicians and future stars. These talented newcomers will deliver energetic performances and great entertainment for all who tune in on the live streams.”

As well as providing a launch pad for domestic acts at the beginning of their budding careers, the Y&E Series  has helped uncover a plethora of Irish artists who are now well on course for global domination – previous performers include October Hot Press cover star CMAT, Cian Ducrot, Orla Gartland, Robert Grace, Lea Heart, KhakiKid, Kynsy, NewDad, Matthew Nolan, Dani Larkin, Lucy Gaffney and many more.

Watch the Hot Press Y&E Series - supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media - live on the Hot Press Instagram (@hotpressinstagram) at 7pm each night.

Coming up this week on the Hot Press Y&E series...

Friday 10th : Gary O'Neill

Emerging Kilkenny Songwriter Gary O’Neill has garnered great success with his EP To Those I’ve Missed, a body of work which explores the effects of the relationships with the ones that we love and admire. The first single from the project, ‘Petals’, caught the attention of Hot Press and various stations across the nation, including Tomorrow Radio, LMFM, FLIRT FM, Raidio Na Life and RTE 2XM. The singer has released multiple albums, since moving much of his material offline as he gears up to set out on a new musical journey.

Saturday 11th : Qbanaa

With a name springing from her Cuban heritage, Qbanaa is setting the Irish scene alight with her diverse gifts,  made evident off-the-bat with her debut single 'Truth and Desire', which was nominated for 'Track of the Year' by Hot Press. Based in Dublin, she grew up travelling back and forth from Cuba where music and salsa dancing were integral parts of her childhood.Recently supporting Mahalia at Vicar Street alongside gigs with Ruby Waters,  some of this year's highlights include Guinness Cork Jazz, All Together Now, Electric Picnic, Body and Soul, Fuinneamh and Musictown. Often performing with a seven piece band, she can also be found playing in a stripped down format featuring congas, keys and acoustic guitar.

Sunday 12th : Blánid

Known for her hauntingly powerful voice and confessional, folk-infused songwriting style, Blánid has been causing a stir in her native Ireland and beyond. Her first two singles were met with critical acclaim, with combined plays on BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 6, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Ulster, BBC Radio Kent and RTÉ 2XM. BLÁNID was also the featured vocalist on Netflix’s anime Witcher film soundtrack.

Monday 13th : Gemma Cox

Gemma Cox combines classic pop songwriting with her classical piano roots. She ended 2022 on a high with the release of her debut EP Tall Stories – four songs which captured an intimate re-imagination of her world by carefully blending unique vocal harmonies of Imogen Heap, with the emotive lyricism of Phoebe Bridgers. Gemma has performed at Trinity Ball, Whelan’s, and has opened for artists such as Soda Blonde, Emma Langford, John Doherty, I have a tribe and Calum Bowie. To mark the release of her EP, Gemma held her headline show in the Workman’s Club. This year she was also chosen to represent KFM radio for Irish Music Month 2023.

Tuesday 14th : The Sleaze

The Sleaze are a high octane blues-inspired Dublin rock band who fit comfortably between shouting and dancing to melancholic self-reflection. Their singles 'Sometimes I feel' and 'Born On The Wrongside' have both been selected as Hot Press track of the day and they recently were nominated by Radio Nova for A New Local Hero. The Sleaze performed on the Irish Festival circuit last summer with gigs at Electric Picnic and Kaleidescope. 'Where the Wind is Gonna Blow', band's latest release, is akin to one you'd absolutely shred on guitar hero in your childhood home.

Wednesday 15th : Plantain Papi

Hailing from North Dublin, Plantain Papi is a multifaceted artist and producer, popular for creatively infusing rap, afrobeat and pop sounds. Since sharing his first single in late 2017, he has gone on to have garner radio play on stations across Ireland. A maverick behind the mixing desk, Plantain has produced for Tolu Makay, F3miii, Sophie Jane and MangoxMathman to name a few. Having sold out his first headline show at The Academy , Plantain Papi was chosen to perform at last year's Longitude Festival on the main stage, as well as at the 3Arena with international megastar Burna Boy.