Culture
28 Oct 20

First line-up revealed for new edition of Hot Press Lockdown Sessions' Y&E Series

The new edition of the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions' Y&E Series launches this week. Supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media it promises a brilliant line-up of Ireland's finest rising stars....

The Hot Press Lockdown Sessions' Y&E Series is back – with a brand new line-up featuring some of the most exciting emerging talent in Irish music!

The third edition of the Y&E Series, kicking off this Friday, October 30, promises a fresh bill of 40 spell-binding, intimate Instagram performances. The series – which offers a unique insight into the remarkable quality of Ireland's current music scene – is made possible thanks to the support of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

The aim of the series is to shine a light on some of the best new and emerging talent that Ireland has to offer in 2020. Following the success of the previous two editions of the Y&E Series, you can once again expect 40 brilliant acts to join Hot Press on Instagram for special live-streamed performances.

The live gigs, which are broadcast nightly on the Hot Press Instagram platform, have been viewed by over quarter of a million people to date.

"We are very conscious that the situation is just as tough for musicians now as it was when the Y&E Series started earlier this year,” Hot Press editor Niall Stokes said. “Indeed, in many ways, it is tougher, in that Irish artists have been starved of the opportunity to play in front of a live audience for eight months now, with no end to that realistically in sight.

“That's why the Y&E Series is so important. On our own behalf, and on behalf of the artists, we want to say a big thanks to the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, and to the Minister, Catherine Martin, for making it possible.

“The Y&E Series has seen some really brilliant performances to date, underlining just how much fantastic talent there is in Ireland at the moment. In addition, there has been a really lovely, and often very inspiring, level of mutual support, solidarity and camaraderie among the musicians taking part. That is the best possible response to the challenges presented by these extraordinarily difficult times. Long may it continue."

Each performance streams live on the Hot Press Instagram (@hotpressmagazine) at 7.30pm every night.

Take a look at the line-up for the first week of the new edition of the Y&E Series below:

Friday, October 30: LILLA VARGEN
With Spotify streams in their millions, and a tour with Dermot Kennedy under her belt, Ballymena artist Lilla Vargen is poised for superstardom.

Saturday, October 31: PADRAIG JACK
Singer-songwriter Padraig Jack draws influence from his bilingual upbringing on the Aran Islands in his music – and worked with John Reynolds on his new album, Making Sands.

Sunday, November 1: LAOISE
Galway sensation LAOISE fuses insightful lyrics with a beat-driven, electroc sound to craft some of the most irresistible pop music on these shores.

Monday, November 2: EVE BELLE
Donegal singer-songwriter Eve Belle has built up an enviable reputation with a string of acclaimed releases and opening slots for her Rubyworks labelmates Hozier and Wyvern Lingo. She released her debut album, In Between Moments, in October.

Tuesday, November 3: AILSHA
Dublin-based composer and singer-songwriter Ailsha draws influence from traditional Irish, romantic classical, electronic and heavy metal music to forge her own unique cinematic sound.

Wednesday, November 4: MARTIN MCDONNELL
Initially honing his craft busking on the streets of Dublin, Martin McDonnell has built up an impressive international following in recent months with a string of acclaimed singles – plus a viral busking moment featuring Hozier.

Other confirmed acts coming up include – Padraig Cahill, Junior Brother, Amy Montgomery, Saibh Skelly, Emma Langford, Patricia Lalor and more! There's a fantastic line-up in store. watch this space!