Hot Press is launching a new blog and live performance series, entitled Velvet Mornings. The new platform will be presented by Valentina Magli, who is a long-time Hot Press contributor and U2 aficionado.

The initial performances are being filmed in the Bagots Hutton on Ormonde Quay, with Orchid Collective, Hot Sprockets and State Lights among the acts that have already been shot.

The initial live performances were filmed by Paul Webster and Anthony White, two of Ireland’s brightest young directors.

“There’s a lot of great talent in Ireland right now,” Hot Press editor Niall Stokes said, “and so the aim is to provide a platform for new and emerging acts to reach out to a bigger audience. But we’ll also feature more established acts on occasion, to add a bit of intrigue.

"We wanted to do something with real character,” he added, "and Valentina brings that to the series – and the blog. She really knows her music. But there is also a freshness and sense of fun about the way she approaches the whole thing. I think people are going to love Velvet Mornings.”

“Wandering around Dublin, you meet all sorts of interesting artists and musicians,” Valentina Magli, who is originally from Bologna in Italy, said. "It is a great music city, in a great music country. That was the inspiration for Velvet Mornings. I wanted to find a way to to celebrate the wealth of talent we have on this island – that’s what the blog and live performance videos are all about. Every week, at least one new band or artist will be featured, so make sure to stay tuned!"

The series will premiere this week with Orchid Collective, who perform an unplugged version of their newest single, 'L.A.Z.Y'.

Meanwhile, Valentina’s blog is now live – so keep in touch with developments in relation to the live performances, and with Valentina’s musical adventures, on the Velvet Mornings blog on hotpress.com.