Idles and Wild Youth grace the covers of our 'Hot For 2019' issue

Furiously articulate, Idles are the band that we desperately need in this age of Trump and Brexit. As they look forward to another all-conquering year, Ed Power talks to the band about political instability at home and abroad, toxic masculinity and why Ireland is the perfect audience for their cathartic yet ultimately uplifting message.

On our second cover, one of the country’s hottest young bands, Wild Youth, discuss relationship turmoil, sex, youthful alienation and personal loss as they get set for massive success in 2019 following the release of their debut EP The Last Goodbye. Peter McGoran sits down with Conor O’Donohue and Dave Whelan for their most revealing interview yet.

Elsewhere on the music front this issue, we reveal our ‘Hot For 2019’ choices. After fierce discussions and dozens of possibilities, we name the 30 Irish acts and 20 international acts that we think are destined for success this year. As part of this feature, we also have interviews with rising music stars including PowPig, Lewis Capaldi, and Maggie Rogers.

On top of all that, we preview all the best gigs to look out for in the year ahead – including P!ink, Bob Dylan and Neil Young – while Stuart Clark gives you the inside scoop on the album releases to keep an eye out for in the next 12 months.

In our extensive film section, Roe McDermott sits down for a Q & A with Saoirse Ronan, who offers some fascinating insights into her new film Mary Queen of Scots, how she viewed the film in the context of the Repeal referendum, the unique perspective of female directors, achieving a better work-life balance – and much else besides. Elsewhere, Stuart Clark talks to Belfast actor Karen Hassan about her turn in devastating new drama Cellar Door, Pat Carty talks to producer Adam Spiegel about Motown The Musical, and we round up our list of actors, actresses and films to keep an eye on for 2019!

In our revitalised sports section, Stuart Clark meets with up-and-coming rugby star Jordan Larmour to quiz him on Grand Slam triumphs, beating the All-Blacks, the Rugby World Cup, and much more. Meanwhile, Aoife Bradshaw chats to the hugely successful horse racing trainer Joseph O’Brien.

In our book section, Peter McGoran rounds up the essential reads for the year ahead, including new releases from Kevin Barry, Jan Carson, Joseph O’Connor, Margaret Atwood, Marlon James, Geraldine Quigley, Nicole Flattery, and many more.

In our extensive Frontlines section, Stephen Porzio covers the introduction of abortion services in Ireland the pushback from anti-choicers; we raise the issue of climate change and the impact it will have on geo-politics in 2019; Michael Kealy looks at the five political faces to watch out for the year ahead; Stuart Clark analyses the need for supervised injecting rooms in Ireland; and Peter McGoran looks at how a new volunteer group made up of professionals in the music industry, called Give Us The Night, aims to protect nightlife culture in Ireland.

On top of all that, we’ll have all the news, reviews and previews you’d expect, including interviews with Thalia Heffernan, Odd Morris and Alien She, coverage of The Cranberries, Marian Keyes and Bob Geldof receiving their doctorates from the University of Limerick, and reviews of new albums from Bobby Basil, Sharon Van Etten, and Maggie Rogers.

Bristol-based rock band Idles and rising Dublin pop superstars Wild Youth will feature on as covers stars in Hot Press special ‘Hot For 2019’ issue, which hits the streets on 24 January. Or you can order it below: