In the new issue: Hozier graces the cover of our Electric Picnic Special

With just a few weeks to go before the big weekend in Stradbally, we're thrilled to present the Electric Picnic Special Issue of Hot Press – featuring cover star Hozier, ahead of his highly anticipated headline slot...

Kicking off our Electric Picnic Special is a major, 12-page Q&A with Hozier – as the Co. Wicklow star answers an array of fascinating readers' questions on creative inspiration, politics, Irish literature, his favourite books and movies, and a whole lot more...

The features finds Hozier in a remarkably reflective state-of-mind – resulting in his most intimate and revealing interview to date…

Hozier. Credit: Ruth Medjber

Our action-packed Electric Picnic special also includes:

Despite – or perhaps because of – Israeli state sponsored attempts to silence them, KNEECAP have become one of the most talked about and listened to bands in the world. Their unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, trumped up terrorism charges, the DUP, Paul Weller, Oasis, Michael D. and their Electric Picnic return are all discussed when Stuart Clark meets meets a defiant DJ Próvaí...

Kneecap at SSE Arena, Belfast (Photo: Sloan Creative Media / hotpress.com)

Spending a month in deepest, darkest Leitrim provided the creative spark which lead to For Those I Love writing his rousing love/hate letter to Dublin. As he gets ready to debut Carving Stone at Electric Picnic, the Artist Also Known As David Balfe also talks broken, legs, the marginalisation of working class communities, ethnonationalism and Shelbourne FC...

For Those I Love. Credit: Hugh Quberzky

As she prepares to make her triumphant return to Electric Picnic, Orla Gartland reflects on her Ivor Novello win, being part of the strong Irish contingent at Glastonbury, and touring the US while the country’s “on fire”.

Orla Gartland at 3Olympia Theatre. Copyright by Curtis DeSmith.

From Irish rock royalty roots, to championing a defiantly DIY ethos in the LA music scene, Levi Evans is set to make his mark at this year's Electric Picnic, with his ten-piece NOFUN! collective. The Dublin-raised artist, and his bandmate Jonah Levine, tell Lucy O'Toole what to expect…

NOFUN!

DELUSH are turning heads and cupping ears with their electrifying live shows and boisterous indie anthems. They look forward to their EP slot with Riccardo Dwyer...

Delush

We're also bringing you an insightful interview with festival director Melvin Benn; special contributions from Aaron Rowe, David Keenan, KhakiKid, Esmeralda Road, Dani Larkin, and  Fizzy Orange; a Mad Hatter Q&A with the Comedy Arena-bound Katie Boyle; and essential previews and recommendations from Team HP...

Elsewhere in the issue, you can look forward to:

After winning a Grammy for his SZA collaboration, Cian Ducrot has confirmed his place at pop's top table with stunning second album, Little Dreaming. He talks superstar friends, rock ‘n’ roll decadence, standing up for Palestine and working as hard as he possibly can...

Cian Ducrot Live At The Marquee on July 19th, 2025. By Trevor McGrath

As he returns with Trainspotting sequel Men In Love, legendary author Irvine Welsh talks to Stuart Clark about ecstasy, addiction, going cold turkey, Oasis and James Joyce...

As he releases his stellar new album, indie-pop star Tom Grennan chats to Riccardo Dwyer about growth, Irish roots and finding his feet in the industry.

Rock duo Nova Twins talk to Chloe Craft about their electrifying new album Parasites & Butterflies, touring with the Foo Fighters, and counting Elton John and Tom Morello among their fans.

Nova Twins. Photo: Nicole Chen

Celebrated for the cult classics Hereditary and Midsommar, director Ari Aster now returns with Eddington, which explores the socio-political convulsions America experienced in 2020.

Having been a massive fan of the original sci-fi chiller as a kid, Alex Lawther is pinching himself that he’s landed a starring role in the big budget Alien: Earth TV prequel. The English (but Irish really!) actor also talks to Stuart Clark about Black Mirror, Andor, cult f***ing sitcoms and his recent Dublin adventures.

And that's not all! The new issue also features the likes of Hanumankind; Nerves; ABSNT MIND; Vaticanjail; Chris Wong; Irish women's rugby stars Linda Djougang and Anna McGann; Miguel Delaney; and Ragnar Jónasson...

This special new issue is expected to sell out fast – so don't miss out! Pick up your copy in shops now, or order online below: