Inside the new issue of Hot Press – featuring cover stars Belters Only

Just over three years on from the phenomenal, chart-topping success of their breakout single 'Make Me Feel Good', Belters Only have established themselves as standard-bearers for a bold new movement in Irish music – with a raft of dance hits, legendary international collaborations, and sold-out arena shows under their belt. Now, as they release their latest EP, High In The Moment,  and get ready for the Longitude Festival in July, we're proud to present the Dublin duo as our brand new Hot Press cover stars...

In a fascinating chat with Riccardo Dwyer in the new issue of Hot Press – available to pre-order now! – Belters Only discuss their electrifying EP; championing young artists via their label, We Are Active Records; and the vital importance of supporting Irish club culture...

Elsewhere in the new issue:

Ahead of the release of Life, Death and Dennis Hopper, Mike Scott answers readers' questions as part of the Hot Press Mixed Grill – with Donald Trump, Yeats, Father Ted, his ultimate Waterboys’ line-up and more up for discussion.

Mike Scott. Credit: Paul Mac Manus

As Lady Gaga returns with her latest pop opus, Mayhem, Caroline Kelly examines how she became one of the most celebrated music and screen icons of her time – and how, with her new album, she has decided to “go with the chaos”...

Riccardo Dwyer goes backstage at the 3Arena to shoot the breeze with Teddy Swims ahead of the superstar's massive Dublin headline shows...

Teddy Swims. Credit: Joseph Cultice

In our stacked film and TV section, Paul Nolan talks to singer Emilíana Torrini about her new performance film The Extraordinary Miss Flower; Roe McDermott hears from Jack Quaid about his action movie Novocaine; and Rosamund Pike discusses the return of The Wheel Of Time...

Having topped the UK Rock & Metal chart and won the MOBO Alternative Act Award in quick succession, 2025 appears to be there for ALT BLK ERA's taking. Sisters Nyrobi and Chaya Beckett-Messam talk genre-bending, Rihanna, fashion designers, famous fans, mosh-pits and hidden disabilities.

ALT BLK ERA. Credit: Dean Chalkley

Following the release of The Crankie Island Song Project, Cathy Jordan reflects on her life-long relationship with traditional songs, her irrepressible work ethic, and collaborating with Lisa O’Neill and The Mary Wallopers’ Andrew Hendy.

As rock experimentalists Black Country, New Road return with the excellent Forever Howlong, drummer Charlie Wayne discusses creative reinvention, working with A-list producers, being humbled by Black Midi, and more.

As he releases his incredible seventh album Glory, Perfume Genius guides Will Russell through his remarkable creative process and diverse influences.

Perfume Genius. Credit: Cody Critcheloe

Somebody’s Child frontman Cian Godfrey discusses the band’s cracking new album, When Youth Fades Away...

Shortly to tour Ireland with In Conversation with Ricky Tomlinson, the celebrated actor and his co-host, Asa Murphy, chat to Paul Nolan, with The Royle Family, Mike Bassett: England Manager, Oasis and Pele all on the agenda...

As he launches his new solo project The Null Club, Gilla Band’s Alan Duggan discusses moving from rock to techno, crafting a distinctive live sound, and taking inspiration from no wave.

The Null Club's Alan Duggan. Credit: Borg Se

Galway garage band Shark School discuss their self-curated festival Femme Fest, gender equality in Irish music, and their whirlwind 2024.

As part of our Venues Special, we’re saluting the Irish stages – in massive arenas, intimate pubs and everywhere in between – that play a vital role in bringing live music to the masses…

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless talks to Jason O'Toole about rock ‘n’ roll, recommending the decriminalisation of certain drugs, AI, social media, tuition fees and many other vital issues...

You'll find even more interviews, reviews, previews and news in this exciting new issue of Hot Press – out in shops this week, and available to order online now!