In the new issue of Hot Press: Lewis Capaldi graces the cover ahead of Electric Picnic and his eagerly anticipated second album

With summer just around the corner – and outdoor gigs and festivals about to make their highly anticipated return – we're thrilled to present our new issue of Hot Press, featuring Electric Picnic-bound Lewis Capaldi as our cover star!

Four years after he first plotted his course for world domination with his record-breaking debut album, Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent, the Scottish singer-songwriter is back with his long-awaited follow-up, Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent, out this month.

Ahead of the release – and in the run-up to one of his biggest headlining shows yet at Electric Picnic – Lewis Capaldi sits down with Stuart Clark to talk pop bangers, Netflix documentaries, family, romance, mental health, darts, impersonating Harry Styles, and his pals Niall, Elton and Ed.

Elsewhere in the issue...

Currently enjoying sky-high approval ratings, Holly Cairns has reinvigorated the Social Democrats since taking over as leader in March. In one of her most in-depth interviews to date, she discusses housing, healthcare, Sinn Féin, coalition demands, gender quotas, Direct Provision, neutrality, the church, rattling Micheál Martin's cage and lots more...

One of the most influential figures in modern UK pop, Jess Glynne, is back after a three-year hiatus with her new single, 'Silly Me'. She opens up about pressing reset on her career, speaking up, Joni Mitchell, Sam Smith, Taylor Swift and SZA.

Jess Glynne - Silly Me

As they continue to bask in the afterglow of their Oscar win, An Irish Goodbye co-creators Ross White and Tom Edwards talk about Antrim days, Hollywood nights, giving Dylan the heave-ho, presidential shoutouts and why they'll forever be grateful to Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Therapy?'s Andy Cairns gives us the scoop on comeback album Hard Cold Fire, reveals his newfound love for Louis MacNeice, and offers his thoughts on the band's game-changing LP Troublegum, which turns 30 next year.

A brilliant exploration of family set in South London's immigrant community, Caleb Azumah Nelson's Small Worlds also boasts a sublime soundtrack, with nods to Kendrick Lamar, Fela Kuti, Tina Turner and more. He talks to Kate Brayden about his latest work.

Caleb Azumah Nelson. Credit: Stuart Simpson

After outlining how over 25% of Irish land is being made available for prospecting in our previous issue, Gerry McGovern returns with Part 2 of 'How Can We Avoid The Great Irish Mining Disaster?' In the new issue, he begins by asking: has the Environmental Protection Agency gone missing in action?

We're also bringing you a June Gig Special – featuring in-depth coverage of the major shows coming to Malahide Castle, Slane, St Anne's Park, Trinity Summer Series, Fairview Park, Marlay Park, and Musgrave Park next month. We sit down with Tom Grennan to discuss his upcoming Fairview Park gig, and take a deep dive into the careers of a star-studded selection of the other acts set to play the various venues, including Paolo Nutini, Harry Styles, Pulp, Kraftwerk, Arctic Monkeys, and Florence +The Machine.

As Forest Fest prepares to make its triumphant return to Emo Village in Co. Laois, we bring you a special feature dedicated to the brilliantly eclectic music and arts festival – including an interview with Pillow Queens, who are among the must-see acts at this summer's edition.

Pillow Queens by Miguel Ruiz

The new issue also includes a special tribute to Horslips guitarist Johnny Fean, following his sad recent passing. The Irish music community and international admirers united in celebrating a truly gifted musician, who played an integral role in one of the most important Irish groups ever.

Plus: Dani Larkin, Charlene McKenna, Shakin' Stevens, Steve Perry, Danielle Galligan, Jazzy, Nathan Connolly, Texas's Sharleen Spiteri, Leith Ross, specialist music memorabilia dealer Laurence Carpenter, The Amniotics, Aran Sheehy, our Summer Drinks Special, an extract from Paul Charles' upcoming memoir Adventures In Wonderland, and much, much more – including unmissable reviews, news, and previews!

So what are you waiting for? Pick up a copy of this action-packed issue in shops now, or order online below: