As Irish Music Month kicks off, we're thrilled to present a new special edition of Hot Press – out today. Featuring flip-cover stars The Script and Jack Lukeman, the new issue is a vibrant celebration of Irish music, coinciding with the launch of Hot Press and the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland's major initiative to promote homegrown artists and bands.

In one of his most intimate and revealing interviews yet, Danny O’Donoghue talks personal epiphanies, love during lockdown, family, magic moments and, as they release their greatest hits album, The Script’s place in the pop scheme of things with Stuart Clark.

“I thought success was seven billion streams, but during Covid I was just as fucking broke on the inside as I was before I started The Script," Danny reveals in the interview. "That’s going to change now, bro..."

On the flip-cover, we talk to Jack Lukeman –whose digital fireside chats are going global with a new livestream show. Plus, he’s announced his first ever headline gig for 3Arena in November 2022...

“I got trapped on my own in Laois, so I started doing regular livestreams every week," he says. "It became my social life and an anchor to connect with others as well. With this new show, I’m trying to get out of my comfort zone – but it’s also about saying thank you to those people."

Elsewhere in the issue, we speak to Christy Dignam, Hermitage Green, HousePlants, Maria Kelly, Sharon Corr, The Altered Hours, The Specials and more – while also bringing you even more insights about the important work of Irish Music Month.

Plus, as part of our Mental Health Special, we present a selection of Irish artists and writers who have shared their thoughts and experiences with Hot Press – and we speak to Kodaline's Steve Garrigan about his struggles with anxiety and depression, which he addresses in his new book.

You can expect all of that – plus a lot more – in this new special issue of Hot Press, in shops now and available to order online below: