In the new issue: Wolf Alice star on the cover of our Electric Picnic 2026 Special

With the countdown officially on for Electric Picnic 2026, we're thrilled to present our brand new issue – featuring our Stradbally-bound cover stars Wolf Alice...

As part of our jam-packed Electric Picnic Special, we sat down with the alternative rock heroes to discuss their international mega-hit The Clearing, landmark concerts, Irish roots, soundtracking major movies, wild shopping excursions, and gigging with Foo Fighters, Queens Of The Stone Age and Liam Gallagher.

In addition to Team HP’s top recommendations and tips for the big weekend, you can look forward to special contributions from an exciting selection of acts on the line-up – plus:

Bray indie stars Florence Road discuss their excitement about hitting EP, being blown away by Fontaines D.C., and maintaining their sanity through playing Mario Kart.

As Ravyn Lenae gets ready for her keenly awaited Irish debut at Electric Picnic, the R&B star fills us in on her superb new album Blue Island...

Wolf Alice. Photo: Rachel Fleminger Hudson

Elsewhere in the new issue:

As tributes continue to pour in for Glen Hansard – and quiet sets in after his powerful send-off in St Patrick's Cathedral – we reflect on a loss that has not only been felt here in Ireland, but has rippled right across the world. (An in-depth tribute to the renowned singer-songwriter will feature in next month's issue)

As The Waterboys return to the forgotten reels of Fisherman’s Blues – and find another album hiding in the wake, the brilliantly compelling Atlantic Rain – we sit down with Mike Scott.

As he gears up for his 3Olympia show in October, Mike Rice reflects on how his upbringing shaped his career as one of Ireland’s finest young comedians.

Mike Rice

Never one to let the bad guys win, bestselling thriller writer David Baldacci is leading the creative fightback against AI, whilst also trying to right some of Trump’s wrongs. He talks Travis Devine, drug epidemics, racism and other stranger than fiction politicians with Stuart Clark.

Following the release of their debut EP, Criostal, trad duo Absolute Lilt talk about keeping traditions alive, their 11-piece band BIIRD, and their unbreakable bond.

Absolute Lilt

As Creedon’s Musical Atlas Of Ireland returns to our screens, the legendary Cork broadcaster talks keening, lilting and gratitude.

Following the release of her long-awaited debut album, Materia Medica, Loah discusses medieval time travellers, the "big, bold energy" of the Irish scene, collaborating with the late Eoin French of Talos, and writing about the legacy of mother and baby homes.

Loah. Credit: Ellius Grace

And that's not all! You can also look forward to interviews with Jalen Ngonda, Judi Love, Ultras, The Labourers and many more – plus all the essential reviews, previews and latest news...

So don't miss out! The Electric Picnic 2026 Special Issue of Hot Press lands in shops this week – and is also available to pre-order online below: