Music
02 May 14

Inside the new Hot Press

Cover star Michael Fassbender on Frank and the intensity of the acting profession, Tori Amos on sexism in the music industry, local lads done good O.R.B on hip hop haters and much, much more…

Another fortnight, another jam-packed issue of Hot Press. Our Michael Fassbender cover with its Frank Sidebottom homage should be beaming out at you from the stands of all good newsagents right now, and what's inside is even better.

One of the hottest properties in the acting world, Michael Fassbender sits down with Roe McDermott for a revealing chat about the extremes in the acting profession, his high achieving family, and his toughest roles to date. There's also plenty of Frank chat as the film's creative team, including director Lenny Abrahamson and, author of the source material and bandmate of Sidebottom's, Jon Ronson discuss the project.

Elsewhere, with their second album All We Are officially landing today (Friday May 2), O.R.B catch up with Craig Fitzpatrick two whirlwind years on from their first Hot Press cover. On the agenda? Following in The Script's footsteps (even if they lead to the bar), their close connection with the fans, why they went from Rudeboys to O.R.B, and the confidence they've brought to their sophomore effort. They also offers rebuttal to haters of Irish rap.

The big interviews don't stop their, as Tori Amos discusses ageing, motherhood and sexism, Mick Flannery talks moving to berlin and overcoming shyness and we have The Minutes on babies, beards and bellies.

The Hot Press interview this fortnight is with Beggars Banquet supremo, Martin Mills, who reminisces about his 40 years in the industry. Gary Numan, Pixies, the Queen of England and Adele all feature.

The hunt is on for the latest homegrown cover star and, in association with Alcatel, we present the 33 acts who've made the shortlist for the Big Break competition.

Frontlines deals with Irish doctors setting up a Cannabis Committee, Des Bishop travelling to China and more.

In Critical Mass, we review new offerings from the likes of Lily Allen, Mick Flannery and The Horrors, and relive gigs from Wallis Bird, Lucius and more.

It goes without saying that that is just the tip of the iceberg.

The new issue of Hot Press is on sale now.