Inside the new issue: Ryan Sheridan makes a splash

Four years on from his debut LP, with Germany and Australia having fallen as hard for his charms as his home crowd, Ryan Sheridan is ready for his second coming.
Before he drops Here And Now on August 28 (backed up by a host of music store appearances around the country), the Monaghan performer sits down for the most in-depth interview of his career.
From developing a love for rhythm at ceilis as a kid, to joining Riverdance in New York at 16 (more debauched than you'd imagine!) and on through his years struggling to forge a solo career, we chart Ryan Sheridan's incredible rise to success, getting the full story – featuring appearances from Barack Obama to Bryan Adams on a skateboard – straight from the horse's mouth.
It is the focal point of a singer-songwriter special. Ed Sheeran recently played two massive nights in Croke Park and his pre-Croker press conference was conducted by none other than Hot Press deputy editor Stuart Clark. We bring you a full report on everything the megastar said (along with his Jamie Lawson, the first signing to Ed's new label) from the guy who was asking all the questions.
Continuing the theme, we look at how Ireland has produced a disproportionately high number of quality solo stars and how, suddenly, they are getting the international recognition they deserve. Everyone from Gavin James to SOAK features in your ultimate guide to the island's key modern troubadours.
Known for being the brother of Westlife's Shane Filan, losing everything in the property crash and now having joined the Renua party with plans to run for election in Sligo-Leitrim, Finbarr Filan gives his first, remarkable press interview. He speaks to Olaf Tyaransen about his former financial woes and future in politics, and gives his opinion on all the key issues of the day.
The interviews don't end there, as we catch up with The Maccabees, Chelsea Wolfe, Oliver Cole, The National's Bryce Dessner and more.
In Frontlines, in the aftermath of last month's horrific attack on a home in Clondalkin, we look at how the absence of hate legislation and a lazy approach to reform are playing into racist hands in Ireland. We also examine the issue of self-harm, look at how many of the British royal family remain fans of fascism, and look ahead to Ireland's chances in the World Cup qualifiers.
Getting critical, the rule is run over new offerings from Lianne La Havas, Wallis Bird, Teenage Time Killers and Public Enemy, while we relive Knockanstockan, Ed Sheeran in Croker and the recent star-studded Berkeley Fundraiser.
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