To celebrate the release of his irresistible new single, 'Thoughts' today, we're thrilled to present Local Boy on the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions' Y&E Series – going live on the Hot Press Instagram at 7.30pm.

Fusing elements of laidback hip-hop, R&B and smooth funk with off-kilter indie sensibilities, Local Boy, aka Burner Records co-founder Jake Hurley, has been busy crafting some of the most exciting sounds in Irish music in recent years.

'Thoughts' – which finds Local Boy channelling his inner André 3000 – explores the frustration of attempting to improve your mental health through the use of for-profit self-help resources. Having been featured as part of his Ireland Music Week set, the track has already proved a hit with fans – and offers a further taste of what to expects from Local Boy's sophomore EP, out this summer.

With the support of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, we've been able to shine a light on some of the best young and emerging talent that Ireland has to offer over the last year – with a brilliant selection of acts joining Hot Press on Instagram for special live-streamed performances.

Following the remarkable success of last year's Y&E Series – which featured 120 live acts, and an audience reach of over four million – the new edition launched last month, with a dazzlingly diverse selection of artists set to join us over the days ahead.

Watch Local Boy on the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions' The Y&E Series, supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, TONIGHT – Friday, April 16 – live on the Hot Press Instagram (@hotpressmagazine) at 7.30pm.

In the meantime, we're delighted to present our spectacular upcoming line-up for the Y&E Series – going live every night at 7.30pm:

Saturday, April 17: ROOUE
Dublin-based pop duo ROOUE – made up of twin sisters Ro and Lou – have rapidly established themselves as one of the most exciting emerging acts on the Irish scene, through their signature blended harmonies and diverse counter melodies. Drawing inspiration from the likes of NAO, Banks and Lennon Stella, the pair brought their sound to thrilling new heights on their latest single, 'Bad Blood', released last month.

Sunday, April 18: FYA FOX
Hailing from the Monaghan/Armagh border region, FYA FOX draws influence from the likes of London Grammar and Lana Del Rey – to present a captivatingly unique electronic pop sound, combined with deeply emotive lyrics. FYA's approach to alternative pop is also informed by her background as a classically-trained vocalist – as evidenced in her latest single, 'Body', which earned widespread airplay and coverage.

Monday, April 19: EMMO
Cork singer-songwriter Emmo, aka Emmett Crotty, has already made a splash in the UK – with a show-stealing appearance on BBC's I Can See Your Voice. Bringing a fresh, genre-defying approach to Irish music, Emmo’s highly anticipated new single, 'Make You Mine', is out on Friday, April 16.

Tuesday, April 20: DAVID OWENS
Initially rising to prominence through his acclaimed performances on the streets of Dublin, David Owens has built up a reputation as one of the country's most remarkable musical talents – following his 2018 album, Old Moon, as well as his 2019 EP, Year Six. He released his latest single, 'Of Course I Do', last month, and has more music in the pipeline for the months ahead.

Wednesday, April 21: PAURIC O'MEARA
Following the release of his acclaimed Looking Forward to Hindsight EP, high-profile support slots for the likes of Hermitage Green and Hudson Taylor, and lauded headliners at The Soundhouse and The Workman's Club in Dublin, Co. Tipperary singer-songwriter Pauric O'Meara has been tipped as a star-on-the-rise.

Thursday, April 22: OCEAN TISDALL
19-year-old singer-songwriter Ocean Tisdall has marked himself as one-to-watch in 2021, with the release of his debut single, 'Broke Up With My Best Friend'. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Billie Eilish, Troye Sivan and Alessia Cara, Ocean has carved out a unique new space in the Irish pop scene.

Friday, April 23: LORRAINE NASH
The independent release of her debut EP, Wildflower, last year established Lorraine Nash as a star-in-the-making – garnering widespread radio play and critical acclaim.  Now the Kerry singer-songwriter has signed with FIFA Records – and is set offer us a taste of what to expect from her highly anticipated debut album with the release of her new single, 'Sing With Her', on April 30.

Saturday, April 24: PAUL JENKINSON
Having built up an impressive following performing on Grafton Street, Paul Jenkinson contributed to the acclaimed virtual rendition of 'One Love' last year – recorded by some of Dublin's favourite buskers during lockdown. After a string of well-received singles, he released his A Smile And A Wave EP in 2019.

Sunday, April 25: SAM CLIFFORD
One of several phenomenal talents to emerge from Dublin’s busking community in recent years, singer-songwriter Sam Clifford has garnered over 13,000 Instagram followers with his captivating repertoire of both covers and original tracks. Although still in his teens, the Dublin artist has been tipped for stardom...

Monday, April 26: MIA BLACK
From busking in Galway, to sharing her stunning voice with millions of people on YouTube, Mia Black has attracted a major fanbase on these shores and beyond – with over  92,000 YouTube subscribers, and 45,500 followers on Instagram. In addition to her remarkable covers, the 14-year-old singer-songwriter has also been busy writing her own original material – and is poised for a major international breakthrough.