Opinion
22 Jan 20

In The New Hot Press: David Keenan Graces The Cover Of Our Special Hot for 2020 Issue

Set for international stardom, the Dundalk singer-songwriter is the cover star for our first issue of the decade.

In our first issue of the decade, we're celebrating the emerging talent set to make it big in the year ahead, with our Hot For 2020 Special.

Long-fancied and admired, our cover star David Keenan has surpassed all expectations with his brilliant debut, A Beginner's Guide To Bravery, which takes a deep dive into bohemian urban life. Pat Carty catches up with an artist set to define the 2020 zeitgeist.

As we enter the new decade, its clear Irish music has never been in a healthier state – nor boasted so much diversity. We take a comprehensive look at the country's 50 most exciting young acts.

While it was initially family ties that gained them attention, Inhaler's inclusion on our Hot For 2020 list is entirely down to them being one of the most exciting young bands around. Lemmy, Noel Gallagher, IDLES, Elton John and Stormzy all feature as they tell their story so far to Stuart Clark.

Having enjoyed huge acclaim for their debut album, Human, Kitt Philippa talks about introspection, trust, not watching the news and performing with Snow Patrol in Ward Park.

We also launch a brand new fortnightly section, The A&R Department, where we take a look at some of the most exciting happenings on the Irish music front, both locally and internationally – getting the ball rolling with news about Æ MAK, Adam Jordan aka New Machine, Smoothboi Ezra, JyellowL and more.

Meanwhile, in the Hot Press Interview, Mayo Green Party candidate Saoirse McHugh talks about the recent farmers' protests, explains why feminism doesn't just mean more female CEOS, and talks with remarkable candour about her struggles with an eating disorder.

In Frontlines, New York-based author Jeanine Cummins tells us about her acclaimed new novel American Dirt, a powerful story seeking to humanise the plight of migrants crossing the US-Mexico border. In addition, Will Russell looks at why Irish artists will be grappling with the big issues over the next 12 months.

And that's all before mentioning interviews with Malaki, Lilla Vargen, Bedlam Suitcase, Robert Eggers and Waves star Kelvin Harrison Jr. We also bring you all the news, previews and reviews you'd expect of Hot Press.

Pick up your copy of the Hot Press Hot For 2020 issue now!