Fresh from a triumphant homecoming set at Electric Picnic, Ireland’s newest global superstar, Dermot Kennedy, talks to Lucy O’Toole about hip-hop, religion, sneaking into festivals, the importance of Michael D. Higgins, and his stunning debut album Without Fear.

Elsewhere in the issue, Stuart Clark chats to alt-rock star Marika Hackman about bedroom secrets, bad language, coming out, Cara Delevingne, alt-J and more.

We also have an exclusive backstage interview with Billie Eilish, conducted just before she stepped onto the Main Stage at Stradbally. The world’s biggest pop star talks to us about Justin Bieber, Stella and Paul McCartney, Avril Lavigne and Greta Thunberg.

On top of all that, Team HP gives you a blow-by-blow account of another unforgettable outing in Electric Picnic, with outrageous moments, thrilling adventures, surreal excursions – and, of course, some utterly sensational music.

For the second part of our student issue, the Hot Press interview this fortnight features USI President Lorna Fitzpatrick. With a housing crisis, a possible general election, and Brexit all looming large, the Union of Students in Ireland – which represents over 300,000 students – may well have an important role to play in Irish politics in the coming months. Lorna Fitzpatrick talks to us about some of the USI’s campaigns, as well as discussing consent classes, no platforming, safe spaces and mental health.

Elsewhere, in our frontlines section, we have a frank and eye-opening interview with Lesley Mkoko, a student in Ireland forced to live in direct provision. In addition, Democratic Massachusetts Congressman Jim McGovern talks to us about gun control and what his party needs to do to win next year’s Presidential election.

In our film section this fortnight, Roe McDermott chats to acclaimed director Andy Muschietti about the making of IT Chapter Two. We also talk to Maeve Higgins about new comedy flick Extra Ordinary.

In our book section, Peter McGoran chats to Henry McDonald about his troubles-inspired new novel Two Souls, and Pat Carty reviews the Booker Prize-shortlisted new novel from Salman Rushdie.

On top that, we have all the news, previews and interviews you’d expect from Hot Press, including album reviews of the latest releases from Lana Del Rey, Bat For Lashes, Little Hours and much more.

The new Hot Press is in stores from September 12. You can order online now here:

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