Having proved last year that lightening can indeed strike twice with ‘Nina Cried Power’, Hozier has conjured up a new album made for the tumultuous times that we’re living through with Wasteland, Baby!

In one of his most revealing interviews yet, the Bray superstar sits down with Hot Press Deputy Editor Stuart Clark to talk about everything from health, housing, racism and direct provision in Ireland, to love, Leonard Cohen, Saint Sister, Wyvern Lingo, and how exactly he managed to create the near-iconic cover art for his second album.

Elsewhere in the issue, Peter McGoran sits down for a fascinating chat with up-and-coming hip-hop star Jafaris. With his debut album Stride set to be released in March (an album that could well end up on a few 'Best Of' lists by the time 2019 is out), the rapper talks God, family, his African heritage, confronting his ego, and the concept behind his new album.

On top of that, Massive Attack are gearing up to perform their classic album Mezzanine at the 3Arena this month. As they get ready to do so, Paul Nolan revisits the fraught making of this enduring masterpiece.

In the Hot Press interview this fortnight, Stuart Clark goes the whole nine yards with one of Ireland's most renowned chefs Dylan McGrath. The enfant terrible of Irish cooking, Dylan discusses Michelin stars, veganism, Brexit, bombs in Belfast, Beyonce, and the agonising illness that threatened his career.

In our extensive film section this issue, Lucy O'Toole talks to Irish actress Aisling Franciosi. A recent recipient of the prestigious European Shooting Star award at the Berlin International Film Festival, she talks about growing up between two countries, female representation in the industry, and her powerful new film, The Nightingale. Elsewhere, Hot Press' chief film critic Roe McDermott also has a one-on-one this issue with rising Irish star Seana Kerslake. Fresh from filming the new terrifying psychological horror, The Hole In The Ground, the actress talks myth, folklore, and the resurgence of the horror genre in cinema.

In our book section this issue, Roisin Dwyer chats to best-selling crime author Tana French about her grippingly original new novel The Wych Elm, while Pat Carty appraises the latest from Christine Mangan, and Ed Power lays into the eagerly awaited new novel from Booker Prize winner Marlon James.

In our frontlines section this issue, we have special reports from two south American countries currently in the midst of social and political upheaval. Lucas Dean chats to Venezuelans living at home and abroad, who collectively paint a chilling picture of social breakdown under Nicolas Maduro's government. Elsewhere, Michael Kealy hears from a range of perspectives of Brazilians living under the regime of newly elected right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro.

We also have an extensive feature this issue where we take an in-depth look at the world-beating live music venues in Ireland and talk to the people who make great gigs happen in this country. From Donegal to Dublin's Docklands and beyond, live music is more popular than ever, so we take a look at those who are doing it best.

On top of all that, we have all the news, reviews and previews you'd expect from Hot Press, including a look at the incredible line-up for the second All Together Now; interviews with Strand mastermind Niall Toner and Sunflower Bean; and reviews of new albums from Hozier, Jafaris, and the long-awaited debut from Sigrid.

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