The wait is finally over – the Hot Press Y&E Series makes its triumphant return tonight, with Aaron J kicking off this brand new run of shows!

Presented in conjunction with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, the new series will feature an impressive total of 40 exclusive, intimate sets. You can watch Aaron J's performance tonight, October 11, at 7pm, streamed live on the Hot Press Instagram.

Best described as “a pop artist that makes you feel things,” the Dublin-based singer-songwriter tackles the issues that matter most through his evocative music. From his 2018 debut hit ‘Show Pain,’ to his festival performances at Electric Picnic and Longitude, combined with the artist’s gut-punching lyricism, Aaron J has earned international admiration and a genuine connection with fans.

Listen to his latest single, 'Love Me Again', below:

Watch Aaron J on the Hot Press The Y&E Series – supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media – live on the Hot Press Instagram (@hotpressmagazine) at 7pm tonight.

Also coming up in October:

Thursday 12th:Darian June
The Cork-born singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist has been making serious waves in 2023, as one of the national finalists – and a regional winner – of the major A New Local Hero talent search. She's continued to expand her irresistibly soulful pop sound with the release of her latest single 'Temporary Lover'.

Friday 13th: Paddy Keyes
After proving a massive hit at the A New Local Hero finale event in The Academy earlier this year, the Sligo-raised, Dublin-based singer-songwriter has gone from strength to strength – headlining The Workman's Club, earning prestigious spots on Spotify editorial playlists, making his festival debut at Otherside in Slane, and releasing a string of well-received singles, including his latest, 'Serotonin'.

Saturday 14th: Laura Jo
Following a hugely competitive public vote, this hotly tipped singer, songwriter and musician was announced as the winner of the Wildcard Award at A New Local Hero 2023. Laura has already built up a remarkable career in music, touring at home and abroad, and performing as part of collaborative projects and as a solo artist. She released her lauded latest single, 'Bright Eyes', in June.

Sunday 15th: Dave Lofts
As a solo artist, Lofts has shared the stage with the likes of Damien Dempsey and Paddy Casey, captivating audiences with his husky, heartfelt vocals. His approach has recently been elevated by the magical backing of S.A.N.D – with the collective offering an enrapturing, homegrown sound. Ahead of their debut album, the five-piece Waterford indie band recently shared their first single, ‘Tell Me.’

Monday 16th: Leila Jane
With her recent remix of ‘Poison,’ off the Dublin singer-songwriter’s Revolve EP, Jane has had a whirlwind year. A recipient of the Imelda May scholarship, the singer also puts on searing live shows, blazing a trail with a recent Glastonbury performance. Garnering acclaim for her Eurosong 2023 single ‘Wild,’ the multi-talented artist continues to blur the lines between dark indie and anthemic pop.

Tuesday 17th: Mark Caplice
Breaking through with his searing cover of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘The Chain’ for the Grammy's Reimagined At Home Series, Caplice joins the Y&E series off the back of his debut album The Brighter Side of Sorrow, released in June. Having sold out venues around Europe, and garnered support across Irish & UK radio, the Wicklow native’s music offers a sense of solace for lovers of nostalgic, folk-rooted sonics.

Wednesday 18th: Sammy Copley
Tipped as one of Hot Press' 'Hot For 2023 Irish Acts', the singer-songwriter's fearlessly vulnerable approach has resonated with fans around the world – clocking up millions of streams and a phenomenal online following. His Y&E Series performance comes hot on the heals of his latest release, 'Terms Of Endearment (Demo)' – and will offer a promising taste of what to expect from his highly anticipated Whelan's headliner on November 4.

Thursday 19th: Krea
After initially rising to prominence as a member of Wyvern Lingo, Krea – aka Karen Cowley – emerged as a dazzling solo act last year with the serene ‘September Sun.’ With her debut EP The Callows now out in the world, the artist’s luscious melodies and captivating storytelling invites listeners on a soulful ride. Her promising Y&E set will arrive after a premiere of her forthcoming video, so stay tuned!

Friday 20th: Bernard M
Marked by his standout passion for creating genre-bending music and for bringing that sound to life onstage, the 23-year-old Crumlin native and multi-instrumental singer-songwriter/producer brings it all to the table. His shows are something of a spiritual experience, his magnetising energy and boundary-defying sonics captivating anyone lucky enough to be present. His new single ‘Young,’ a story of young love, is an earworm of an electric pop anthem.

Saturday 21st: Daragh Daly
Following his first encounter with his granddad’s guitar, the now-21-year-old Co. Meath artist has established himself as a self-taught multi-instrumentalist who isn’t afraid to break beyond the confines of genre. As well as being crowned a regional winner in the A New Local Hero talent earlier this year, he's garnered impressive radio and streaming attention.

Sunday 22nd: Melina Malone
Following collaborations with Mango x Mathman, Zaska, Irish Women In Harmony, Booka Brass and more, the Irish-Greek artist has earned her reputation as one of the country's most thrilling forces in R&B. She lands on the Y&E Series fresh from the release of her long awaited debut album, Aphrodite, which put a fascinatingly fresh spin on the role of women in Greek mythology.

Monday 23rd: Kayleigh Noble
Dublin’s ‘pop princess’ will grace the Y&E series as she prepares to release her debut album, Just a Girl. With a recently sold-out headline show at Dublin’s Grand Social, and her ever-growing streaming audience, Noble’s future is luminous. The pop star’s debut – worked on almost exclusively by women – will narrate a layered story of dysfunctional love, marked by her vocal depth and lyrical prowess.

Tuesday 24th: Ispíní na hEireann
After honing their chops at some of the best trad and folk sessions in Dublin, the dazzlingly raucous group – who boast a massive online folliowing – burst onto the scene in a big way last year, with the release of their debut album, the aptly-titled The Hard Working Men. They've maintained a socially-conscious stance on their latest single, 'The Mica'.

Wednesday 25th: Brinda Irani
Initially rising to prominence as a popular busker in Dublin, the teenage singer-songwriter cemented her status as a star-in-the-making with her stunning debut original single, ‘A Shadow’ last year – followed by a string of brilliant tracks in 2023. This year also saw her crowned one of the regional winners in the A New Local Hero talent search.