For our first issue of the year, we're bringing you the biggest and boldest celebration you can imagine of the most hotly tipped Irish and international talent, with our Hot For 2024 special – out now! Fittingly, we've got three unstoppable homegrown acts starring on three very special covers this month: Dublin four-piece SPRINTS; Galway-born, London-based band NewDad; and one of the country's newest streaming sensations, sign crushes motorist.

First up is SPRINTS, who have continued to build momentum with the release of their lauded debut album, Letter To Self. Karla Chubb and Jack Callan sit down with Lucy O'Toole to talk catharsis, rage, and signing to City Slang...

Photo: Niamh Barry

Having already signed to Atlantic Records and opened for Paolo Nutini at Malahide Castle, NewDad are gearing up for their next major milestone: the release of their long-awaited debut album, Madra. The Galway band discuss full-circle moments, Rockfield Studios, Jedward, trad, London, rural landscapes, and crowd-surfing at IDLES.

Photo: Alice Backham

He's amassed over three million monthly listeners on Spotify, and now 18-year-old Liam McCay, aka sign crushes motorist, is about to play on his first ever headline show. The Buncrana artist discusses college life, his deeply personal lyrics and his plans for 2024...

Photo: Miguel Ruiz

Elsewhere in the new issue...

Strap yourselves in for our annual round-up of the new Irish acts, international acts, film, TV, books and more to watch out for – in our 'Hot For 2024' feature...

Former Silences frontman Conchúr White looks set to be one of the most talked about artists of the year, thanks to his dazzling debut LP Swirling Violets. He tells Edwin McFee about his new solo career, what it was like working with Iain Archer, signing with Bella Union and more.

Niamh Browne meets the brilliantly talented rising Irish R&B star HXNEY...

Elle Coves tells Will Russell about arm-wrestling Lewis Capaldi, going viral with Harry Styles, hanging out in Nashville and the imminent release of her debut EP...

She's covered Sinéad O'Connor, remixed Charli XCX and is the proud custodian of a Cork accent. No wonder London-born Yunè Pinku is shaping up to be one of pop's most fascinating newcomers...

Afer smashing one of the longest-standing world records in swimming last month, Daniel Wiffen is fast becoming one of Ireland's most keenly watched sports stars. The Co. Armagh swimmer talks to Hot Press about competing with his twin Nathan, his childhood Game Of Thrones appearance, and the upcoming Paris Olympics...

Following her powerful performances at multiple Irish Artists For Palestine events, Roisin El Cherif reflects on the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza – with Israel's assault having now claimed the lives of over 25,000 Palestinians. The Irish-Palestinian singer-songwriter also calls for sanctions against Israel...

Plus: The White Horse Guitar Club, John Cooper Clarke, our 2024 Irish Albums Preview, our action-packed Education Special, the director & stars of Bob Marley: One Love, the cast of The Color Purple, the Graham Norton-hosted Last One Laughing Ireland, Cathy Sweeney, Sadie Harpur, and more...

Pick up your copy of the 'Hot For 2024' issue of Hot Press in shops now – or order online below: