Following a powerful set from Lloyd John last night on the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions' Y&E Series, we're delighted to present Stephen James Smith with Gareth Quinn Redmond as our next act – going live on the Hot Press Instagram at 8.30pm tonight!

A Dublin poet and playwright central to the rise of the thriving spoken word scene in Ireland today, Stephen James Smith's poetry videos have amassed over 3 million views online. He's joined on the Y&E Series by acclaimed artist Gareth Quinn Redmond – an ambient composer who has collaborated extensively with David Keenan.

The new edition of the Y&E Series continues to shine a light on some of the best new and emerging talent that Ireland has to offer in 2020. Following the success of the previous edition of the series, you can once again expect 40 brilliant acts to join Hot Press on Instagram for special live-streamed performances, thanks to the support of the Department of Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht.

With the immediate future of the live music industry remaining uncertain in the face of the global Covid-19 pandemic, the Y&E Series aims to support Ireland's remarkable new generation of artists by delivering 40 paid gigs to 40 acts over 40 days.

Watch Stephen James Smith with Gareth Quinn Redmond tonight, September 17, as part of the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions' The Y&E Series, supported by the Department of Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht – live on the Hot Press Instagram (@hotpressmagazine) at 8.30pm.