Capping off the first weekend of the new edition of the Hot Press Y&E Series, we're thrilled to present Uppbeat – going live on the Hot Press Instagram at 7pm...

Blurring the boundaries between high-energy punk and socially conscious hip-hop, this Mayo artist refuses to play it safe, with unapologetically raw anthems addressing everything from mental health struggles to the housing crisis. It’s an approach that’s struck a powerful chord with his online community with over 600,000 Spotify streams on his 2021 track ‘Exhale’.

Watch 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 each night.

Coming up on the Y&E Series...

Monday, March 28: Mia Yermeche

It’s been a busy year for the 19-year-old singer-songwriter, whose debut single was released while she was still working towards her Leaving Cert. Following an impressive appearance on The Big Deal – performing in front of a judges panel that included Boy George – her powerhouse vocals marked her as one of the standout acts of ‘A New Local Hero’. She was ultimately selected as one of the five finalists for the showcase in The Academy, where she cemented her reputation as a star-on-the-rise. Produced by Chris Kabs, the Irishman behind JyellowL's 2020 D|Vision, recent track 'Butterflies' is a smooth R&B offering with crisp vocals and floating organ synths. Kabs got in touch after spotting one of Yermeche’s Instagram covers, and created the TEMO Universal, Dublin.

Tuesday, March 29: Cathal Murphy

Hailing from Camlough, Cathal has been raised on Irish traditional music – a passion passed down through his family from his great grandad. The Edinburg-based singer-songwriter blends soulful vocals with expressive song writing and uplifting guitar. As a member of award winning Northern Irish contemporary folk five-piece Cúig he's already toured extensively across Europe and the USA, also appearing at Celtic Connections in Glasgow. He released his debut EP, I'm Writing to You, It Can Be Lonely and Beautiful at the Edges of Print, last June alongside a 20-minute visual. Lead single 'Frame' paved the way for the project's success.

Wednesday March 30: D. Cullen

The Dublin singer-songwriter gained attention in 2019 when his single 'Alright' made waves at radio and led to an acclaimed performance on The Late Late Show. He followed up in 2020 with a slew of equally addictive releases: The Rising Tide EP, 'Rainbow Weather'; 'Birch Street' and a festive collaboration with Sinead McConville, 'Christmas Ain't The Same (Miles & Miles Away)'. 2021 saw the release of psych-pop tune 'All The People' - co-produced with renowned producer Roger Bechirian - romance-twinged gem 'She Is A Song' and instant pop hit 'Heartline'. Cullen's melodies and soundscapes aim to bridge the gap between Elvis Costello, Tom Petty and Taylor Swift; as demonstrated on his most recent musical number 'Radio'.

Thursday March 31: Tara Nome Doyle

In April 2018, the Berlin-raised Norwegian/Irish musician's first single ‘Down With You’ was unveiled. It has since been streamed more than four million times, with her first EP Dandelion landing that same year to similar numbers and acclaim. The project was published by avant-pop label Martin Hossbach - noted for jump-starting the careers of many Berlin artists. Debut album Alchemy came in 2020, cementing Tara’s status as a star on the rise before 2022's hugely unique sophomore offering Værmin arrived. Previewed by captivating singles 'Snail I', 'Crow' and 'Caterpillar', the album landed via Modern Imprint. Catch her live this March at Doyles' Ruby Sessions.

Friday, April 1: Tommy Cullen

The former frontman with Dublin alt-rock band The False And The Fair, Tommy Cullen has been building up a strong following over the past year as a solo singer-songwriter.  Having spent recent years writing and producing new music, in 2021, he showcased the versatility of his approach with a string of well-received singles, including 'Night Moves', 'Violet Rainbow', and 'In The Winter', featuring Amy Ellen.

Sunday, April 3: Chris Leonard

Born in Dublin and raised in Ballivor, Co.Meath, Chris Leonard's passion for music was first shaped by watching his father play in sessions with the likes of The Fureys, and Barney McKenna of The Dubliners. Chris initially rose to prominence on The X-Factor, as a member of the band Stereo Kicks, who ultimately reached the quarter finals of the show. He's now a solo artist – and following the release of 'Fix' last year, 2022 will see him travel to America to record his debut album.

Monday, April 4: Molly O'Mahony

Initially rising to prominence as one quarter of art-folk group Mongoose, the Ballydehob native has struck out on her own over lockdown – armed with a serious knack for intricate, intimate songwriting, and one of the most uniquely resonant voices in the country. Following two well-received singles, her crowd-funded debut solo album, The House Of David, is set to be released later this year. Back in January, O'Mahony was tipped as one of our 'Hot For 2022' Irish Acts.