Nothing rings in the New Year quite like the Hot Press ‘Hot For 2022’ Issue – bringing you all the essential albums, TV, films, tech and books to look forward to over the weeks and months ahead.

Fittingly, we have one of the most acclaimed emerging Irish artists of the year, CMAT, starring on the front cover. Following her sizzling, stratospheric rise, she tells us about the even greater things to come over the next 12 months.

During her candid conversation with Ellen Gough, CMAT reflects on the surreal experience of rising to prominence the middle of a pandemic.

“It’s a weird position to be in, because I still haven't really seen that many people,” she says. “Like the Whelan’s show for example, that was crazy! I just assume nobody's listening. Except for the 40 teenagers that message me every day. I love them with all my heart. They are dearly beloved – to me, I wouldn't be anywhere if not for my 40 teenagers.

“But it’s weird doing shows and having people turn up and want to meet me. It's a bit overwhelming sometimes, to go somewhere on one night of the year, and have all these people be really intensely into me. And then the next day go to a Morrison’s and get turned down for three bottles of wine, because I don’t have any ID with me.”

Elsewhere in the issue, we bring you the 60 new Irish acts you have to hear – including Blooms, Don Chi, Adam Mohamed, Leo Miyagee, Seamus D and many, more more – as well as our international ones-to-watch...

Pat Carty meets new wave legend Elvis Costello, whose latest album – the brilliant The Boy Named If – is one of the first must-own albums of 2022.

As Maverick Sabre returns with the epic Don't Forget To Look Up, he chats to Lucy O'Toole about working with Nile Rodgers, hip-hop in Ireland, and the importance of rebel music.

The mysterious artist whose name is on everyone's lips, PinkPantheress, talks about fame, anonymity, punk rock and becoming a star in lockdown.

Hollywood star Kiefer Sutherland talks to Paul Nolan about embracing nostalgic Americana on new album Bloor Street, the ups and downs of his screen career, and why he had no clue about 24’s all-conquering success. Oh, and his unlikely stint in professional rodeo.

Plus even more interviews with Jan Carson, Wet Leg, Dark Tropics, Belfast director Kenneth Branagh, Tara Nome Doyle, Cian Ducrot and Minister Simon Harris.

In the run-up to the CAO deadline, we've also compiled a special Education feature.

And that’s just for starters! So don’t miss out. Pick up a copy of the Hot Press ‘Hot For 2022’ Issue in shops now, or order online…