The wait is finally over – the new issue of Hot Press, starring Imelda May and Wild Youth, is here!

In this Flip-Cover Special, we sit down with Imelda May and Wild Youth for two action-packed, must-read interviews – as these two acclaimed Irish acts unleash their highly anticipated new projects on the world…

Imelda is back – and bolder than ever – with her star-studded sixth studio album, 11 Past The Hour. From her home in England, she reflects on feminism, love, the far-right, rejecting Catholicism, embracing paganism, and her creative camaraderie with Bono.

Meanwhile, as they release their acclaimed second EP, Forever Girl, Wild Youth’s Conor O'Donohoe and David Whelan open up about some of the big issues of the moment, including online trolling, mental health, fans, vaccines, and the power of living in the moment.

Plus – we take an in-depth look at the impact of Covid-19 on the Irish music industry, and talk to a selection of key players about the future of live entertainment on these shores. Denis Desmond, Kneecap, Gavin Glass, Luka Bloom, King Kong Company and Mick Flannery are among the artists and industry figures talking with great candor about how Covid has impacted on both their work and them personally.

For Those I Love responded to the tragic death of his best friend by locking himself away in his bedroom and making a record that articulates the grief, loss and anger he was feeling. The Artist Also Known As David Balfe talks to Stuart Clark about the making of a spoken-word masterpiece.

One of the country’s greatest songwriters – and he’s no slouch in the guitar department either – Declan O’Rourke has delivered his finest record yet with Arrivals. “You want people to feel what you felt,” he explains to Pat Carty.

In a fascinating and revealing interview, ’60s icon Marianne Faithfull discusses her stunning new album She Walks In Beauty, surviving excess, her famous relationship with Mick Jagger, and life with The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. Plus her reflections on living in Ireland and her friendships with Blur, Kate Moss and Francis Bacon.

Bruce Springsteen, Marvelous Marvin Hagler, the Boston Red Sox, religious experiences, T%@*p and a punk rock pudding purloiner are all up for discussion as Ken Casey tells Stuart Clark why the Dropkick Murphys still mean the world to him.

In his autobiography, Beeswing, Richard Thompson rifles through the “dusty attic” of his memory and shines a light on his part in the creation of a particularly British kind of music. “This was really something different,” he tells Pat Carty.

Folk legend John Spillane discusses his formative years in Cork, unforgettable gigs in Páidí O’Sé’s pub, and his cracking new album, 100 Snow White Horses – which boasts a stunning cover designed by Brian Eno.

Hotly-tipped songwriter Helen Ballentine talks about her Skullcrusher project, her love of Harry Potter and the thrill of discovering Fionn Regan.

Tipped by many to win her a Director’s Oscar, Emerald Fennell pulled zero punches when she discussed her new film, Promising Young Woman, with Roe McDermott.

Rising star Etaoin discusses her superb debut EP, the fearless and emotionally powerful  Bedroom Walls.

Celebrated Irish blues pioneers, The Mary Stokes Band, discuss their rip-roaring new album  Comin’ Home, being invited to play the iconic Cavern Club by John Lennon’s sister, and hanging with blues and boogie woogie legends like John Lee Hooker, Buddy Guy and Fats Domino.

Hotly tipped Enniscorthy singer Reuben Hester discusses his powerful break-out single ‘Sold My Soul’...

And that's just for starters!

We also have all the news, previews and reviews you’d expect from Hot Press, including reviews of the latest releases from Royal Blood, Teenage Fanclub, Field Music, girl in red, Imelda May, Rhiannon Giddens with Francesco Turrisi, Dinosaur Jr., Dropkick Murphys, Greta Van Fleet, and more!

So don't miss out! Pick up your copy of the new issue of Hot Press in shops now – or order online below: