In The New Hot Press: Conor O’Brien Talks Michael D., Metropolis and Villagers’ Incredible New Album

Having digitally detoxed and built his own attic studio, Villager-in-chief Conor J. O’Brien has produced what might very well be his masterpiece with new album The Art of Pretending to Swim. Technology, faith, friendship, fandom, Trump and trying not to upset the neighbours are all discussed as he meets Hot Press’s Stuart Clark. He also talks about why he’s wholeheartedly behind Michael D. Higgins in the presidential race, and get us excited about Metropolis Festival…

In a world exclusive, we had Irish journalist and television personality Laura Whitmore sit down with her old Newstalk buddy Samantha Barry, who is now the Editor-in-Chief at US-based magazine Glamour. Hailing from Ballincollig in Co. Cork, she now finds herself in a massive corner office of One World Trade Center in New York, has been travelling across the world for various fashion weeks in Paris and London, and counts Anna Wintour and Amal Clooney as pals. In this interview, she talks about her incredible journalistic career, which has seen her work in 25 different countries, as well as interviewing Hillary Clinton and Donald trump.

On top of that, we have a frank, extensive interview with former Love/Hate star Robert Sheehan. One of Ireland’s most successful actors, he’s currently enjoying rave reviews for his latest movie, US indie drama The Song of Swan Lake. In a fascinating interview with Hot Press’ Jason O’Toole, he discusses choosing London over LA, promiscuity, drug use, and how he has felt sexually objected in the past. Plus, his thoughts on the #metoo movement and why he would still work with Woody Allen.

On the music interview front, Peter McGoran sits down with stadium-rockers-in-the-making Wild Youth, who swap tales about working with The Script and Niall Horan, and why they’ve got world tours in their sights. Elsewhere, Ed Power meets with Alt-J ahead of their sold-out three night run at the Olympia Theatre later this month. We also talk to Lankum about becoming Irish folk icons and getting pride of place at the new RTE Folk Awards.

In our film section, Roe McDermott meets with Roddy Doyle to talk about his new film Rosie, which is a powerful and affecting examination of the Irish housing crisis. Elsewhere, Stuart Clark talks to legendary actor Adrian Dunbar about his roles in some of Ireland’s most iconic films, and his acclaimed new show Blood, which has just landed on Virgin Media.

In our book section, the hugely successful author John Niven talks about his new novel Kill ‘Em All and how he managed to avoid legal woes for some of its controversial content…

On top of all that, we have an extensive insider’s guide to Dublin 1. Whether you’re a culture vulture, a globe-straddling foodie, a keen historian or simply someone in search of a late-night club or a cosy bar, we’ve got you covered with our 16-page pull-out on one of the city centre’s most buzzing areas.

That’s not all though…We also have special feature on the best of Irish spirits in this issue. Whether it’s Jameson, Bushmills, Blackwater Gin, or McGregor’s new whiskey addition, the Proper No. 12, we take a look how the best bars, distilleries and drinks themselves have made the Irish spirit market so incredibly buoyant.

And finally…Ahead of Election Day in two weeks, musicians and cultural figures from Joseph O’Connor to Niamh Farrell, Felispeaks to Jerry Fish, all tell us why Michael D. Higgins remains the right man to represent Ireland.

On top of all that, we also have interviews with the likes of Saarloos, Blue Fish Diamond and Fin Furey, as well as all the usual previews, reviews and news that you'd expect from Hot Press, including coverage of the newest releases from We Cut Corners, Lisa O’Neill and more.

Buy the new Hot Press in stores from October 11, or online here: