Christmas has come early for Hot Press readers – as we ring in the festive season with our enthralling new issue! Our December cover stars one of Irish music’s most exceptional success stories in years, Dermot Kennedy, as the Dublin singer-songwriter releases his chart-topping new album, Sonder.

In our cover story interview, Dermot sits down to discuss the hard graft behind the fame, his newfound confidence, Glen Hansard, Bono, Inhaler, and loving football "as much, if not more, than music..."

Elsewhere in the issue...

Irish star David Keenan discusses his stellar new album Crude, in which he sought to return to his roots and embrace a more rawly honest form of songwriting...

Following another major year for the Irish-born star, Biig Piig discusses London, LA., Kojaque, Maverick Sabre, and her highlights of 2022...

Biig Piig at The Sound House, Dublin. Thursday 9th of November 2022. Copyright Miguel Ruiz.

UK hip-hop star Loyle Carner on his electrifying latest album Hugo, superheroes, fatherhood, and his love of playing Dublin...

For well over 10 years now, the housing crisis has been mounting in severity – and human cost. Dr Rory Hearne says it doesn't have to be like this...

During an eventful trip to Memphis, Paul Nolan takes in a barnstorming show by shock-rock maestro Alice Cooper. Demonic babies, rampaging monsters, gore and beheadings are all on the agenda in a macabre extravaganza...

Rising US star Lizzy McAlpine discusses her rawly honest album Five Seconds Flat, creative restlessness and being mislabelled a TikTok star. Oh – and her love of Irish breakfasts...

Lizzy McAlpine at The Button Factory- November 14th, 2022. Copyright Abigail Ring

Former Walking On Cars piano-player and vocalist, Sorcha Durham, tells Will Russell about growing up in Dingle, the impact of Other Voices and her fantastic new single ‘Fireside’...

Award-winning director and writer Frank Berry discusses his new feature film, Aisha – a deeply moving exploration of the realities of Ireland’s Direct Provision system, starring Letitia Wright and Josh O’Connor...

Busking has always been an integral part of the Irish music scene. Now, however, that vital spark has been turned into a campaign, raising funds to support the Simon Community in their battle against homelessness. Founded by Glen Hansard, the latest manifestation of The Busk is a unique vinyl release that features Glen, Bono, Damien Rice, Lisa O’Neill, Laura Quirke and Rónán Ó Snodaigh of Kíla, among others…

Netflix mega-hit The Crown is back for a hotly anticipated new season. The star-laden cast discuss the show’s progression into the ‘90s, when the royal family were rocked by tragedy, scandal and public backlash...

Boasting another bravura performance from Irish star Paul Mescal, father-daughter drama Aftersun is one of the year’s most acclaimed films. Molly Cantwell meets lead actress Frankie Corio and writer-director Charlotte Wells...

Aftersun

Niall Stokes takes us to the heart of the action in his special live review of Bono's extraordinary performance at 3Olympia Theatre on the acclaimed Stories of Surrender tour...

Plus – it’s that time of the year again! ‘Tis the season for thinking of others, whether they’re at home or abroad this Christmas. Feast your eyes on Hot Press’s curated list of presents – compiled with Irish-owned businesses in mind – in our action-packed Gift Guide.

And that's just for starters! You'll find even more interviews, reviews, previews and news in the new December issue of Hot Press – in shops now, and available to order online below...