To coincide with the release of two of 2025's most hotly anticipated new albums, we’re celebrating with a vibrant dual-cover special of Hot Press – starring The Lumineers and Inhaler!

As The Lumineers unveil their fifth album, Automatic – and gear up for their headline show at St Anne’s Park in May – founding member Wesley Schultz sits down with Caroline Kelly to discuss learning to balance his dual roles as a father and rockstar; his love of protest songs; and the importance of human connection post-pandemic.

Also heading to St Anne's Park for their own show in May is Inhaler – who've just returned with the chart-topping Open Wide, created alongside super-producer Kid Harpoon. The Irish four-piece share their thoughts on Harry Styles, Alex Turner, Oasis, Bob Dylan, love affairs, Elon Musk and the Dublin riots, as part of a wide-ranging interview with Stuart Clark.

Elsewhere in the issue...

As they unleash their powerful third album Blindness – and gear up for their headline show at the Iveagh Gardens this summer – The Murder Capital sit down to discuss indulgence, Shane MacGowan, misguided patriotism, Palestine, and touring with Pearl Jam and Nick Cave...

The Murder Capital. Credit: Hugo Comte

As Dublin gets ready to host the David Bowie Festival '25, Bowie's trusty lieutenants, Mark Plati and Gail Ann Dorsey, tell us about being in his band; the massive gigs and albums that followed; and close encounters of the Lou Reed and David Lynch kind...

Folk maestro Sam Amidon discusses his exhilarating new album Salt River, which finds him covering legends like Lou Reed, Yoko Ono and Ornette Coleman...

Winners of the inaugural Amhrán na Laoch Irish Language song competition, Huartan have enraptured audiences with their unique tradtronica sound. With a brand new single 'Uiseog' on the way, the Belfast group talk activism, anti-imperialism, and their origins.

Huartan. Credit: Claire Loughran

From guitarist with one of the most hotly tipped bands in the country, to high-profile concert promoter, Bren Berry has carved out a remarkable career in Irish music. Now, he fills us in on his latest adventure – the release of his eagerly anticipated debut solo album, In Hope Our Stars Align...

Sack are back! The Dublin indie heroes sit down with Will Russell to discuss their stunning comeback album, Wake Up People!

Eric Bell discusses his album of stripped back numbers, Thin Lizzy Acoustic Sessions – the first new Lizzy record in over 40 years – Gary Moore, Van Morrison, and appearing in a stage show about Phil Lynott.

Thin Lizzy (L-R Eric Bell, Phil Lynott and Brian Downey)

The winner of the 2024 A New Local Hero competition, Calum Agnew, talks about his love for Amy Winehouse, his pinch-me moment in Camden studios, and the story behind his stellar new Rubyworks single, 'Anymore'.

A thrilling selection of big-name acts are set to play Mike The Pies over the months ahead, as part of a major celebration of 10 years of live music in the award-winning Listowel venue. Owner Aiden O’Connor tells us the extraordinary story behind this intimate space, and recalls some highlights of the past decade…

In our action-packed book section, Catherine Airey gives us the lowdown on her hugely buzzed-about debut novel, Confessions, and Joseph O'Connor discusses the gripping second instalment in his World War 2 trilogy, The Ghosts Of Rome.

Catherine Airey. Credit: Teri Pengilley

A former reality TV show singer who's taken on France's far right and won, Bilal Hassani is now starring in the Cannes-conquering Queens Of Drama. He tells us about the fantastical queer love story, kicking against the fascist pricks, and meeting Kylie, Cher and Will Ferrell.

Appointed Dublin’s first-ever Night-Time Economy Advisor in April 2024, Ray O’Donoghue is hoping to bring real, positive change to the city and its nightlife, for residents and visitors alike. He discusses his progress so far, and the key challenges that still remain.

There's even more interviews, reviews and news to look forward to in this special dual-cover issue of Hot Press. So, take your pick of cover stars, and – ahead of the issue's release in shops this week – pre-order online now...