- Culture
- 13 Apr 21
The new edition of the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions' Y&E Series continues this week with a dazzling selection of emerging Irish talent – supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
Following the spectacular launch of the new edition of the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions' Y&E Series last month, we're thrilled to unveil our line-up for the next seven days!
With the support of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, we've been able to shine a light on some of the best young and emerging talent that Ireland has to offer over the last year – with a brilliant selection of acts joining Hot Press on Instagram for special live-streamed performances.
Following the remarkable success of last year's Y&E Series – which featured 120 live acts, and an audience reach of over four million – the new edition launched last month, with a dazzlingly diverse selection of artists set to join us over the weeks ahead.
So, without further ado, meet the acts set to feature on the Y&E Series over the next seven days...
Tuesday, April 13: THE ZEN ARCADE
Rising from the ashes of The Strypes, three former members of the Cavan crew have joined forces once again – with a new emphasis on doing things their own way. Having launched their own zine and podcast series, The Zen Arcade announced themselves as a very serious, smart new force in Irish music with the release of their debut, ‘Don’t Say A Word’, on their own label, Dental Records.
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Wednesday, April 14: FINTAN MCKAHEY
A lo-fi indie singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer from Cork, Fintan McKahey has been releasing music since 2016, and playing support slots for the likes of The Scratch, Junior Brother and Róisín O. His debut EP God Games was released in 2019 to widespread critical acclaim, followed by his 2020 singles 'Platinum' and 'Goodbye' – which have together clocked up nearly a quarter of a million streams on Spotify alone.
Thursday, April 15: NERVES
Formed in 2016, NERVES began playing DIY punk shows in their home counties of Mayo and Galway. Since relocating to Dublin for college, they have really hit their groove with an electrifying mix of noise-rock, post-rock and shoegaze – releasing their acclaimed single 'Time Trial' in 2020, followed by their Time Trial Remixes EP.
Friday, April 16: LOCAL BOY
Fusing elements of laidback hip-hop, R&B and smooth funk with off-kilter indie sensibilities, Local Boy – aka Jake Hurley – has been busy crafting some of the most exciting sounds in Irish music in recent years. The Burner Records co-founder’s tracks have scored coveted spots on high-profile Spotify playlists – and his appearance on the Y&E Series coincides with the release of his highly anticipated new single, 'Thoughts', from his upcoming sophomore EP.
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Saturday, April 17: ROOUE
Dublin-based pop duo ROOUE – made up of twin sisters Ro and Lou – have rapidly established themselves as one of the most exciting emerging acts on the Irish scene, through their signature blended harmonies and diverse counter melodies. Drawing inspiration from the likes of NAO, Banks and Lennon Stella, the pair brought their sound to thrilling new heights on their latest single, 'Bad Blood', released last month.
Sunday, April 18: FYA FOX
Hailing from the Monaghan/Armagh border region, FYA FOX draws influence from the likes of London Grammar and Lana Del Rey – to present a captivatingly unique electronic pop sound, combined with deeply emotive lyrics. FYA's approach to alternative pop is also informed by her background as a classically-trained vocalist – as evidenced in her latest single, 'Body', which earned widespread airplay and coverage.
Monday, April 19: EMMO
Cork singer-songwriter Emmo, aka Emmett Crotty, has already made a splash in the UK – with a show-stealing appearance on BBC's I Can See Your Voice. Bringing a fresh, genre-defying approach to Irish music, Emmo’s highly anticipated new single, 'Make You Mine', is out on Friday, April 16.
The Hot Press Lockdown Sessions' Y&E Series is supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. Watch the performances live on the Hot Press Instagram (@hotpressmagazine) every night at 7.30pm.
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