In an exclusive and powerfully honest interview, complete with gorgeous original pix, the hugely popular Athy band talk from the heart, as they prepare for the release of their hotly anticipated second album, MDRN LV, next month.

Picture This have broken all sorts of records since they first landed on the scene late in 2015 – but surely their crowning achievement to date was when they become the first band in history to sell out five nights at the 3Arena. It is an astonishing achievement.

Ahead of their mammoth series of performances in Dublin’s legendary venue, which run from Wednesday 27 March to Sunday 31 March, in our exclusive cover story, Hot Press learns about the stories behind the songs on their fantastic new album, MDRN LV, as well as tapping into the band's most memorable live experiences, their admiration for the likes of Oasis, Johnny Cash The Stone Roses (whose drummer Mani has a deep, personal connection with Athy), Ryan Hennessy’s libido (read it and find out…) and what went down when the band were asked to conduct an exclusive interview with Manchester heroes, The 1975, at the start of this year.

Conducted by Hot Press Deputy Editor Stuart Clark, with an exclusive photoshoot by Head Photographer Miguel Ruiz, this is an in-depth, and powerfully honest look at a band whose runaway success has become one of the most remarkable achievements in the history of Irish music.

Elsewhere in the interview, Ryan Hennessy and Jimmy Rainsford talk about their growth as musicians, how they developed the sound for their second album when they were in the US – and why the friendships and relationships within the band are stronger than they’ve ever been.

Make no mistake: in MDRV LV, Picture This have made an album that promises to be one of the music phenomenons of the year. If it has been an exciting ride so far, well, things are about to get even bigger – and better. So join in the action by making sure to purchase a copy of Hot Press NOW!

• The new issue of Hot Press, with Picture This on the cover, is out on February 7 – but you can pre-order here now. First 200 pre-orders will be SIGNED BY THE BAND and you'll be in with a chance of winning one of a number of SIGNED COPIES of the new album MDRN LV!!

Order yours now