The countdown to the weekend is officially on – and to celebrate, we're thrilled to present one of the most exciting emerging forces in Irish music, Ocean Tisdall, as our next act on the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions' Y&E Series, going live on the Hot Press Instagram at 7.30pm tonight.

19-year-old singer-songwriter Ocean Tisdall has marked himself as one-to-watch in 2021, with the release of his debut single, 'Broke Up With My Best Friend'. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Billie Eilish, Troye Sivan and Alessia Cara, Ocean has carved out a unique new space in the Irish pop scene.

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 days ahead.

Watch Ocean Tisdall on the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions' The Y&E Series, supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, TONIGHT – Thursday, April 22 – live on the Hot Press Instagram (@hotpressmagazine) at 7.30pm.

In the meantime, we're delighted to present our spectacular upcoming line-up for the Y&E Series – going live every night at 7.30pm:

Friday, April 23: LORRAINE NASH
The independent release of her debut EP, Wildflower, last year established Lorraine Nash as a star-in-the-making – garnering widespread radio play and critical acclaim.  Now the Kerry singer-songwriter has signed with FIFA Records – and is set offer us a taste of what to expect from her highly anticipated debut album with the release of her new single, 'Sing With Her', on April 30.

Saturday, April 24: PAUL JENKINSON
Having built up an impressive following performing on Grafton Street, Paul Jenkinson contributed to the acclaimed virtual rendition of 'One Love' last year – recorded by some of Dublin's favourite buskers during lockdown. After a string of well-received singles, he released his A Smile And A Wave EP in 2019.

Sunday, April 25: SAM CLIFFORD
One of several phenomenal talents to emerge from Dublin’s busking community in recent years, singer-songwriter Sam Clifford has garnered over 13,000 Instagram followers with his captivating repertoire of both covers and original tracks. Although still in his teens, the Dublin artist has been tipped for stardom...

Monday, April 26: MIA BLACK
From busking in Galway, to sharing her stunning voice with millions of people on YouTube, Mia Black has attracted a major fanbase on these shores and beyond – with over  92,000 YouTube subscribers, and 45,500 followers on Instagram. In addition to her remarkable covers, the 14-year-old singer-songwriter has also been busy writing her own original material – and is poised for a major international breakthrough.