Tipped as one of the Hot Press 'Hot for 2020' acts, and nominated for the inaugural BRITs Rising Star Award, Bangladeshi-Irish artist Joy Crookes has rapidly established herself as one of the most thrilling talents in international music. Following a string of acclaimed releases, including 'Early', featuring Irish rapper Jafaris, she returned earlier this year with 'Anyone But Me'.

* * * * *

"Van's music has been a part of my life since I was a baby. His roar, and the pain in his voice massively influenced the way I sing. His music made me always feel closer to my Irish heritage, and his storytelling style of songwriting is a huge inspiration to me in my work.

"Astral Weeks is a desert island disk for me. I know every song on it back to front. His storytelling in 'Madame George', and how he handles telling a story about a woman, is really poetic and memorable to me."

Watch Joy Crookes perform 'Madame George' below:

Take a look at the spectacular line-up for this week on 'Rave On, Van Morrison' below:

• • Thurs Sept 10, Joy Crookes Madame George (7pm); Uly The Street Only Knew Your Name (8pm)
  • Fri Sept 11, Eleanor McEvoy Songwriter (7pm); Jack Lukeman The Way Young Lovers Do (8pm)
  • Sat Sept, 12, Ciaran Lavery Country Fair (7pm); PowPig Natalia

Each 'Rave On, Van Morrison' performance premieres every night on theHot Press YouTube channel. To make sure you don't miss out on any of our upcoming videos, subscribe to our YouTube here!

Hot Press has also published a Van Morrison Special Issue, to coincide with ‘Rave On, Van Morrison’, featuring written contributions from the legendary likes of Hozier, Sinéad O’Connor, Gary Lightbody, Damien Rice, Imelda May and Damien Rice, as well as special homages from international artists Brandon Flowers, Steve Van Zandt and Matt Berninger. In addition, you'll find the highlights of our recent exclusive interview with Van – who discusses the Belfast he grew up in, ‘Gloria’, Jim Morrison, Lenny Bruce, the real inspiration for Astral Weeks and his extraordinary work as a songwriter.

This historic publication is a must-have for Van Morrison fans all over the world, and is available to order now.