The debut series of Hot Press's podcast, Backstage At Mike the Pies has reached the halfway mark – following over 12 acclaimed episodes, featuring 12 of the country's most exciting acts.

Over lockdown, Mike The Pies has hosted a series of special gigs, run with the support of the Department of Tourism, Culture, the Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, as part of the Live Performance Support scheme. For the Backstage at Mike The Pies podcast series, host Megan O'Donoghue chats to some of the lauded artists who have graced the stage of the legendary Listowel venue, which has built up a reputation as one of Ireland's most beloved music halls.

Over the course of the last 12 episodes, Backstage at Mike The Pies has featured Sorcha Richardson, David Kitt, Emma Langford, Junior Brother, SON (Susan O'Neill), Cry Monster Cry, Jack O'Rourke, MELTS, Cathal Flaherty, The Love Buzz, Oracle, and TV People. All previous episodes are available to listen back to now.

“I’m really pleased at the way in which the Backstage at Mike the Pies Podcast has developed,” Hot Press editor Niall Stokes says. “Over the ten-plus episodes to date, it has been home to some really superb performances from the artists, which were brilliantly recorded by the crew in Mike The Pies. And the interviews by Megan O'Donoghue are really excellent. Megan has a lovely way of drawing people out, and a lightness of touch that marks her out as a genuine broadcasting talent.

“As anyone who has been to Listowel either to play or to attend a gig will vouch, Mike the Pies is a special place, with a unique spirit – and the Podcast captures that ethos, and the enthusiasm that fires it, beautifully. Overall, the Backstage at Mike The Pies podcast delivers intimate, affectionate portraits of some of Ireland’s finest musicians and performers. It is a must-listen for anyone who has a passion for the real deal in Irish music."

Listen to Episode 12, featuring Jack O'Rourke, now on Soundcloud, Apple and Google Podcasts: