The wait is over – our first issue of 2021 is finally here! The new Hot Press 'Hot For 2021' issue is available to pick up in shops or order online now, as a flip cover special – featuring our Hot For 2021 Irish Acts and Foo Fighters.

In a world of shuttered music venues and snatched-away opportunities, Ireland’s music community continues to defy the odds – with young, emerging artists defiantly rising above seemingly insurmountable challenges, and flying the flag for their country. This bold energy, independent ethos and genre-defying talent is evident across our list of Hot For 2021 Irish Acts – which features artists from every corner of Ireland.

As we celebrate our Hot For 2021 Irish Acts, we talk to a selection of the artists set to make major waves in the months ahead:

Following the release of their debut mixtape 92 Degrees, Top 40 chart success in Ireland and the UK, and millions of Spotify streams, Lucy O'Toole catches up with Drogheda drill collective A92 and their breakout star Offica.

Maverick talent CMAT talks to Kate Brayden about being one of the country's most acclaimed young artists.

Belfast power trio Dea Matrona didn't set out to confound antiquated expectations. It just happened naturally, as they racked up the views on Facebook and YouTube in millions – and became established as one of Ireland's hottest properties. "You can't put a gender on music," they tell Pat Carty.

Specialising in uplifting and danceable pop, Babylamb are primed to go supernova over the next 12 months. They tell us about drawing inspiration from drag artists, and more.

In 2020, Shane Codd emerged as one of the most thrilling new DJs in the country, with his lockdown-inspired 'Get Out My Head' – which has broken into the UK Top 10. He discusses signing to Polydor and the state of the Irish dance scene.

Singer-songwriter Robert Grace tells Tanis Smither about his remarkable year – which included signing to Sony Records.

Described as 'celestial' by Liam Gallagher, Lucy Gaffney has emerged as one of the country's most promising indie-pop prospects. She reflects on her early days busking in Belfast; going solo; and drawing inspiration from Sinéad O'Connor.

Meanwhile, our flip cover stars, Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins, are in ripsnorting form as they talk to Stuart Clark about heroes, hangovers, presidential shenanigans and the pinch-me-am-I-dreaming? moments that have made Foo Fighters' 25 years on Planet Rock so special.

And that's not all!

One year after being tipped as a Hot Press 'Hot for 2020' star, Kynsy is back with her highly anticipated debut EP, Things That Don't Exist. The Dublin artist opens up about her journey so far, the state of Irish music and more.

Amid the chaos of the New Year, the surprise arrival of Celeste's debut album is a reason to be cheerful. She talks about her spell in pop star stasis, the influence on her work of Black Lives Matter, and how the death of her father motivated her to become the best possible version of herself.

Ahead of the release of her debut album, Collapsed In Sunbeams, Arlo Parks – the 20-year-old poet and singer-songwriter currently taking the world by storm – has a conversation with Tanis Smither about drawing inspiration from unexpected places and honing her voice.

Life, death, heartache and joy – it's been a tumultuous few years for all-sister folk trio The Staves. But, as they tell Ed Power, they've bounced back, and have returned with their finest album to date.

As part of our Hot For 2021 Special, we also take a look at the most hotly tipped talent in international music, and film & TV!

Plus: we share some words from the wise in the run-up to the CAO deadline, as part of our Education feature; we pay tribute to the Queen of the Olympia Theatre, Maureen Grant; and sociologist Max Mauro recalls his time spent in Ireland, examining the issues of youth, sport, migration and culture – and working with Insaka FC, the club George Nkencho played for at the time.

We also have all the news, previews and reviews you’d expect from Hot Press, including reviews of the latest releases from Arlo Parks, Foo Fighters, Ani DiFranco, Shame, Slowthai, The Staves, You Me At Six and more!

Don't miss out! Order your copy of the new issue of Hot Press below: