Electric Picnic Special Issue from Hot Press arrives ahead of Stradbally, spotlighting Hozier on the cover and presenting a wide-ranging lineup of music, film, literature, and festival previews.
Hot Press’ Electric Picnic Special is out now as the Stradbally weekend approaches, featuring cover star Hozier in a deeply revealing 12-page Q&A. The Wicklow-born musician shares thoughts on creativity, politics, Irish literature, favourite books and films, and a spectrum of other intimate insights that stand as one of his most personal interviews to date.
The issue goes beyond the cover to profile a host of artists making waves this year. KNEECAP speak about their rise, their politics, and what Electric Picnic means for them in a world where issues of art and activism intersect. For Those I Love’s David Balfe describes the month-long spark in Leitrim that shaped his Carving Stone project, touching on themes of belonging, working-class life, and urban-rural dynamics in Dublin. Orla Gartland looks back on her Ivor Novello win, reflects on the Irish festival circuit’s strength, and recalls touring the US as a fiercely independent artist. NOFUN! and Delush offer a glimpse into their bold, DIY LA scene-influenced approach and what fans can expect from live sets and new material.
The issue also provides a behind-the-scenes perspective from festival director Melvin Benn, with additional contributions from Aaron Rowe, David Keenan, KhakiKid, Esmeralda Road, Dani Larkin, and Fizzy Orange. A Mad Hatter-style Q&A with Katie Boyle offers a playful yet revealing look at the Comedy Arena lineup, while Team HP shares essential previews and recommendations for the festival.
In addition to these features, readers can look forward to conversations with a broad array of artists and creators. Cian Ducrot, fresh from Grammy-winning collaborations and the ascent of his career, discusses the rise to pop’s upper echelons, creative partnerships, and his stance on global issues. Irvine Welsh sits down to talk about ecstasy, addiction, and his perspective on Oasis and James Joyce as he returns with Trainspotting sequel Men In Love. Tom Grennan opens up about growth, roots, and navigating the music industry. Nova Twins discuss their explosive new album Parasites & Butterflies, touring experiences with the Foo Fighters, and the support they’ve received from fans including Elton John and Tom Morello. Ari Aster, director of Hereditary and Midsommar, returns with Eddington, a project that explores the social upheavals of 2020 America. Alex Lawther, star of Alien: Earth, explains his transition from child actor to a lead role in a big-budget prequel and shares thoughts on Black Mirror, Andor, and his Dublin adventures.
The issue doesn’t stop there, expanding to include profiles of Hanumankind; Nerves; ABSNT MIND; Vaticanjail; Chris Wong; and notable voices from Irish sports, culture, and journalism, including rugby stars Linda Djougang and Anna McGann, and writer Miguel Delaney, alongside Icelandic author Ragnar Jónasson. This is a wide-ranging snapshot of contemporary culture, anchored by Electric Picnic’s own energy and community.
This special issue is expected to sell out quickly. Copies are available in shops now and can also be ordered online.
Editor’s note: This Electric Picnic edition highlights Hot Press’ commitment to capturing the cross-pertilization of music, film, literature, comedy, and sport across Ireland and beyond. The breadth of interviews and profiles offers readers a richer, festival-ready guide to the year’s most talked-about talents, while also delivering thoughtful takes on creativity, politics, and the social context surrounding the arts.
Summary: The Hot Press Electric Picnic Special Issue delivers a comprehensive preview of the festival, pairing Hozier on the cover with in-depth interviews and features spanning music, film, literature, and culture, making it a must-read for festival-goers and culture fans alike. The collection emphasizes intimate conversations, regional and international perspectives, and a strong sense of the current cultural moment, with practical notes on where to buy and how to engage with the festival.