Two locals acts in running for Hot Press cover

Locals have only until Sunday to help Offaly band Hogan or 15-year-old musician Olivia Burke get on the cover of Hot Press magazine. Both Hogan and Olivia have been selected as part of a final shortlist of 33 in 'The Big Break Competition’. Public voting at www.hotpress.com/thebigbreak closes in just two days.

The Big Break Competition was first run last year and served as a showcase for the talent on display around Ireland. Hot Press and Alcatel Onetouch sent out the call once more this year for the finest rising artists the country has to offer, and got back entries in their thousands.

After much deliberation judges whittled entries down to a shortlist of just 33 acts, including Hogan and Olivia Burke.

The winner of the competition will follow in the footsteps of the likes of James Vincent McMorrow, Damon Albarn, Paulo Nutini and Elbow by gracing a Hot Press cover in 2014. They’ll also be invited to perform at a special Hot Press gig to launch their issue.