Author: Lisa Hafey

Lisa has been writing for over 20 years, starting as the entertainment editor on her university newspaper. Since then she's written for Popwrapped, Maximum Pop, Celebmix, and ListenOnRepeat. Lisa loves all good music, with particular fondness for Jedward and David Bowie. She's interviewed Edward Grimes (Jedward), Kevin Godley, Trevor Horn, Paul Young, Peter Cox (Go West), Brendan B Brown (Wheatus), Bruce Foxton (The Jam), among many many more. Lisa is also available for freelance writing - please email lisa@essentiallypop.com

SHTEEL’s New Single, ‘Hard To Hold’ Is A Pop Masterpiece 

December 18, 2025

Released on the 11th of December, ‘Hard To Hold’ is the new single from London-based artist, SHTEEL. The track is available to stream and download now, and is out via Enjoy Record, and distributed by Ditto Music.

 hachajah Draws From Personal Experience With ‘Mind Gag’

December 16, 2025

Although he is now based in Boston, Massachusetts, hachajah grew up in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where his childhood experience was formed in the shadow of war and violence. He brings this into his new single and music video, ‘Mind Gag’.

Mane Thompson x The Racing Pulses ‘Rewrite The Past’ With Their New Single And Video

December 15, 2025

Mane Thompson x The Racing Pulses bring a quiet, yet striking maturity with new single and music video, ‘Rewrite The Past’.

Shaheed & DJ Supreme Join Forces With Birmingham Public Library On New Hip Hop Video, ‘Knowledge Of Shelf’

December 10, 2025

Joining forces with the Birmingham Public Library, Shaheed & DJ Supreme have created a fun and educational Hip Hop track, ‘Knowledge Of Shelf’ The song is about the importance of literacy and supporting local libraries. The track is accompanied by a video created by Dmot Productions.

Ms. Diamond Refuses To Shy Away From The Truth With New Video, ‘Broke Ni**a’

December 9, 2025

Opening with the first line of ‘Love Don’t Live Here Anymore’, the tune of which echoes throughout the track, Ms. Diamond lays it on the line with new single and music video, ‘Broke Ni**a’.

Shaheed & DJ Supreme Are ‘Brainstorming’ With New Video

December 9, 2025

Faves over here at Essentially Pop for not just their music but also their drive to raise up their community of Birmingham, Alabama, Shaheed & DJ Supreme are back today with the first of two tracks, ‘Brainstorming’.

Hawk In The Nest Channels Leonard Cohen With Lead Track Of New Album

December 9, 2025

The brainchild of award-winning singer-songwriter Avi Jacob, Hawk In The Nest is an indie-pop/rhythm and blues project, complete with horns, organ, guitar, tinkling piano, and laid back vocal style. New single, ‘Hawk In The Nest’, the title track from the album named for the band, brings with it vibes of Leonard Cohen, early Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, and Al Green. In short – it’s exquisite.

Multifaceted Creative Director Erik RUZICKA Releases New Pop Anthem, ‘Ďakujem’

December 8, 2025

Out now, ‘Ďakujem’, from RUZICKA STUDIO, came about in a moment of stillness. Quiet and heartfelt, it finds its foundation in gratitude, as opposed to ambition, when Erik RUZICKA was moved to thank the people who have supported him in his life and career, including those who have gone; as well as the experiences that have shaped him into who he is today.

Vianne’s New Single, ‘Time Passes’, Is Moving And Soul-Stirring

December 8, 2025

Out now, and available to stream and download here, ‘Time Passes’ is the new single from London-based artist, Vianne. Released on the 17th of November, the track was developed during a late-night studio session with producer, Jacob Lobo.

Marc Biala Is Feeling ‘Glitchy + Bitchy’ With New Disco-Pop Release

December 8, 2025

Out now, ‘Glitchy + Bitchy’ is the latest release from Marc Biala, an artist out of Austin. The track is skilfully infused with a disco rhythm, while its dancefloor appeal is augmented with humour, and a light, carefree energy.

Ron Brunk Pens Quirky Ode To His Feline Friends With New Single And Video, ‘Windowsill Cat’

November 28, 2025

Back in May last year, Ron Brunk had a life-changing encounter. When nine cats appeared at his back door, rather than ignoring them, he succumbed to their feline charms, thus entering a new phase of his musical life. New single, ‘Windowsill Cat’, is just one of many tracks about his furry friends.

Looking Backwards And Going Forwards: Tota Powers Through A Cinematic Cycle Of Memory,. Love, And Loss, With New Album, ‘City Racer’

November 28, 2025

Set for release tomorrow, the 29th of November, ‘City Racer’ is the new album from Barcelona-based producer, Tota. The 12 track album largely comprises electronic music, and brings with it both futuristic and retro vibes.