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

Duane Hoover Asks Us To Think It Over As He Channels John Lennon With ‘After The Storm In Your Mind’

March 6, 2026

Duane Hoover has never denied how much he’s been inspired by those who went before him. His influences are many, and include the likes of David Bowie, The Who, The Kinks, and of course, The Beatles. With ‘After The Storm In Your Mind’. released today, he seems to tap into the very essence of John Lennon himself.

M. Spano Brings Us ‘Something Different’ With Nostalgic New Track

March 5, 2026

New York’s M. Spano takes us on a shimmering journey of nostalgia with latest release, ‘Something Different’.

Coffeeshop And Ty Taylor ‘Hear The Call’ With Latest Collaboration

March 5, 2026

There’s no holding back for Coffeeshop in his latest collaboration with Rob Aster and the RRHOT team, with ‘Hear The Call’, featuring vocalist, Ty Taylor.

Divergent ‘Rev It Up’ With New Music Video

March 5, 2026

Divergent’s latest single, ‘Rev It Up’, sees the band take their music from a hopeful promise to a full-throttle experience.

She’s Got Claws Take Us On A Synth-Pop Journey With New Album, ‘Stronger The Faith’

March 2, 2026

Released on the 20th of February, ‘Stronger Than Faith’ is the latest album from British duo, She’s Got Claws. Originating from Hull, in England’s north east, the pair, comprising singer Micci Lou and bassist Chris O-Ten, are largely influenced by the likes of Depeche Mode, Gary Numan (from whose song they take their name), and Human League, as well as taking inspiration from the glitz and glamour of T-Rex, and David Bowie.

Hit Irish Trio Kingfishr Return For 2026 With New Single, ‘The Blade’, As Well As Music Video Featuring Actor Anthony Boyle, From ‘House Of Guinness’

February 27, 2026

Kingfishr return with their first music of the year with the release of, ‘The Blade’, out via B-Unique/Atlantic Records.

The Infamous HER’s ‘Born Outta Step’ Is An Instant Classic Anthem To Those Of Us Who Don’t Toe The Expected Line

February 23, 2026

Monique Staffile, the frontwoman of The Infamous HER, knows what it’s like to not want to squeeze yourself into any one mould or thinking, and new anthemic single, ‘Born Outta Step’ will resonate with those who feel this way.

Riding The Train To Freedom: Denise Marsa’s ‘HOLE (Until Dawn Remix)’ Is The Very Definition Of Pop With Purpose

February 20, 2026

Denise Marsa’s latest single, ‘HOLE (Until Dawn Remix)’, follows hot on the heels of seven consecutive Top Ten UK Music Week Commercial Pop Club Chart hits, and seems certain to be their eighth, and additional remixes from the upcoming album, ‘RISK + HEAL’, are already in the works.

Liyah Bey Seeks Healing With Latest Release, ‘Abused’

February 19, 2026

LA-based singer-songwriter Liyah Bey uses her voice to make the world a better place, and with latest release, ‘Abused’, she moves one further step towards achieving that goal.

HighWay Continue With The Power Chords On ‘¡BANG BANG!’

February 17, 2026

In the second track from HighWay’s upcoming sixth album, ‘Last Call For Rock’n’Roll’, set for release on the 24th of April this year, ‘¡BANG BANG!’ brings a playful vibe to their sound, and a 60s-inspired visual to boot.

HighWay Know Which Road They’re Taking With ‘HI-WAY’

February 17, 2026

HighWay are set to release their sixth album, ‘Last Call For Rock’n’Roll’ on the 24th of April this year, and so we present the first of two new songs, ‘HI-WAY’.

Ron Brunk Knows That While ‘These Days’ Are Tough We Can Get Through To The Other Side

February 17, 2026

Our second Ron Brunk single for the day, ‘These Days’, continues with the same sort of theme as ‘Real Person’, and we see Brunk fighting the good fight against the encroaching shadows that creep around every corner, filled with despair and desolation.