Pop essentials and a little bit more

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

Greg Hoy Takes Inspiration From Jack White’s ‘No Name’ Album With ‘What, My People?’

March 21, 2025

Greg Hoy’s new single, ‘What, My People?’, loosely takes its inspiration from the sound of Jack White’s ‘No Name’ album. It’s percussive rock, with a garage edge that will have listeners immediately craving more where that came from.

Chuck Fraz’ Da Original Knows That ‘Life Is a Race’ But He’s Meeting It Head On

March 18, 2025

Chuck Fraz’ Da Original’s new single, ‘Life Is A Race’, comes ahead of his new EP, which is in itself a precursor to a full-length album. The track is filled with unswerving passion and resonant lyricism, and shows that originality and vibrant artistry come from within, and possess the power to take one anywhere.

Celeste Marie Wilson Strikes A Fusion Of Strength And Soul With ‘If I sin for you?’

March 18, 2025

With ‘If I Sin For You’ Celeste Marie Wilson demonstrates a layered perspective on the pressure put on women in Southern church culture to steer clear of sin.

‘I Just Wanna Be Your Lover Again’ From Visionary Artist Francesca Fuentes Is Full Of Pure Pop Bliss

March 18, 2025

Francesca Fuentes, who also goes by her childhood nickname, Chess, takes her real-life experiences and relationships and transforms them with into organic pop-rock-inspired tracks, which effortlessly capture the elements of the human experience. This is no less evident in Francesca’s latest single, ‘I Just Wanna Be Your Lover Again’.

Chicago Hip Hop Powerhouse Jelani Lateef Soars To The Heavens With ‘I’m A Star’

March 14, 2025

Embodying perseverance and inspiration, Jelani Lateef infuses vulnerability and hope into his new release, ‘I’m A Star’.

Sachet De’Aun Is Playing ‘Patty Cake’ With New Rap Single

March 14, 2025

Originally from Baltimore, but now based in Atlanta, Sachet D’Aun is fast shaking up the music industry with her certified baddie rap style. No less so than with her new single, ‘Patty Cake’ which is fresh and confident and allows her personality and rapping skills shine.

Jelani Lateef Lets Us Know He ‘Can’t Stop Now’

March 14, 2025

The first of two tracks we present today from Jelani Lateef, ‘Can’t Stop Now’ takes a deep dive into his character and inspirations, what keeps him going. In spite of a number of hardships in his life, he’s never once given up, and with ‘Can’t Stop Now’ he takes a vow to keep going – to keep driving forward – even when the going and the road ahead gets tough, and others may fall by the wayside.

Luke Harrison Announces Heartfelt New Single, ‘Falling Back To You’

March 13, 2025

Set for release on the 21st of March, ‘Falling Back To You’ is the deeply personal new single from Queensland Australia artist, Luke Harrison.

Laura Lautstark Takes a Bold Step With New Single, ‘Transe’, Exploring A Unique Take On French Pop

March 13, 2025

Released on March 7 this year, ‘Transe’ is the new single from rising artist, Laura Lautstark. Already known for her eclectic musical blend, that ranges from synth pop to minimal wave, Lautstark has embarked on a new journey with her sound for ‘Transe’, with her unique take on French Pop.