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

We Drop In On Stephen Jacques With New Single, ‘Surf Spot Steamer Lane’

July 10, 2026

Released on the 3rd of July, ‘Surf Spot Steamer Lane’ is the new single from Charlottesville, Virginia songwriter, Stephen Jacques.

Michael Landgarten And The Converts Get Into ‘The Flow’ With Release From New Album

July 10, 2026

Feeling like a deep-cut out of a Bob Dylan album, ‘The Flow’, by Michael Landgarten And The Converts, is from their new album, ‘The Long Highway’, released on the 26th of June.

GaREE ALL Releases Latest Spoken Word Track, ‘I Just Can’t Afford YOUR Love’

July 9, 2026

Continuing to break the mould, GaREE ALL returns with his latest single, the very amusing, ‘I Just Can’t Afford YOUR Love’, which draws on snippets from real life encounters, as well as from his own imagination.

Coffeeshop Lets Us In On Their ‘California Summer Dream’

July 9, 2026

Coffeshop returns with ‘California Summer Dream’, a pop anthem that brings in the summer season, along with all that comes of the Southern California coast.

Sputnik the Band Find Solace At The End Of The World With ‘Lone Wolf Party’

July 8, 2026

‘Lone Wolf Party’, from Sputnik The Band, feels like a re-discovery of an angsty 90s indie-rock number, and yet it still holds its own in this current era of late-stage capitalism.

Robbie Mangiardi’s New Single Opens Up A ‘Crack Of Light’ On Everything Around Him

July 8, 2026

Approaching songwriting like the master craftsman that he is, Robbie Mangiardi’s style has come from years of paying close attention to everything around him. His new single, ‘Crack Of Light’, is the culmination of these observations.

Ebrahim Nazari Brings Fresh Bollywood Style Sounds With Release Of Fourth Album, ‘Zindagi Redux’

June 30, 2026

Set for release on the 5th of July, ‘Zindagi Redux’ is the upcoming album from Ebrahim Nazari. Marking a new chapter in this artist’s journey through self-discovery, this much anticipated fourth album takes a sharp turn from his previous releases, which focused on themes of introspection, confusion, disillusionment, and personal exploration, and instead embrace romance, freedom, and living in the moment.

Jules ‘Nova Unveils Emotionally Charged New Single, ‘DSP (Radio Edit)’

June 29, 2026

Released on the 9th of May, ‘DSP (Radio Edit)’ is the new single from singer-songwriter, Jules ‘Nova. Based between London and Eryri, North Wales, Jules ‘Nova blends 90s nostalgia with modern pop production, resulting in a sound that is both emotive and atmospheric.

It’s Been A ‘Long Time Coming’ For Loraine With Debut Album Out Next Month

June 29, 2026

Out on the 17th of July, ‘Long Time Coming’ is the debut album from independent pop and electronic artist, Loraine. Originally from The Netherlands, raised in Belgium, and now based in Portland, Oregon, USA, Loraine has come a long way, both physically and musically.

Sgt. Splendor Are ‘Brave, Rough, And Ready To Go’ With New Music Video

June 26, 2026

Sgt. Splendor have made joy, community, and creativity their form of protest, and new single, ‘Brave, Rough, and Ready to Go’ serves as both a warning and a dare, shining with their signature swagger, grit, and groove.

Storyboard P Reintroduces Himself As More Than Just A Dancer With ‘I Be A Fool’