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

It’s All About Feelings: John Grimes Covers Mazzy Star’s ‘Fade Into You’

August 18, 2020

No slouch when it comes to having a wide repertoire of songs up his sleeve, John Grimes of Jedward today dropped a very fine acoustic guitar cover of the Mazzy Star song, ‘Fade Into You’.

Artist Chucks Èhtréppär releases latest single ‘On Me’

August 18, 2020

Released on August 15, ‘On Me’ is the new single from Nigerian hip-hop and rap artist, Chucks Èhtréppär, and is from of his debut EP ‘Afro-Trap The First’. Chucks has been writing, recording, and releasing his own music from a very young age, and after going through a number of stage names, his latest takes its inspiration from Chance The Rapper, and indeed, his second name is “The Rapper” spelled in reverse, with accents added for effect.

Artist Raj Prasad Drops Music Video For ‘King of Hearts’

August 18, 2020

According to his social media accounts, Raj Prasad is all about positivity and love, and his latest single, ‘King Of Hearts’, certainly fits that. The new song comes in anticipation of Raj’s forthcoming album, ‘Versatile’, which is set for release next year. ‘King Of Hearts’ is accompanied by a music video shot by Tyler Casey.

Pop singer Fai releases debut single ‘Comet’

August 18, 2020

Originally from Virginia, USA, but currently living in Kuwait, Fai has had the wonderful opportunity to travel the world thanks to her father, who was a diplomat. Taking advantage of this for her music career, Fai pulled to herself a wide network of friends and contacts all over the world, and additionally used her experiences to populate her music. Her debut single, ‘Comet’, is set for release on August 20.

Sanya N’Kanta – ‘I.C.E. At The Door’

August 18, 2020

In ‘I.C.E. At The Door’, Sanya N’Kanta makes a statement of radical compassion to all those who are facing this daily. Not satisfied to look away from I.C.E.’s ruthless methods, he broods over a beautiful beat, calling for justice, humanity, and overall, common decency. Sanya N’Kanta uses his platform for good; he follows in a long tradition of other reggae artists who have done likewise.

Blindboss – ‘Fake Internet Points’

August 18, 2020

California progressive rock band Blindboss examine social media in their latest track, ‘Fake Internet Points’. Led by the very outspoken multi-instrumentalist Max Gomez, they make their opinion known about the world we created. Max sees social media as a brutal game that a long time ago stopped being fun – but one that we’re caught up in, with no idea of how to escape.

Ginny Luke – ‘Love Hypocrisy’

August 18, 2020

In Ginny Luke’s hands the violin becomes a daring and bold statement piece, and with ‘Love Hypocrisy’ she unleashes an urgency and power as she reclaims her sexuality on her own terms. Ginny’s lightning flash electric violin solo and her oh so sultry vocals, are combined on ‘Love Hypocrisy’ with the mesmerising rock guitars, and Moog synth bass. The production gives it a creepy – yet sexy – alt pop feel, while at the same time it elicits rock undertones.

Bakir Floyd – ‘2 A.M.’

August 18, 2020

Music flows through the veins of Newark New Jersey native Bakir Floyd. The son of a member of Queen Latifah’s Flavor Unit, he grew up trying to imitate his talented dad, who exposed him from an early age to rapping and singing, and he came up with his own tunes to perform. Growing up saw him pursue other interests, such as studying engineering at the University of Villanova, but music was always in the background, a flickering ember waiting for the right opportunity to spark into flame. Sure enough, Floyd is now making a name for himself with his music, and his hit song, ‘2 AM’.

Devinn Le’Raay – ‘Gas U Up’ And ‘Still Luv Me’

August 18, 2020

St Louis native Devinn Le’Raay is as smooth as they come, and his music is the smoothest of smooth RnB.

5ive ft Giant – ‘Let’s Dance’

August 17, 2020

Let’s get this straight from the start – 5ive Ft Giant isn’t only 5 foot tall – he’s 5 foot 2 inches. But he’s no less a giant, and has defied all the odds which had set themselves as barriers to his advancement.

David Haerle – ‘The Free Show’ And ‘Run And Be Free’

August 17, 2020

‘Death Valley’, David Haerle’s second album, was released in May this year, and is the follow-up to his 2018 debut, ‘Garden Of Edendale’. It’s a marriage made in heaven of guitar-driven rock and a glorious California sound; the perfect blend of classic American and British rock.

Nicky Romero & Deniz Koyu ft. Alexander Tidebrink – ‘Destiny’

August 17, 2020

Can you believe it’s already been seven years since Nicky Romero dazzled the world with, ‘Like Home’, his collaboration with Nervo, and his multi-platinum smash with Avicii, ‘I Could Be The One’? Even harder to believe is that ‘Toulouse’, the track that made him a leading light of Europe’s EDM scene, was first hot in the clubs 8 years ago!