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

Anthony Ruptak’s ‘Phantasmagoria’ Is An Apocalyptic Anthem, Ahead Of New Album, ‘Tourist’

November 7, 2025

Anthony Ruptak’s new album, ‘Tourist’, is out today, the 7th of November, Dropping ahead of the album, the Colorado artist has released his new single, ‘Phantasmagoria’, accompanied by an epic music video.

Paul Kelly Owns His Legendary Status With New Album ‘SEVENTY’

November 5, 2025

The word legendary gets bandied about a lot, but in the case of Australian singer-songwriter, Paul Kelly, it’s well-earned. To commemorate turning 70 – nope, we couldn’t believe it either – he’s released an album that shows there’s plenty of bite in the old fella yet. ‘SEVENTY’ is out this Friday, the 7th of November.

Nya Releases A Declaration To Her Star Power With New Single, ‘My Tears Grew Roses’

November 4, 2025

An Essentially Pop favourite, Nya returns after a year’s absence with her new single, ‘My Tears Grew Roses’.

Negros De La Raza Come Together In A Cultural Declaration With ‘Para Mi Gente’

November 4, 2025

Honouring their Afro-Latino and Afro-Mexican heritage, Sen Dog (Cypress Hill) and Kemo The Blaxican (ex-Delinquent Habits) come together as Negros De La Raza, and their latest single, ‘Para Mi Gente’.

Kerry Kenny Band Release ‘Finbar’, The Next Single From Their Celtic Rock Album, ‘Brutal Best’

November 4, 2025

Caoimhe is a woman driven half to insanity while thinking about a man named ‘Finbar’. Such is the power he has over her, she loses herself to dancing, at first in a bar, and then later, in a field, in front of a bonfire. Beautifully channelled by Kerry Kenny, the song is accompanied by an evocative music video directed by Tom Robenolt, of Point Five Films.

Manuela Dhovar Unveils Ode To Youth And Her Portuguese Roots, ‘Maria’

October 29, 2025

Out now, ‘Maria’ is the charming and soulful single from Manuela Dhovar. With her music taking her from her homeland of Portugal to the recording studios of Paris, the track is infused with Brazilian pop influences as it celebrates the naivety and curiosity of youth.

Hyper-Conscious Hip Hop Duo Pure Order Enter A ‘Sovereign State’ With Latest Release

October 28, 2025

Bringing their characteristic raw charisma to each release, Pure Order impart wisdom that’s not just meant to entertain, but to also speak to the very depths of the soul. Latest single, ‘Sovereign State’, is no different, and shows that this duo are going places.

Waves_On_Waves x Timecop1983 x Waves On Waves 1987 x Pastel Arcade Honours The 1980s With ‘Dangerous’

October 28, 2025

Following on from Waves_On_Waves’ previous single, ‘Started Catching Feelings’, we’re pleased to bring another wonderfully retro track from this project, ‘Dangerous’. This time also featuring Timecop1983 and Pastel Arcade.

Waves_On_Waves x Crimewave x Waves On Waves After Dark Have Got Us ‘Started Catching Feelings’ With New Retro Single

October 24, 2025

Waves_On_Waves bring a retro vibe to their new single, ‘Started Catching Feelings’, and a music video shot in black and white at Los Angeles’ iconic Griffith Observatory.

The Kerry Kenny Band Isn’t Messing About With ‘Pining Time (Remix)’: An Essentially Pop Premiere

October 24, 2025

Essentially Pop is pleased to premiere the new release from Kerry Kenny Band, ‘Pining Time (Remix)’. An upbeat retro-sounding song, it also features a fun video that sees her running through the streets of New York, every bit like a superhero.

Fate Intervenes With Heavy Kid’s Latest Single, ‘Day By Day’

October 22, 2025

Out of Pensacola, Florida, Heavy Kid’s latest single, ‘Day By Day’, from their upcoming third album, is a much-needed anthem to all those out there who are learning to “let it go”.

Sometimes It Pays To Wait: Divergent’s New Release, ‘Not Until It’s Right’ Is An Instant Classic

October 22, 2025

Divergent are a dream that’s been nearly 40 years in the making, and this trio of lifelong friends are no longer losing any time making their teenage fantasy a reality. Latest single, ‘Not Until It’s Right’ knows all about waiting, with its story of not settling for the bare minimum.