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

Liverpool’s Neil Potter Tells A Vulnerable And Raw Story With Folk Rock Release, ‘Over The Hills’

September 5, 2025

Liverpool artist Neil Potter started out back at the age of 14, when he first picked up a guitar, and he’s never looked back, saying, “Not a day goes by without me at least doing something musical. It’s all I’ve ever dreamed of doing”. Latest release, ‘Over The Hills’, feels like an uncovered Radiohead track, the kind of song that lingers in the back of the mind.

Joely Engelbert Enters A New Era With ‘Until She Smiles’

September 4, 2025

We’ve followed Joely Engelbert’s story for a number of years now, from when she started out as a solo artist away from her super-talented older siblings, and performed under her childhood nickname, JoJo Engelbert. Now, at 18, and with new single, ‘Until She Smiles’, she’s entering a new era, and taking hold of her actual name, marking a mature move that will follow her career in music, acting, and all her other endeavours.

A-Wax 1 Million Is Rising Up To Take His Place With ‘THE GREATS’

September 4, 2025

We’ve been watching A-Wax 1 Million’s ascension over the last year, with his distinct West Coast sound that doesn’t hold to that of LA, San Francisco, or even Seattle, but rather his hometown of Tacoma, Washington. Breaking the mould with his creativity and unwavering focus, he’s making space for artists such as himself, who decide its important to lead with honesty and integrity. New single and music video, ‘THE GREATS’, sees A-Wax 1 Million continue to build on what he’s done so far, and along the way invite viewers to take a deeper look at what makes him tick.