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 Gives Us His ‘Last Quarter’ In Second Single From Latest Album, ‘Hit Music’

October 21, 2025

Greg Hoy embraces the big band sound on his latest release, ‘Last Quarter’, the second single from his album, ‘Hit Music’, which he released back in March this year.

We Premiere Three New Festive Videos For Ozzie D!

October 21, 2025

Getting ahead of the Christmas rush, Ohio-based singer-songwriter Ozzie D has released three new festive videos, and we are proud to be premiering them on Essentially Pop.

Ray Lumiere

Ray Lumière Releases Soul-Stirring Debut Single, ‘Oh My Heart’

October 20, 2025

Released on the 7th of September, ‘Oh My Heart’ is the debut single from Los Angeles artist, Ray Lumière. The track is a soulful pop tune, highlighted by jazz and R&B components, and was created entirely by Lumière in his home studio.

Jessica Chaz Ignites the Dancefloor With ‘Your Love Remixes’ EP

October 20, 2025

Released on the third of October, ‘Your Love Remixes’ is the latest EP from Vancouver-based singer songwriter, Jessica Chaz. The EP comprises five tracks, all re-imaginings of her heartfelt song, ‘Your Love Is All I’m Ffter’, which she co-wrote with her sister, Vanessa Mood.

Interstate Snake Delivers The Kind Of Track Built For The Big Stage With ‘Jersey In The HOF’

October 16, 2025

Haris Barekzai puts in plenty of time during the day as a service manager at a car dealership, but by night he becomes Interstate Snake, a rapper with a deep, raspy, and soulful voice, whose sound sets him apart. His new release, ‘Jersey in The HOF’ sees him channel the intensity of a NFL pre-game montage, with every bar and line loaded with football metaphors.

Reduction in Force Ask, ‘What’s Next?’

October 16, 2025

Making anthemic alternative rock, Reduction in Force was started by pop-rock singer and songwriter, Mike Mills to see if he could come up with music that passed the “test”. Creating big songs with big themes, Mike’s aim is to “reset the nostalgic clock”, and with ‘What’s Next?’, we think he’s certainly done it.

The Art Of This – Including Three Co-Founders Of The Art Of Noise – Announce Debut London Live Show This Saturday

October 16, 2025

JJ Jeczalik, Paul Morley, Gary Langan, and Ian Peel will this Saturday, the18th of October, make their performance debut at London’s ICA as The Art Of This. Describing themselves as an “offshoot, descendant, and subset” of seminal electronic pioneers Art Of Noise, the performance will feature, “words, music, and images using the venue’s 360° spatial sound system, d&b Soundscape”.

Eddy Puyol Gives Us Good Vibes Only With ‘Run It Back’

October 15, 2025

Eddy Puyol fuses deep grooves, smooth melodies, and the heat of South Florida in his latest single, ‘Run It Back’. An irresistible dance track, Puyol speaks from the heart as he delivers a fine tune focused on his core themes: faith, family, and fun.

Neil Potter Pours His Heart And Soul Into ‘Shipwrecked’

October 10, 2025

Liverpool’s Neil Potter has been so fascinated by the process and power of music all his life, and ever since the start of his musical journey, as a teenager, he’s dreamed of creating an album from scratch. After studying music at college and university, he threw himself all into a seemingly endless cycle of learning and teaching, with the aim of being the very best he could be. We’ve previously spoken about his release, ‘Over The Hills’ – now we present his latest track, ‘Shipwrecked’.

Big Rome Presents His Manifesto With ‘Who I Am’

October 10, 2025

Big Rome has forged for himself a reputation as being one of the underground’s finest narrators, earning the name of “The Arkansas Boss”. His rap style unapologetically is able to fuel a late night party, or equally set forth a moody night of contemplation. Latest release, ‘Who I Am’, serves as his manifesto – and he establishes a bold declaration of greatness, while exploring just how the experiences that scarred his past have continued to shape who he currently is.

Manchester’s LUCIGENIC Drops Fierce Debut Album, ‘Silence Counts For Nothing’

October 9, 2025

Out tomorrow, the 10th of October, ‘Silence Counts For Nothing’ is the fierce debut album from Manchester’s alternative pop rock collective, LUCIGENIC. The album drop comes ahead of their launch party on the 12th of October, at Night & Day Café.