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

Cassie Holt’s ‘The Family Album’ Is a Soul-Stirring Tribute To Resilience, With Empowering Tracks That Will Resonate With Many

October 8, 2025

Set for release this Friday, the 10th of October, ‘The Family Album’ is the third EP from powerhouse vocalist Cassie Holt, the former frontwoman of Cassie Holt and The Lost Souls.

We Get The ‘cold shoulder’ From Daisy Briggs In Empowering New Pop Country Track

October 2, 2025

Daisy Briggs’ latest release, ‘cold shoulder’, sees her examine relationships of the past with resolve, rather than bitterness or regret. In what feels like a follow on from last month’s ‘no contact’, she demonstrates a clearly evolved sense of self-esteem.

Rapper And Emcee SERIOUS VOICE Has ’99 Problems’ But None Of Them Can’t Be Solved By God

October 1, 2025

’99 Problems’, the new single from SERIOUS VOICE, and featuring her son JSWAGG, sees her lay her truth bare, voicing the often hidden frustrations of navigating a world determined to hold her down.

Dave Luv Uses His Instinct For Innovation With Latest Release, ‘Let It Go’

October 1, 2025

Forever pushing the boundaries of contemporary music and culture, Dave Luv’s latest release, ‘Let It Go’, sees the Chicago native explore what happens when a romantic relationship has reached its end – and breaking up is the hardest thing to do.

Staunch Moderates Are Kicking It With ‘Bigfoot’s Football Live’

October 1, 2025

Staunch Moderates’ latest track, ‘Bigfoot’s Football Live’, retains the same ethos they’ve had across all their releases, that of an initiative to bridge America’s political rift, while blending satire, social commentary, and hip-hop into something much, much bigger than simply entertainment.

Seán Griffin Returns With Latest Offering, ‘Rocks Off’

September 30, 2025

Retaining elements of his self-styled sound, “Celtic Rock”, Seán Griffin follows up ‘People Are Mad’ with his latest single, ‘Rocks Off’, from his forthcoming debut solo album.

Cam Royale Delivers A Powerful Heartfelt Message With ‘Can’t Lie’

September 30, 2025

Born Geoffrey Campbell II, in Mobile Alabama, Cam Royale knows what it’s like to struggle, and, now based in New Orleans, he uses his story of resilience and survival as a powerful voice for those who feel they have been overlooked; this is no less the case in his latest release, ‘Can’t Lie’.

New EP ‘Lore’ Sees Tallahassee’s Puppy Le Pew Unleash A Cycle Of Alt-Pop Defiance

September 26, 2025

Out today, the 26th of September, ‘Lore’ is the new EP from Tallahassee based duo, Puppy Le Pew.

Cycamore’s ‘Heart Of America’ Shines A Spotlight On The People, Places, And Stories That Actually Make The USA Great

September 26, 2025

While Cycamore are technically a new band, each member comes with the skill and expertise to ensure their place in the panetheon of legends. The Nashville band have released their take on the 2005 song, ‘Heart Of America’. Back then it was a fundraiser in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, but Cycamore sees that today we also need a reminder that unity is not just possible, but essential.

Ron Brunk Keeps The Mystery Alive With ‘Mr. Hank’

September 26, 2025

Open the dictionary to “prolific” and you’ll see a photo of Ron Brunk. With 37 albums under his belt, he’s certainly the very definition of the word, and there’s no chance he’s about to stop any time soon. But he’s also adept at keeping his listeners on their toes, and with his latest single, ‘Mr Hank’, Brunk leaves us wondering who it is he’s singing about.

Too Much Joy

Too Much Joy Get All Retro – Historically Speaking – With ‘My Past Lives’

September 22, 2025

Too Much Joy’s latest release, ‘My Past Lives’, is wonderfully weird, while retaining a retro flavour that is reminiscent of the best of the 80s (particularly if your idea of the best of the 80s is DEVO, or They Might Be Giants).

Nick Vivid’s New Single, ‘Volunteer’ Gives A Retro Vibe To A Very Modern Day Feeling

September 19, 2025

With his nostalgic electronic lo-fi funk sound, NYC artist Nick Vivid is set to release his latest album, ‘Volatile’, on the 24th of October this year, through MegaPlatinum Records. Ahead of this he’s dropped new single, ‘Volunteer’, and it’s every bit as groovy as you might imagine.