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

We Speak To Brendan B Brown Of Wheatus About Their Christmas EP, ‘Just A Dirtbag Christmas’, What’s Next, And A Lot About AC/DC

November 10, 2023

Wheatus have just about finished their mammoth UK tour, which they started in early October. We last spoke with founder and lead singer, Brendan B Brown, back in 2016, and he’s managed to find some time in his incredibly busy schedule to set aside a few minutes to chat with us. It was a great catch up, and we talked about their current release, their Christmas EP, ‘Just A Dirtbag Christmas’, their upcoming 20th anniversary edition of their ‘Wheatus’ album, the secret to the staying power of Teenage Dirtbag, and about meeting your heroes.

Jesus Is Still Alright With Me: J.LONG Brings Funk And Soul To His New Single, ‘J.A.I.M.E.’

November 8, 2023

‘J.A.I.M.E’, is J.LONG’s most recent release, and it’s also the title track for his 3rd album this year. A play on his first name, it also stands for “Jesus Absolutely Is My Everything”, and the high-energy track channels the Holy Spirit, as well as the likes of Prince, and Lenny Kravitz. The slightly off-kilter beats are matched with punchy synths and jangly guitars and fluid bass runs. On top of all this, the lyrics are catchy as all, and J.LONG’s mellifluous vocals are as smooth and sweet as honey.