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

SK No Edit Not Only Takes On The Topic Of Mental Health, But Also Owns And Rewrites The Meaning Of His Journey Through Mental Struggles With New Single, ‘Head Case’

October 20, 2023

SK No Edit’s latest single, ‘Head Case’, sees the artist take on the topic of mental health, with his fearless nature which his friends, family, and fans know all too well. Over a trap-infused, ultra bass beat, SK adds layers of crunchy metal chords, while spitting out the lyrics in a fashion worthy of a prize fighter’s championship ring punches.

Swiss Alternative Rockers Sonic Rade Blow Our Minds With Latest Track, ‘Masquerade’

October 20, 2023

‘Masquerade’, their latest single and lead track from Sonic Rade’s new album, ‘Acacias’, is a veritable firestorm, harking back to the 80s with dramatic synths layered over distorted alt power cords, with the melancholic melody reminiscent of Cutting Crew’s, ‘(I Just) Died In Your Arms’. That is where the similarities end however, as the haunting lyrics take over, outlining the despair surrounding the hollowness of experience. “You know it’s all a masquerade”. Nothing is truly real.

Imark Brings Listeners Into His World With New Release, ‘Significant Half’

October 19, 2023

‘Significant Half’ is the newest entry in Imark’s steadily increasing discography. The perfect romantic mood setter, we find Imark showering his lady with compliments and promises of a lifetime’s worth of passionate love, layered over a seductive, yet incredibly danceable, beat. With a flow that combines classic Dancehall with rap and RnB-infused hip-hop, Imark transitions with easy grace from mainstream tropes to Caribbean slang and references.

Heartour Have ‘All They Want’ And They Want To Share It With All Of Us

October 19, 2023

Now based in Venice Beach, California, Jason Young still stretches both his talents and our minds with his Heartour project, and its indie psych pop rock sound. He’s released six full-length albums, including the enigmatic, ‘Years’, dropped last year. 

‘All They Want’, from ‘Years’, is an emotional journey that starts with fast paced drums, over which are gradually laid sedimentary layers of synths, creating a wonder of psych glory.

Austin Martin Writes From The Heart With New Release, ‘Country Drunk’

October 19, 2023

Ryegate Montana is about as much an advertisement for that state as it comes. Right in the middle, an hour north of Billings, towards the forests and mountains, it’s everything you can think of when you think of Montana: ranches, farms, rolling prairie, open roads, and that big sky.

Cowboy stories in Ryegate certainly aren’t fiction, and country artist Austin Martin, who hails from the town, writes what he’s lived, with his new single and video, ‘Country Drunk’.

Talented Conglomerate Staunch Moderates Give Us A Potted History In Their New Track ‘Rolling Stone’

October 18, 2023

From their latest album, ‘2023’, their new track, ‘Rolling Stone’ is Staunch Moderates’ tribute to the magazine of the same name. With the instrumentals, notably soaring guitars over a pounding drum beat, collaborating rapper Shorty Mack takes us on a trip through the history of Rolling Stone Magazine, from their earliest days with The Beatles to nowadays and the digital age. Greg Simmons interjects every so often with his own words of wisdom, and the end result is an informative and very catchy track.