Tag: interview

Finishing the Story: The Catchmen on Orchestras, Unfinished Business and Returning to Stockport

March 12, 2026

When The Catchmen first emerged from the Burnage–Stockport border in the late ’80s, they were part of the same restless northern ferment that would soon define an era. They supported rising names, hosted Oasis at the Boardwalk, and dreamed of making widescreen, orchestral indie long before they had the means to realise it. Life, however, had other plans. Decades on, after BAFTAs, Ivor Novellos, film scores and global productions, Michael Knowles and Ian Livingstone have returned not for nostalgia, but to complete something they began as teenagers.

INTERVIEW: SHAB Opens Up On Powerful New Single ‘It’s On You’

March 5, 2026

In this interview, Persian-American pop artist SHAB opens up about her new single ‘It’s On You,’ the Afro-House rhythms that inspired it, and the unexpected collaborations that brought it to life – including working with rising star Preston Harris.

We Speak With Rando Rexx About ‘Firecracker’

March 5, 2026

Following on from our review of ‘Firecracker’, we speak with Rando Rexx and find out more about his music and what keeps him going.

Finishing The Story: The Catchmen On Orchestras, Unfinished Business, And Returning To Stockport

March 5, 2026

When The Catchmen first emerged from the in the late 80s, they were part of the same restless northern ferment that would soon define an era. They supported rising names, hosted Oasis at the Boardwalk, and dreamed of making widescreen, orchestral indie long before they had the means to realise it. Life, however, had other plans.

AC Scott On Finding Her Voice, Crossing Oceans, And Starting Again When It Mattered Most

February 26, 2026

For most of her life, Alison Craig, now recording as AC Scott, was the one asking the questions. As a celebrated broadcaster and interviewer, she built a career drawing stories out of others. But after a life-altering diagnosis forced her off the air, something unexpected happened: songs began to surface. Written quietly at her late father’s desk and carried across oceans to studios in London and Los Angeles, those songs became ‘Out Of The Blue’, a debut that feels less like a beginning and more like a return. We spoke to Scott about finally holding her own record in her hands, the track that still surprises her, and why it’s never too late to listen to the voice within.

Interview: Carly Ann Taylor Reflects On ‘Why Should I Worry’ And Her Breakthrough Year

February 23, 2026

Written during a season of post-graduation uncertainty, ‘Why Should I Worry’ began as Carly Ann Taylor’s way of confronting fear and stepping boldly into a career in music. What happened next became a defining moment – from performing the track live for the first time in Sacramento to landing a record deal with Curb Records shortly after.

Born This Way: The Infamous HER Talks About Her Celebration Of Difference, ‘Born Outta Step’

February 23, 2026

The Infamous HER speaks to Essentially Pop about their new single, ‘Born Outta Step’, and what it’s like to be an outsider.

Sending Out An SOS – Denise Marsa Talks To Us About Her Music, And New Single, ‘HOLE (Until Dawn Remix)’

February 20, 2026

You’ve just checked out Denise Marsa’s latest release, ‘HOLE (Until Dawn Remix)’ – now learn about the artist herself in her own words as she speaks with Essentially Pop.

Liyah Bey Speaks To Us About ‘Abused’

February 19, 2026

Following on from our review of Liyah Bey’s new single, ‘Abused’, we speak to the artist herself about her music, her career, and what lies ahead.

‘Closer Than Your Shadow’: A New Chapter Begins For REIGNS 

February 17, 2026

On 27th February, UK Soul breakout star REIGNS is set to make a cinematic return with ‘Closer Than Your Shadow’. What began years ago as a forgotten soul ballad has been reshaped and re-sung with a voice that now carries lived experience. Reimagined alongside Waives – the force behind the viral collaboration ‘Collateral Damage’ – the track blends emotional intimacy with a surging drum & bass undercurrent. 

Henry Grace at Bush Hall - Photo Credit: Steve Holley

Henry Grace Launches His New Album At Bush Hall

February 9, 2026

Back in March 2023, something happened that changed my life for the better. I booked tickets for a gig at O Meara in London to see an artist I hugely admire, Marie Naffah, who was supporting an artist I’d never listened to, called Henry Grace. Sadly, Marie had to pull out of the gig because of ill health but I went along anyway and to this day it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made.

Maya Lumen Talks To Us About Her Music And Latest Release, ‘Maynard’s Song’

February 2, 2026

Maya Lumen’s sound is characterised by her creativity and desire to speak to the collective consciousness. With ‘Maynard’s Song’ she pays homage to the ability of our animal companions to provide healing and companionship in our darkest hours. We recently spoke to Maya Lumen.