Essentially Pop

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

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

​​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,…

Eccentric Legends BUNNIES Get All Experimental With ‘Homunculus’ A homunculus is a human-like creature, created using alchemical means. It's chaotic and eccentric, and very fitting as the title and subject matter of a song by the legendary Western Massachusetts band, BUNNIES.

A homunculus is a human-like creature, created using alchemical means. It's chaotic and eccentric, and very fitting as the title and subject matter of a song by the legendary Western Massachusetts band, BUNNIES.

SUPER-Hi x Luke Spiller’s Take On Gotye’s ‘Somebody That I Used To Know’ Is An Upbeat Breath Of Fresh Air In the hands of SUPER-Hi and Luke Spiller, Gotye's modern classic, 'Somebody That I Used To Know' is given a whole new breath of life; as if the person in the original has moved on from the heartbreak, and is now much happier where they are.

In the hands of SUPER-Hi and Luke Spiller, Gotye's modern classic, 'Somebody That I Used To Know' is given a whole new breath of life; as if the person in the original has moved on from the heartbreak, and is now much happier where they are.

Thank you! Matt's review of Adam Steiner's book is pretty compelling, it looks like it'll be a great read, for fans and non-fans alike!

Many hate this journey, but after the trauma and terror this man has endured I find his notes from the other side really impactful, alluring even if I don’t completely buy in myself. The boy has always been a phenomenal scholar on emotion when as a punk and now as a poet

The Tennessee Werewolves Refuse To Stay In One Lane With ‘Rise Up’ With a sound built on heavy riffs, aggressive energy, and never remaining in the one lane, The Tennessee Werewolves have become known for creating with total freedom, writing without rules, limits, or expectations. 'Rise Up', their new single, takes a look at recent challenges faced by the band, and offers up a rallying call for listeners everywhere.

With a sound built on heavy riffs, aggressive energy, and never remaining in the one lane, The Tennessee Werewolves have become known for creating with total freedom, writing without rules, limits, or expectations. 'Rise Up', their new single, takes a look at recent challenges faced by the band.

Nuke The Soup Tap Into The Different Sides Of The Human Experience With ‘Lost On You’ Taken from their latest album, 'Dancing On The Edge', Nuke The Soup's new single, 'Lost On You', taps into those life experiences we can all relate to.

Taken from their latest album, 'Dancing On The Edge', Nuke The Soup's new single, 'Lost On You', taps into those life experiences we can all relate to.

THE GOOD, THE MAD & THE UGLY – Adam Steiner Dissects Nick Cave’s Black and Bloody Body of Work in ‘Darker With The Dawn’ Nick Cave's strange journey from vampiric drug-addled iconoclast to something akin to national treasure status in both his native Australia and adopted home in dear old Blighty is as remarkable as it is deserved.

Nick Cave's strange journey from vampiric drug-addled iconoclast to something akin to national treasure status in both his native Australia and adopted home in dear old Blighty is as remarkable as it is deserved.

Swiss Eurovision Entry Veronica Fusaro Reveals Powerful Competing Song, ‘Alice’ Emerging as a distinct force in the Swiss music scene, Veronica Fusaro is set to take the global stage as she reveals her entry for the 70th Eurovision Song Contest, taking place this May in Austri…

Emerging as a distinct force in the Swiss music scene, Veronica Fusaro is set to take the global stage as she reveals her entry for the 70th Eurovision Song Contest, taking place this May in Austria.

essentiallypop.com/epop/2026/03...

Duane Hoover Asks Us To Think It Over As He Channels John Lennon With ‘After The Storm In Your Mind’ Duane Hoover has never denied how much he's been inspired by those who went before him. His influences are many, and include the likes of David Bowie, The Who, The Kinks, and of course, The Beatles. With 'After The Storm In Your Mind'. released today, he seems to tap into the very essence of John Lennon himself.

With 'After The Storm In Your Mind'. released today, Duane Hoover seems to tap into the very essence of John Lennon himself.

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

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.

essentiallypop.com/epop/2026/03...

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

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

M. Spano Brings Us ‘Something Different’ With Nostalgic New Track New York's M. Spano takes us on a shimmering journey of nostalgia with latest release, 'Something Different'.

New York's M. Spano takes us on a shimmering journey of nostalgia with latest release, 'Something Different'.

Coffeeshop And Ty Taylor ‘Hear The Call’ With Latest Collaboration There's no holding back for Coffeeshop in his latest collaboration with Rob Aster and the RRHOT team, with 'Hear The Call', featuring vocalist, Ty Taylor.

There's no holding back for Coffeeshop in his latest collaboration with Rob Aster and the RRHOT team, with 'Hear The Call', featuring vocalist, Ty Taylor.

Divergent ‘Rev It Up’ With New Music Video Divergent's latest single, 'Rev It Up', sees the band take their music from a hopeful promise to a full-throttle experience.

Divergent's latest single, 'Rev It Up', sees the band take their music from a hopeful promise to a full-throttle experience.

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

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.

She’s Got Claws Take Us On A Synth-Pop Journey With New Album, ‘Stronger The Faith’ Released on the 20th of February, 'Stronger Than Faith' is the latest album from British duo, She's Got Claws. Originating from Hull, in England's north east, the pair, comprising singer Micci Lou and bassist Chris O-Ten, are largely influenced by the likes of Depeche Mode, Gary Numan (from whose song they take their name), and Human League, as well as taking inspiration from the glitz and glamour of T-Rex, and David Bowie.

Released on the 20th of February, 'Stronger Than Faith' is the latest album from British duo, She's Got Claws.

CMAT Announced As Special Guest For LEWIS CAPALDI’S Dublin And Limerick Shows Lewis Capaldi has announced CMAT as special guest for the upcoming Dublin and Limerick shows this summer in Dublin’s Marlay Park on June 23 (extra date) and June 24  and Limerick's Thomond Park on June 26 2026.

Lewis Capaldi has announced CMAT as special guest for the upcoming Dublin and Limerick shows this summer in Dublin’s Marlay Park on June 23 (extra date) and June 24  and Limerick's Thomond Park on June 26 2026.

Music To Listen To In Order To Boost Your Mood While Playing Games Gaming is more than just pressing buttons and completing levels—it’s about immersion, focus, and enjoyment. One surprisingly powerful tool that can enhance your gaming experience is music. Whether you’re playing fast-paced action games, strategic RPGs, or relaxing puzzle titles, the right soundtrack can elevate your mood, sharpen focus, and even improve performance.

Gaming is more than just pressing buttons and completing levels—it’s about immersion, focus, and enjoyment. One surprisingly powerful tool that can enhance your gaming experience is music, whether you’re playing fast-paced action games, strategic RPGs, or relaxing puzzle titles.

Hit Irish Trio Kingfishr Return For 2026 With New Single, ‘The Blade’, As Well As Music Video Featuring Actor Anthony Boyle, From ‘House Of Guinness’ Kingfishr return with their first music of the year with the release of, 'The Blade', out via B-Unique/Atlantic Records.

Kingfishr return with their first music of the year with the release of, 'The Blade', out via B-Unique/Atlantic Records.

THERA Turns Inner Noise Into Euphoria on New Single ‘do you see?’ At just eighteen, Czech dark-pop rising star THERA is already moving with the kind of artistic clarity many artists spend years searching for. There’s a burning tension running through her new single,‘do you see?’ that feels almost physical, like holding your breath for too long and finally letting it go. Breathing out a sound of expectation pressing in from all sides, and the stubborn refusal to disappear under it.

At just eighteen, Czech dark-pop rising star THERA is already moving with the kind of artistic clarity many artists spend years searching for. There’s a burning tension running through her new single,‘do you see?’ that feels almost physical.

SHAB And Preston Harris Team Up For ‘It’s On You’: A Dancefloor Confession SHAB returns with a duet that glows like a slow‑burning spark, teaming up with rising EDM force Preston Harris for a track that balances intimacy with widescreen, cinematic sweep. 'It’s On You' feels engineered for late‑night dance floors - and the quiet, breath‑held moments that follow.

SHAB returns with a duet that glows like a slow‑burning spark, teaming up with rising EDM force Preston Harris for a track that balances intimacy with widescreen, cinematic sweep. 'It’s On You' feels engineered for late‑night dance floors - and the quiet, breath‑held moments that follow.

Reigns Pays Homage to Unconditional Love With New Single ‘Closer Than Your Shadow’ Featuring Waives Reigns is ready to make her mark on the drum and bass landscape with ‘Closer Than Your Shadow’ - a fluid blend of electronica and soul-infused vocals. It’s a fusion she has been meticulously refining ...

Reigns is ready to make her mark on the drum and bass landscape with ‘Closer Than Your Shadow’ - a fluid blend of electronica and soul-infused vocals. It’s a fusion she has been meticulously refining with each release, now elevated to new heights.

essentiallypop.com/epop/2026/02...

Rachael Sage Unveils ‘Take In The Good’ T‑Shirt Campaign In Collaboration With UK Mental Health Charity Rainbow Mind: A Celebration Of Queer Joy Rachael Sage is bringing her trademark fusion of colour and compassion to a new creative venture: a limited‑edition ‘Take In The Good’ T‑shirt, designed in partnership with LGBTQIA+ mental health charity Rainbow Mind. The collaboration marks her debut as the charity’s first official ambassador, and it arrives at a moment when visibility, joy, and community feel especially vital.

Rachael Sage is bringing her trademark fusion of colour and compassion to a new creative venture: a limited‑edition ‘Take In The Good’ T‑shirt, designed in partnership with LGBTQIA+ mental health charity Rainbow Mind.

AC Scott on finding her voice, crossing oceans, and starting again when it mattered most 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 a…

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.

essentiallypop.com/epop/2026/02...

Top 5 Emerging Technologies Powering Any Modern Online Slot in 2026 The graphics no longer characterize the online slot industry in 2026. The current platforms are based on intelligent architecture, real-time analytics, and secure infrastructure to achieve a seamless performance in the background. The difference between a competitive platform and an outdated platform is not visual design, but architecture, automation, and adaptive technology.

The graphics no longer characterize the online slot industry in 2026. The current platforms are based on intelligent architecture, real-time analytics, and secure infrastructure to achieve a seamless performance in the background.

Interview: Carly Ann Taylor Reflects On 'Why Should I Worry?' And Her Breakthrough Year 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...

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.

essentiallypop.com/epop/2026/02...

Born This Way: The Infamous HER Talks About Her Celebration Of Difference, ‘Born Outta Step’ The Infamous HER speaks to Essentially Pop about their new single, 'Born Outta Step', and what it's like to be an outsider.

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

The Infamous HER’s ‘Born Outta Step’ Is An Instant Classic Anthem To Those Of Us Who Don’t Toe The Expected Line Monique Staffile, the frontwoman of The Infamous HER, knows what it's like to not want to squeeze yourself into any one mould or thinking, and new anthemic single, 'Born Outta Step' will resonate with those who feel this way.

Monique Staffile, the frontwoman of The Infamous HER, knows what it's like to not want to squeeze yourself into any one mould or thinking, and new anthemic single, 'Born Outta Step' will resonate with those who feel this way.

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

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.