Essence Martins - Red Velvet (Official Video)

Essence Martins continues to prove why she's one of the UK's most exciting emerging singer songwriters with the release of her deeply personal new single, "Red Velvet." Following recent releases "Please Don't Wake Me" and "Can We All Slow Down," the Northwest London artist delivers an intimate reflection on first heartbreak, capturing the lingering emotions that remain long after a relationship has come to an end. Produced once again by Jonah Summerfield, the track pairs delicate, understated production with Essence's soulful, dreamlike vocals, allowing the raw honesty of her songwriting to take centre stage.

Inspired by her own first experience of heartbreak, "Red Velvet" explores the bittersweet reality of becoming strangers with someone who once meant everything. Small everyday reminders, from favourite foods to familiar places, become symbols of a love that's faded, while the song reflects on memory, regret and the tendency to romanticise the past. Since returning to the UK from a tennis scholarship in the US to pursue music full time, Essence has steadily built a reputation for emotionally rich songwriting, earning praise from artists including Rachel Chinouriri, Mahalia, SZA, Troye Sivan and Demi Lovato. Fresh from supporting the likes of Maisie Peters, Ego Ella May and Alex Isley, "Red Velvet" is another beautifully understated release that further cements Essence Martins as one of the country's most compelling new voices.