Introducing… Essence Martins

The inspiration for Essence Martins’ latest single ‘A Confession (I’m Broke)’ came from a morning from hell. The London-based musician creates pop-rock anthems that wriggle under your skin. A little bit playful. Some hard truths sliding in under the radar. You could hear the music on the radio, especially on BBC6, and think you’ve found your next big thing. Essence Martins’ experience of trying to be a thing, big or otherwise, is at the heart of the catchy single.

Essence explains:

“I wrote A Confession (I’m broke) after my card declined while trying to buy lunch one day, and later again travelling to a writing session. I walked into my session with Jay Flew and said: “you don’t know the morning I’ve had…” and I knew we would write about.

The funny thing was that earlier that morning, I’d been gifted clothes for an upcoming shoot. I appeared to have my life together, while simultaneously not having enough money for lunch or the journey home. That contradiction inspired the song. The reality is that artists tend to look like they have everything together on the outside (new clothes, a new phone, nice socials) while behind the scenes, we’re checking our bank balances and figuring out how to make ends meet.

London has so many opportunities but it’s also one of the most expensive cities to live in and the London Underground is the most expensive Metro system in the world. I wanted to turn that very real experience into something funny and relatable. Because honestly, we’re all trying to make it work right now, and if we don’t laugh about it, we’ll cry.“

The juxtaposition of internal panic and outward breeziness is conveyed in the plucky, almost pixie-guitar-like fretwork on the guitar. Martins’ soft, hushed voice is calm and confessional and the lyrics tell a tale of uncertainty. It’s a great track and makes me think of what Bossa Nova and folk rock colliding could sound like.

The single ‘A Confession (I’m Broke)’ is out now. It comes from the forthcoming EP ‘It All Comes to End’, which is released on the 29th of October. Essence Martins is also touring the UK with Nectar Woode throughout the month. For more information about the EP, tour dates, and future releases, follow Essence Martins on Komi to pick your platform or newsletter of choice.

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