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.