Essence Martins

About

Essence Martins is stepping into the spotlight with her ethereal voice and deeply personal songwriting. Raised in North-West London in a music-loving household, her childhood soundtrack included Destiny’s Child, Anthony Hamilton, and The Carpenters. After a 12-year pursuit of a tennis career that led her to a U.S. scholarship, Essence reconnected with music, drawn back by the emotional honesty of pop-punk icons Paramore. Their sense of rebellion helped her uncover her own identity as a songwriter. Her debut EP, Deer in the Headlights, tells the story of a 20-something navigating life’s shifts, offering raw emotion and relatable moments in every track. Her debut single, Pending Status, introduced listeners to an artist whose vulnerability is her greatest strength. In April 2025, Essence released her sophomore EP, Sleeping On It, a six-track exploration of self-reflection and growth. This summer, she brings her unique energy and honesty to London’s Cross The Tracks Festival.