Northwest London alt-pop artist Essence Martins continues to carve out her place as one of the UK’s most emotionally honest emerging voices with her latest single, Can We All Slow Down.
Following on from Please, Don’t Wake Me, the new release is a slow burning, hypnotic reflection on modern life, identity and the exhausting pressure of existing in a permanently online world. Built around stripped back production and Martins’ quietly commanding vocals, the track captures the feeling of emotional overload with striking clarity.
Speaking on the song, Martins explains that the track was born from the pressure of “constantly being perceived” in the digital age. Written during an emotionally draining studio session with producer Jay Flew, the song became an outlet for thoughts around performance, perfection and the emotional masks people wear online.
At its core, Can We All Slow Down feels deeply personal, but universally relatable. Martins reflects on missing the simplicity of childhood, longing for slower moments and a deeper connection to the world beyond screens, a feeling many listeners will instantly recognise.
Martins’ journey into music has been anything but typical. Before fully pursuing songwriting, she earned a tennis scholarship in the US before eventually returning home to focus on music full time. Since releasing her debut EP in 2023, she has steadily built momentum, earning praise from artists including Rachel Chinouriri, Mahalia, Demi Lovato, Jill Scott and SZA.
Her live profile has grown just as quickly, with support slots for artists including Cat Burns, Maisie Peters and Paris Paloma, alongside performances as part of Birdy’s live band.
With Can We All Slow Down, Essence Martins delivers more than just another alt-pop release, she offers a timely pause for reflection in a culture that rarely stops moving.