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Since releasing her debut EP 'The Way' in 2021, Raquel Martins has been making an
impact on the UK music landscape with her blend of Latin-infused alt-soul. Her new
project 'Empty Flower' is a natural evolution of her sound, with added layers of
intricate arrangement and sophisticated production.
Raised under the sun in Portugal before moving to the UK in 2017, her music sits at the
intersection of modern jazz and soul, reminiscent of Nai Palm, Jordan Rakei and Oscar
Jerome. A celebrated guitarist and session musician in her own right, she's also
performed extensively with Rina Sawayama, Amaarae, Big Piig and Poppy Ajudha. Her
debut EP drew substantial support from tastemakers like Gilles Peterson, Jamie
Cullum and Dan Digs (KCRW), with Gilles inviting Raquel to perform at We Out Here
Festival in summer 2022.
The forthcoming EP 'Empty Flower' is a deeply vulnerable record, touching on topics
such as identity and gender roles, and reflecting upon what it is to be a woman in our
society. Although bedroom produced by Raquel, the size and scope of the EP is
expansive, featuring lush string and horn arrangements that compliment Raquel's
authentic Brazilian-flavoured songwriting. Within the project, she's managed to create
a world of her own, combining striking, narrative driven visuals with her signature
blend of sonics.
