A DAY IN THE LIFE: RAQUEL MARTINS

Raquel Martins releases new single 'NINGUÉM'

‘NINGUÉM’ is the striking new single from Portuguese-born, London-based artist Raquel Martins, out now via Bridge the Gap. The track arrives alongside the announcement of her highly anticipated debut album, LONDON, WHEN ARE U GONNA FEEL LIKE HOME?, set for release later this year.

A narrative-driven body of work rooted in identity, displacement, and the search for belonging, the album paints a vivid portrait of Raquel’s inner world. Set in a bar back in Portugal - a place often romanticised as where worries disappear - ‘NINGUÉM’ captures a pivotal moment: a quiet unraveling and the first steps toward self-acceptance. With dreamy, experimental production and introspective lyrics, Raquel explores themes of sexuality, escapism, and the lingering grip of internalised guilt from her conservative upbringing.

F Word caught up with this one-to-watch artist for a day-in-the-life in London - plus exclusive behind-the-scenes peeks at the making of ‘NINGUÉM’. From her love of sugar to FaceTiming her grandma in Porto, it’s a very sweet story indeed.

LISTEN TO NINGUÉM

F Word: What was the biggest change you made to the single during the writing process?

Raquel Martins: When I was writing “NINGUÉM” I added a section in Portuguese, which I had never done before in my music. It felt super cool because I say “eu não digo a ninguém” which means I won’t tell anyone, and in the context of the track it made a lot of sense because it feels even more like a secret because someone who can’t speak Portuguese won’t be able to understand what I’m saying...

Wake up early and go for a run along the canal in london

F Word: What are you hoping people will take from this song?

RM: I hope people will feel like it’s normal to feel a little weird and out of place when you live abroad. It's very freeing and unsettling at the same time - you just have to find your lil pocket within it.

Get into victoria park and see the birds

F Word: What genre could you see yourself experimenting with for a future project?

RM: I would love to experiment with more Portuguese traditional percussion in the future - I've been listening to a lot of old Portuguese artists like Carlos Paredes and Zeca Afonso. 

Go back home and have breakfast (avocado always required)

F Word: If you had to choose one component for a great song, what would it be?

RM: Unpredictability. I love music that surprises you and that feeling when you have no idea where a tune is going. Somewhere between being on edge and being very curious. I like it when music makes you a bit overstimulated.

Make some music in ma bedroom

F Word: If you had to choose a new career completely outside of anything having to do with music, what would it be?

RM: I would have loved to have studied psychology or philosophy. I love reading books on these topics when I have free time.

Finishing shooting the music video for Ninguém whilst my jumper gets ruined, last shot! Talk about DIY....

F Word: What’s bringing you the most joy?

RM: Learning new music on my nylon guitar. I just found a new song called “Tipo Dani” by Michael Pipoquinha with Pedro Martins that I’m loving.

Go back home and FaceTime grandma who is in Porto

F Word: The world would be better without.... sugar.

RM: The world would be worse without... sugar.

Housemate cooked veggie bacalhau à brás, perf way to end the day :)