Following the remarkable success of her last release ‘Ghosts,’ which garnered significant attention with over 100,000 plays on Instagram Reels, Jay Moussa-Mann is back with her latest single, ‘Tangled.’ ‘Ghosts’ made waves with its music video premiering on the acclaimed Earmilk music blog and receiving airplay on BBC Introducing, setting a high bar for what fans can expect from this talented artist. With ‘Tangled,’ Jay continues to showcase her knack for creating evocative pop songs that resonate deeply with her audience.
‘Tangled’ is a guitar-driven love song that delves into the intense emotions of a passionate romantic relationship. The song is imbued with an undercurrent of doubt, posing the question: “Is this too good to be true?” This thematic exploration adds depth to the track, making it not just a celebration of love but also a contemplation of its potential pitfalls.
Jay Moussa-Mann’s background as a half Turkish-Cypriot, half British artist heavily influences her music. Drawing from her international upbringing, she writes and produces songs that touch on themes of life, displacement, and belonging. This unique perspective is vividly brought to life in ‘Tangled,’ inspired by her childhood experiences in Turkey.
“I wanted to create a song that really captured Turkish summers for me,” Jay explains. “I spent my childhood there, so it never felt like I was ‘going on holiday’ when summer arrived. It was part of my life, the burning sands, the cicadas, the people. It was who I was.”
The inspiration for ‘Tangled’ came from a stay during her honeymoon in 2013 in Akyaka, a serene seaside town in Turkey. This visit sparked the creation of a song that had been gestating in her mind for several years. Jay was determined to find the right guitar vibe to set the scene for the song, reflecting the Mediterranean’s unique atmosphere.
“I’ve never been super confident on guitar, especially electric, but I saw this as a challenge,” she says. “I kept playing around with Guitar Rig 6 and my Squier Stratocaster until I had these very simple riffs layered up. Suddenly, it sounded like what I was hearing in my head. It sounded like the Mediterranean.”
Jay Moussa-Mann’s journey in the music industry has been marked by significant milestones. In 2018, her single ‘Tides of Life’ was picked up by BBC Introducing Tees, gaining the attention of then-presenter Bob Fischer. His support throughout 2018 and 2019 led to live radio performances and a festival spot at Twisterella. Her live performances, rich with her dynamic stage presence, have seen her support acts like Serious Sam, Jodie Nicholson, Amelia Coburn, and Ren Lawton. She has also performed at notable venues and events, including ARC Stockton, Tall Ships Races, and Hark! Darlington.
In 2022, Jay was accepted into the Co-Pilot mentoring scheme, where she was mentored by award-winning jazz artist Martha D Lewis. This mentorship was a pivotal moment in her career, providing valuable guidance and support. Additionally, Jay received the Do It Differently Award from Help Musicians, which granted her the funding to create her first pop album, ‘Jay Moussa-Mann,’ co-produced with Patrick Jordan (known for his work with Young Rebel Set and Motions).
‘Tangled’ is a testament to Jay Moussa-Mann’s ability to blend personal experience with musical innovation. The single not only captures the essence of Mediterranean summers but also encapsulates the universal experience of love and its complexities. With her distinctive sound and heartfelt lyrics, Jay continues to carve out a unique space in the music world, inviting listeners to join her on a journey through the landscapes of her life and imagination.
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