Following the success of her last release, ‘Ghosts,’ which garnered over 100,000 plays on Instagram Reels, saw its music video premiere on Earmilk, and enjoyed airplay on BBC Introducing, singer-songwriter Jay Moussa-Mann unveils her latest single, ‘Tangled.’ This new release continues to showcase Jay’s ability to weave personal and evocative narratives into her music, drawing deeply from her rich, multicultural background.
Jay Moussa-Mann, known for her poignant and introspective pop songs, explores themes of life, displacement, and belonging. Her international heritage as a half Turkish-Cypriot, half British artist provides a unique lens through which she crafts her music. ‘Tangled’ is no exception. This guitar-driven love song encapsulates the intense passion of a romantic relationship, tinged with the lingering question, “Is this too good to be true?”
The single is heavily inspired by Jay’s childhood experiences in Turkey. “I wanted to create a song that really captured Turkish summers for me,” she shares. Her vivid memories of “burning sands, the cicadas, the people” are intricately woven into the fabric of the song, creating an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and intimate. Jay spent her early years in Turkey, where summers felt less like holidays and more like an intrinsic part of her identity.
The inspiration for ‘Tangled’ dates back to Jay’s honeymoon in 2013, spent in the serene and untouched seaside town of Akyaka, Turkey. It was here that she began to envision the soundscape for the song she had written years earlier. Jay’s determination to find the perfect guitar vibe to complement her lyrical narrative led her to experiment extensively with Guitar Rig 6 and her Squier Stratocaster. Despite her initial lack of confidence with the electric guitar, Jay persevered until she developed a series of simple riffs that perfectly encapsulated the Mediterranean essence she envisioned. “It sounded like what I was hearing in my head. It sounded like the Mediterranean,” she recalls.
Jay’s musical journey has been marked by notable milestones. Her 2018 single, ‘Tides of Life,’ caught the attention of BBC Introducing Tees, thanks to presenter Bob Fischer. This recognition led to live radio performances and a festival spot at Twisterella the same year. Jay’s live performances, characterized by her rich, performative presence, have seen her share the stage with artists like Serious Sam, Jodie Nicholson, Amelia Coburn, and Ren Lawton. She has graced various stages, including ARC Stockton, Tall Ships Races in Hartlepool, Hark! in Darlington, Darlington Market Square, HMV Darlington, and Toft House.
In 2022, Jay’s talent was further recognized when she was accepted into the Co-Pilot mentoring scheme, receiving guidance from award-winning jazz artist Martha D Lewis. Additionally, she was honored with the Do It Differently Award by Help Musicians, which provided funding for her debut pop album, ‘Jay Moussa-Mann,’ co-produced with Patrick Jordan (Young Rebel Set, Motions).
‘Tangled’ represents a continuation of Jay Moussa-Mann’s evolution as an artist, seamlessly blending her personal history with her musical ambitions. With its evocative guitar riffs and introspective lyrics, the single captures the essence of a passionate romance set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean, inviting listeners into Jay’s world of vivid memories and heartfelt storytelling. As she continues to rise in the indie music scene, Jay Moussa-Mann remains a compelling artist to watch, with ‘Tangled’ serving as a testament to her growing artistry and the emotional depth of her music.
English