Jay Moussa-Mann is an idiosyncratic songwriter whose songs draw on myriad sources. A writer and filmmaker, she released her debut album, Little Deaths in 2019. She has been played repeatedly on BBC Introducing, Tom Robinson’s Show on BBC Radio 6, The Bob Fischer Show on BBC Tees, as well as performing live sessions on BBC Radio Tees. Jay has just released her brilliant single 'What Makes You Think?' and is gearing up towards another album release later this year.

How long have you been writing music for?

I started writing songs when I got my first guitar when I was 10. Before that I used to make up songs quietly to myself. When I was younger the words and music always arrived together, with time I’ve started to treat the lyrics more like poetry separately and then work them into music.

How would you describe your sound?

Err HAIM meets Billie Eillish? I write guitar based indie pop often elevated by delicate strings. I love stories that are relatable all about loss and love so that’s what I tend to write about. I do have a much darker side to my songs and music too, potentially that can get missed at first.

Do you have to be in a certain mood to write?

I used to think I had to be in a certain frame of mind or emotional place to write. Now I can write anytime, anywhere. Sometimes it takes a whole day but with hard work there’s a song by the end of it. There’s a lot of feelings in songs but good songs are just lots and lots of hard work!

What’s your favourite album of all time?

I always go back to Christina Aguilera’s Stripped album as one that I love and left a huge impression on me BUT I also feel that music and the love of music is so changeable...I feel like different albums speak to me in different ways throughout my life, each with equal weight.

What’s a typical day in the studio like for you

I have my own DIY home studio set up so I start about 9.30 am. I either spend time on a track I’m working on in Logic and just keep picking away at it until lunchtime. Then I’ll stop and write some lyrics on a new project I’m working on or just play acoustic for a bit. Sometimes I need to write a part for the song I’m producing and afternoon is a nice time to do that. I’m doing some online music production courses so I’ll sometimes work on those. I tend to take the afternoons lighter and then work late into the night on the music recordings. I’ll usually do vocals on an evening as my husband and I share an office now or he’ll be kind enough to move into another room for his calls for a bit while I do some vocal tracks.

Where do you live? What’s the music scene like?

I live in Middlesbrough, the North East of the UK. The music scene here is great, it’s very rich and busy and bursting with talent. There’s a lot of music to hear from new artists. It’s exciting!

Which 3 items would you take on a desert island?

My phone
My guitar
I don’t have a puppy but I’ve always wanted one - can I take a puppy with me? For company?

What’s the toughest part of the industry for you?

I’ve always struggled with networking. I like hiding away, I don’t like asking for help so the idea of making ‘contacts’ instead of friends and trying to be liked to get your music noticed grates on me a bit. I guess the toughest part is a lot of getting your music heard is about you pushing it out there and that’s a hard jump for some people.

What’s the most enjoyable part of the industry?

The best part is when you’re playing live and can see and feel the room responding to the song, or the lovely messages and emails I get with people saying they loved a track or that my music made them feel something. I also personally get a kick out of seeing other local artists who I really respect and whose music I love developing their sound and jumping up a level either in terms of their musicianship or audience. It’s lovely to see them succeed when they’re really good at what they do.

Jay’s single ‘What Makes You Think’ is out now. Stream/download it HERE

Make sure to subscribe to Jay’s Youtube channel HERE & follow her on Instagram or visit her WEBSITE