It’s been a while since we’ve caught up with British singer-songwriter Jay Moussa-Mann, so after listening to latest release Indiana Tonight, I thought it was time to have another chat. Jay has become a bit of a mainstay on these pages, and for good reason – if you’ve not checked her out yet, Indiana Tonight can be found at the end of this interview.
By Jane Howkins
It’s been over a year since we last spoke to you. How are you doing, and do you have anything exciting coming up on the horizon?
I’ve been good thank you! It’s been a really exciting summer. I was invited to perform at Tall Ships Races, Hartlepool which was a wonderful experience, and I got to meet some new fans. In July I played in store at HMV Darlington and my album is available to buy there now. At the moment, I am writing and recording brand new songs which I can’t wait to share.
We recently reviewed your song Indiana Tonight. What can you tell us about the track?
Indiana Tonight is a cool, upbeat, pop rock style song. It’s about my love of the Indiana Jones films, but the original idea for the lyrics was inspired by the second wave feminism movement in the 1960s and 70s. I am fascinated by the concept of being romantically attracted to a man, while at the same time not being allowed an equal footing with them in work, in life. And I believe that that is not a problem left in the past. I think we’re still experiencing that today.
You also released a cool video for Indiana Tonight. How was the video made and what was the process like?
I started planning the music video in March and we shot it the last week of June, just before the single came out, so it was a long, detailed process. I’m a filmmaker, so I worked with my husband Kevin on all the shots beforehand and we practised the camera movement before we cast. Kevin was our gimbal operator for the shoot as it was nearly all moving shots. I drew on a lot of my classic favourite films like Indiana Jones and some more modern pieces to create a moving storyboard which we followed almost to the letter. One of the coolest things for me about that video was it stars Bob Fischer, who used to be the presenter on BBC Tees Introducing, and was the first person to ever play my song on the radio. He was wonderful to work with. We had a really tiny crew and cast and so everyone pitched in and it was a wonderful experience. You can thank Bob for the stunning reservoir backdrop – when our location plans had to change last minute, he jumped in with a brilliant idea which saved the day.
How has the reception to the song been so far, and where can the track be purchased?
The reception so far has been fantastic, it got played on BBC Tees Introducing. The music video was really well received and people love the song. It’s very upbeat and fun. You can stream it on all platforms and buy it on Amazon Music.
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
Oh definitely! I have some brand new tracks that I’m working on now.
Are there any plans to release an album or EP anytime soon?
I am currently working on my next album, but we don’t have a release date yet. I think I may have already given you a clue as to what this album might be about.
What is the writing and recording process like for you at the moment? Has it changed much over the years?
I take my time now. I write tons and tons of songs but only a very few make it through. I struggle to put songs out that don’t have at least a little kernel of truth to them. They have to be conveying what I feel needs to be said at that moment in my life. I’m also having a lot more fun with the music production as I write the songs, trying out new sounds and plugins and pushing my own boundaries.
Do you have anything else exciting coming up this year?
I’ll be rounding off this year so far supporting Steve McCormick and Marie Marx at Toft House, Middlesbrough Little Theatre Club on Sat 4th Nov at 7:25pm – www.fatsoma.com/…a-mann Really looking forward to it!
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
I would absolutely love to do a tour. But if I do a tour I want it to be just right. I have a vision for what that would look like and I want to do it when I can make the picture in my head a reality. Not before.
Any last words for the fans?
Thank you for all the amazing support. And I can’t wait for you to hear what’s coming next!