Jane Marie is a Guildford, England-based songwriter and composer rich in versatility defined by emotional depth and musical sophistication. With over 25 years of experience in professional writing, she has written for BBC and Channel 4, as well as stage production such as A Tale of Two Cities the Musical and GoBig Productions’ award-winning film Othello. As an alumnus of the London College of Music, her music reflects the realms of classical compositions, cinematic soundscapes and modern songwriting. Her album ‘Songs of 2020’ featuring vocalist Jessica Mia, built her reputation of crafting music that feels personal as well as cinematic, while Blending heartfelt lyricism with orchestral grandeur. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Adele, Paul McCartney and Elton John (as well as classical composers such as Elgar and Mahler), Jane’s compositions creates an atmosphere that co-exists between tenderness and melancholy. With Jazz EP on its way, and more released scheduled for 2026, Jane is actively on the move, but still created time to create this heartfelt sound that tugs on something deep inside anyone who listens;
Released on October 23rd, 2035, “It’s Been A Year” has to be Jane Marie’s most personal and poignant song till date. Written just three months after the death of her mother, the song perfectly captures the painful nature of grief at its rawest level. This song expresses the feeling of being unable to do anything, unable to think, unable to feel, and just being still while everything else keeps happening without you being able to stop it. A sensation that’ll be painfully understood by anybody who has experienced the painful turmoil of losing someone or even something. The song introduces itself with a gentle piano note that draws you immediately into the intimate world the music is about to create. Soft pads and tender strings exudes warmth and presence, and this simple setup perfectly captures the loneliness that comes with grief. Each note is injected with an emotional touch that somehow feels both deeply personal and relatable. The song has a relaxed and gentle spirit right from its first note, and features a sense of closeness that sits and accompany you through your saddest thoughts.
Musically, “It’s Been A Year” is quite subtle but also very emotive. The piano serves as the backbone, with delicate notes weaving through an array of sounds and well layered strings. Each note on this song has a life on its own, reflecting the artist’s thoughts and memories. The music never felt too-packed or forced, instead it flows naturally with ease and reflects the core of the song, and that is ‘grief’. The subtle tempo of the song is handled with care, letting each instrument breathe with emotional transparency. The song doesn’t feature any unnecessary climax or crescendo, but each subtle rise maintain an intimate feel, resembling the calm waves of the ocean. It’s this balance of stillness that gives the song its heartfelt beauty, allowing listeners to remain engaged in its emotional landscape without becoming disoriented.
Vocalist Jessica Mia contributes her voice, a voice that is both delicated and grounded. Her voice stands as the heart of this musical piece, and is supported by understated harmonies that never pull the focus from her delivery. There’s an honesty in her voice that sounds completely vulnerable, with each word expressed with a quiet intensity that transcends mere performance. Her vocal delivery sounds meditative, flowing naturally the way lyrics flow when they feel very personal. The way her voices gently rises expresses the emotional core that comes with grief and loss, and her more subdued moments evoke an atmosphere of tranquility. It’s this perfect balance of restraint and release that injects the song with a profound heartfelt feel, as though Jane is personally inviting everyone who listens to experience the grief that comes with loss.
Lyrically, “It’s Been A Year” stands out for its well-delivered lyrical poetry and emotive sincerity. The repetition of the title line ‘It’s been a year without you’ signifies the passage of time, while also serving as a powerful symbol of healing and remembrance. Instead of using elaborate metaphors, Jane uses words that’s easily understood, her words are plain and she lays everything all out for anyone who listens to easily understand what the song is about. This approach lends a meaningful and universal quality to the song. The message in this song goes beyond Jane’s personal experience, she has a created a song that we can all relate to, with lyrics that acts as emotional markers. “It’s Been A Year” is filled with more than yearning, it also acts as a tool of awakening that connects our memories and emotions. The elegance of this feature lies in its nuance, showcasing that a song can also awaken something within all who listen to.
Production-wise, “It’s Been A Year” showcases both harmony and intricacy. With Jane Marie Livermore collaborating with Adam Hope, the production on this song is an immersive soundscape where each layer of this song amplify the emotional essence of the song. Each layer of the song adds and elevates the richness of the track, with production ensuring that each component simultaneously stands out. The production speaks volume on this song, the tune sounds smooth and tranquil. Every production decision feels timeless, showcasing the mastery and creativity between Jane Marie Livermore and Adam Hope. The exceptional characteristics of the production evoke a cinematic quality, making the song feel like it belongs in the concluding scene of an intimate film. With the masterful touch on production, the track maintains its genuine spirit, reminding listeners that behind each technical choice lies a heartfelt emotion.
As “It’s Been A Year” comes to a conclusion, the song slowly dissolves into quietness, leaving just subtle remnants of piano and breath. This tranquillity signifies an emotional liberation, a moment of acknowledging what cannot be altered. The fade-out doesn’t signify closure in the conventional way; rather, it embodies acceptance, a subtle recognition that grief doesn’t conclude; it merely transforms. This nuanced conclusion encapsulates a key element of the song’s message: that recovery is not a linear journey, and recalling is not a flaw but a manifestation of love. The restraint displayed throughout the song reflects its emotional mood, encouraging listeners to immerse themselves in the silence and experience the gravity that comes with grief and acceptance.
It’s Been A Year is a Heartfelt Journey Through Grief And Remembrance, Transforming Pain Into Beauty, Blending Cinematic Soundscapes And Tender Vocals To Reveal Strength, Longing, And Emotional Healing
In summary, “It’s Been A Year” is more than just a song of loss and grief, it also highlights the emotional resilience from confronting pain rather than ignoring it. Jane Marie has transformed her individual sorrow into something that is sure to resonate with others, providing a platform for listeners to reflect and confront their own emotions. Every component of the song, from the intimate vocal performance to the perfectly curated instrumentation, combines in a manner that feels mind-blowing. It is a work that doesn’t require attention but softly attracts it. “It’s Been A Year“ illustrates how music can mend and open memories, and aid us during our bleakest moments when words fail.
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