Feeling Grief and Hope: Jane Marie and Jessica Mia’s "It’s Been A Year"

Songwriter and composer Jane Marie has been creating music professionally for over 25 years. After studying at the London College of Music, she built a successful career with credits for the BBC and Channel 4, the stage musical A Tale of Two Cities, and the film score for the award-winning Othello, produced by GoBig Productions.

In 2019, Jane began working with vocalist Jessica Mia, resulting in the album Songs of 2020, a heartfelt collection of twelve songs about life, love, and loss, released in March 2024. Their collaboration has continued with three major ballads released from September 25 and a Jazz EP planned for late Spring 2026. Among these, It’s Been A Year remains a standout track, resonating deeply with listeners.

Jane’s influences range from Adele and Elgar to legendary songwriters Paul McCartney and Elton John, creating music that is both cinematic and emotional. Her arrangements of piano, strings, and guitar provide a rich foundation for Jessica Mia’s expressive vocals. Jane also draws inspiration from composers such as Holst and Mahler, as well as modern artists like Emeli Sandé, Dido, and JP Saxe, blending classical orchestration with contemporary balladry.

Critics have praised the duo’s work. CLOUT described their music as “distinctive orchestral pop soundscapes with engrossing and passionate vocal delivery that feel spellbinding, enchanting, and often heartbreaking. They leave an indelible mark as the album progresses.” EARMILK said, “Jane and Jess made a unique album to make you feel and think about life.”

It’s Been A Year is Jane’s most vulnerable song, reflecting on grief following the sudden loss of her mother. Jane explains that the track stirred emotions from childhood, adolescence, and her life as a mother. The song captures the confusion and complexity of bereavement. A quiet acoustic piano sets the intimate tone for Jessica Mia’s storytelling. Subtle percussion and strings bring a gentle sense of hope and warmer melancholy. The final line returns to the stripped-back piano, leaving the listener with the raw immediacy of these emotions.

Even years after its release, It’s Been A Year continues to stand out as a moving example of Jane Marie and Jessica Mia’s ability to transform personal experience into music that is cinematic, heartfelt, and unforgettable.