Jasmine Sparkes Interview :“You’ve Got Time to Kiss Me” & Country Love Story

UNPUBLISHED

9 Lounges Team

4/21/2026

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Vanessa Moussa is a Sydney-based vocalist and songwriter whose sound blends indie folk, alternative blues, and country influences. With a background in live performances and collaborations across New South Wales, her music is deeply personal and emotionally driven. Known for her raw vocals and honest storytelling, Vanessa’s work explores themes of vulnerability, transformation, and self-discovery. As a solo artist, she is carving out a unique space with her heartfelt, stripped-back sound and authentic artistic voice.

The Story Behind the song: Your new single “You’ve Got Time to Kiss Me” beautifully captures quiet, everyday moments. What inspired the story behind this song?

The concept for the song came one evening when my husband and I we out in the city. We were waiting for the traffic lights to change so we could cross the street, and I leant over to give my husband a kiss. He kind of pulled away, and I said ‘No, You’ve Got Time to Kiss Me!! ‘ The idea was quickly popped into my phone as I have a running joke of – it sounds like a country song!! And the rest is history as it became a song.

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Beauty in Subtlety: The track focuses on subtle emotions rather than grand romantic gestures. Was that a conscious creative choice?

Yes, it was! We so often get swept away in Hollywood concepts of romance and the everyday isn’t acknowledged or valued! My husband’s love language to me is acts of service and even his simple phone calls everyday checking if we need anything from the grocery store demonstrate his love for me and our family. Practical, normal moments that should be appreciated.

Power of Small Moments: You highlight small details like morning routines and goodbye kisses—how important is storytelling in your songwriting process?

These are the stories that make us as artists stand out! Our story is our own unique fingerprint as artists and especially with the rise of AI generated music, it is one of the only things that can’t be taken away from us!!

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“Personal to Universal: Many listeners find the song deeply relatable. Do you draw from personal experiences when writing your music?

Everything I do is personal. I have had people say to me – it’s not personal, it’s business but! Anything that takes me away from my family or uses up time is personal. Time is the one currency we can all never get back, and it is quite humbling that my personal experiences in my songs resonate with others.

Intimate Vocal Expression: Your vocal delivery feels very intimate and conversational in this track. How did you approach recording it to achieve that tone?

My producer gave me 1 take!! He said I want this to be like you are singing it live at an event!! You have one take! Tell the story and sing it with everything in you.

Blending Classic and Modern: The song embraces a classic country sound while feeling modern at the same time. Who are some of your musical influences?

I have always been very inspired as a singer by the big divas!! Celine Dion, Tina Arena, Shania Twain, Carrie Underwood. My more modern influences include Lainey Wilson and Ella Langley.

Redefining Love Songs: Valentine’s Day songs are often dramatic, but yours feels grounded and real. What does “real love” mean to you personally?

Showing up! However your partner needs you. Real love shouldn’t be a competition; it should be a team. Our marriage provides the frame for our kids to thrive and become their own version of success.

Staying True in a Trend-Driven Industry: You’ve built a reputation for emotionally honest songwriting—how do you stay authentic in an industry that often follows trends?

My music is my frame! I don’t look at others and try to be like them or the next them. The world needs artists to show up authentically, unapologetically, and there is no point in me becoming a manufactured version of myself. Even when I am singing a cover song at a gig, I try and find a way I can personally relate to the story the artist is trying to share.

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