Drawing inspiration from the raw vulnerability of artists like Amy Winehouse, Taya brings a diaristic honesty to her music, blending elements of jazz, soul, and modern R&B with a poetic sensibility. Over lush instrumentation and woozy textures, “Fitted” explores the emotional highs we chase and the crash that follows — both in love and in life.

Below, Mori opens up about the meaning behind the song, her creative process, and what listeners can expect from this deeply personal new era.

Can you tell us the story behind your new single? What inspired it, and what do you hope listeners take away from it?

Haha oh gosh. It’s a really poetic way of doing really anything and everything to feel just a little bit of “happiness,” that dopamine hit. In the song, we’re doing a lot of that. Specifically reminiscing on bed sheets… if you know what I mean. It’s actually pretty sad! If you had to take anything away from this, let it be awareness around dopamine addiction — it’s so real, and shows up in ways you may not even realize. And there are better ways to cope! I’m working on it!!

Your music blends jazz, soul, and R&B in a really timeless way. What sounds or artists were you channeling when creating this track?

Thank you! I definitely go for sounds and feelings. I really wanted this song to feel nostalgic and emotional. Also, kinda like you’re fainting. Or spinning. Dizzy.

You’ve said that Amy Winehouse is a strong influences in your sound — how does she inspire you as a songwriter and vocalist?

Amy is just so real and raw. The vulnerability in her lyricism has always spoken to me. And then there’s her tone and just vibe — she reminds me to just embrace my voice at my core, and feed into that laid-back, raspy, nonchalant energy. I love her so much. RIP Queen.

Was there a particular moment or emotion that sparked this song?

Desperation. Longing. Yearning. Nostalgia. Love. Urgency. Pain, but also happiness.

You sing the word “dopamine” at one point in the song. Where do you go for your quickest dopamine fix?

I love to spend money when I’m sad. It’s bad. I have resorted to thrift stores… because I love dressing up and wearing a cute outfit. But also, and I hate to admit this — I am a sucker for a dollar store dopamine hit. I’m buying all craft stuff, anything cute, and definitely those socks that are gonna make me feel cozy, silly, and happy. I do better now. I budget for this. Haha!

What does your songwriting process usually look like — does melody come first, or do you start with lyrics?

It’s truly all over the place. I always write down phrases. Sometimes I start on my guitar and bring a song to the studio. My producer and I also just build from scratch and jam melodies, and then stuff I’ve written, I punch in. Or I take our session home and sit with it on Ableton for a bit and I write a song.

This track feels very personal — how do you navigate vulnerability in your music?

My music is my diary. It’ll always be my greatest form of expression. It’s the best way I know how to communicate and feel understood simultaneously. And I hold that close to my heart when I’m thinking of what emotions I am sharing with you all.

What was the studio process like for this release? Did you work with any producers or collaborators you’d like to shout out?

This song is like a year and a bit old! Shout out to my producer Euro Visa Visa. And Brad — he plays that sexy saxophone you hear on this track. And my visual team for being so supportive about my direction: Sam Pilson and Nairduh.

How do you balance vintage soul and jazz elements with modern R&B in a way that still feels true to you?

I need instruments. All and any. I wanna jam, and feel things. I also reference songs and lyrics of old jazz artists I love. Look out for those!

Is this single a standalone release, or part of a bigger body of work we can expect soon?

Oh, we’re rolling out my next EP. And I can’t wait for y’all to hear this one.

What’s next for you after this drop — any live shows, videos, or upcoming releases in the works?

It will never stop. But I’ll only ever do what feels best aligned with my journey as an artist. I think you’ll get one more single and then the EP, Product of Loneliness…