Sussex-based bedroom-pop artist MJ Fretwell makes her radiant debut with the new single ‘Tainted’. A delicate yet emotionally charged introduction to her artistry, the track showcases her ethereal soundscaping and raw, heartfelt songwriting.
Written by Fretwell and produced by Luke Ashby (known for his work with Jamie Cooke, ilSelena, and Clem), ‘Tainted’ is a lushly arranged ballad that builds from soft, choral harmonies and intricate fingerpicked guitar into a chorus enriched with melancholic piano and swelling strings. The production masterfully mirrors the song’s sorrowful themes, with a warming bassline and tight percussive beat guiding the track forward through the second verse before reaching a stripped-back, poignant finale.
“Tainted is a love song about being stuck in a toxic cycle, unable to shake feelings for someone that you know doesn’t treat you well. It felt important to me to encapsulate this feeling in a song,” says MJ. “I know more than one person choosing a relationship where they are suffering more than being happy—my past self included.”
Growing up in rural West Sussex, MJ was raised on a rich musical diet spanning pop, rock, and R&B. Influences such as Michael Jackson, David Bowie, and the Bee Gees shaped her early appreciation for melody and storytelling, later expanding to include contemporary icons like Pixie Lott and Ariana Grande. Songwriting has been an integral part of her life since the age of eight, and her confessional style has drawn comparisons to artists like Lola Young, Olivia Rodrigo, and Clairo.
“I have always found it easier to write love songs, which makes sense as some of my favourite songs are written from strong emotions and experiences,” MJ shares. “Songwriting has always felt like journaling to me—I want it to tell a story and hopefully help people feel seen.”
An exciting introduction to an artist with huge potential, ‘Tainted’ is out now.
Listen below:
