Singapore jazz trio The Sugar Bees – Siti Nur Iman, Sneha Menon, and Marielle Solano – have released their latest single, “Man on the Moon,” a playful jazz-inspired lament about a mischievous moon man who meddles in love affairs but never lends a hand.
A Witty Take On Heartache
“Man on the Moon” takes a fresh approach to the heartbreak song. Instead of wallowing in sadness, the track bounces with bright swing rhythms, playful piano flourishes, and a groovy clarinet line. The trio’s signature three-part harmonies tie it all together, blending vintage jazz flair with modern wit.
“One of my favourite lines is ‘All I need is a spoonful of you’ – it adds a dreamy, romantic touch to a song that’s otherwise us complaining about this man on the moon,” laughs Iman, who led much of the songwriting. The single captures the 1930s jazz trio aesthetic that The Sugar Bees have been perfecting, wrapped in a theme that’s relatable, humorous, and fun.
Friendship in Harmony
While the track is polished, its magic comes from the Bees’ bond. The group began in 2018 when the three friends realised their voices clicked as naturally as their friendship. That closeness is what gives their harmonies warmth and chemistry – and it’s what makes a song about longing feel playful instead of heavy.
“It captures the style of music that’s been a big focus for us for nearly seven years – a feel that’s reminiscent of 1930s jazz trios and a theme that’s relatable, humorous, and fun,” says Sneha.
Reviving Jazz, One Moonsong at a Time
In a local music landscape dominated by indie pop and acoustic ballads, The Sugar Bees stand out by reviving the spirit of 1930s jazz trios – but with a contemporary, tongue-in-cheek flavour. Drawing from influences like The Boswell Sisters, The Beatles, and Sondheim, they’ve managed to carve out a buzzing voice that feels both nostalgic and unmistakably their own.
Their latest single, “Man on the Moon”, follows their 2024 debut “Moonlight Saving Time”, and marks their first fully original release. After years of performing at The Esplanade, Sofar Sounds, and the Singapore Night Festival, the trio is now focused on putting out more originals – proving they’re not just here to sing about love and longing, but to make harmony cool again.
Stream “Man on the Moon” now on Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp.
