AMY PINKUS TALKS HOW'S YOUR NEW WIFE?

Interviewed by Culture Coast Talks editor Daniel John. Interview transcripts might have been edited for length and clarity.

One can perhaps pick up on the vibe of this song by title alone, but what was it that inspired these verses for you?

'How’s Your New Wife?' was inspired by my “first love” announcing they were getting married. I surprised myself with my own emotional reaction to the news. The song became a one-sided conversation from me to this person. Acknowledging how beautiful the relationship was while simultaneously understanding that life moves forward, we’ve moved forward.

Couldn’t one really say music was your first love?

I have a very long history with music! When I was four years old, I asked my mum if I could learn the violin. She put me in piano lessons first but after a year, I still was asking to learn violin. I’ve been playing ever since! I ended up learning a few guitar chords and wrote my first song called 'Famous' when I was seven years old. Music has and always will be something that has always come very naturally to me. I’m grateful to have it as an outlet and so excited to be able to finally share it in this way.

How did sharing your very first single feel to you?

I’ve been wanting to release my own music for over ten years now so definitely a sense of relief. It also feels so vulnerable.

With music seemingly always being the right choice for you, what made right now the best time to start this new music chapter?

Two major things influenced me. Meeting my producer and fiancé was a turning point, he encouraged me and guided me through the recording process. He’s my biggest cheerleader. And I have also reached a place in life where I feel truly grounded, giving me the confidence to share my music and stories.

What do you, personally, get out of writing songs?

I've always been an anxious person, with thoughts and emotions constantly swirling in my mind, yet I've often kept them to myself. Songwriting gives me the space to process and express those feelings in a way I otherwise might not. There’s something powerful about hearing lyrics that resonate, that make you feel seen. And of course nothing compares to the moment when you write a line that perfectly captures exactly how you feel.

This song starts and ends with guitar chords. Is that the instrument that helps your music flow most naturally?

Acoustic guitar has always been my go-to at the beginning of my writing process. Perhaps it is because I grew up on country music but there's nothing more raw and vulnerable than an acoustic guitar and a story being told in melodies.

Where do you do most of your songwriting?

Most of my writing happens when I am driving in the car. A line will pop into my head, and twenty plus voice notes later I have a verse or chorus.

Since things are finally falling into place at the right time, do we have much to look forward to this year ahead?

'How’s Your New Wife?' is the first of ten songs I will be releasing this year. Lately, I have been exploring the influence of different genres and songwriters. When I first started recording, I was more closed off in a way, sticking to what felt natural or instinctive. But over time, I’ve become more intentional about listening to other artists, studying how they do things, and learning from their approach. Music has no wrong answers, and that’s what makes it so exciting.