Pigeon Spins Featuring an Interview with Amy Pinkus

Amy Pinkus - Useless Knowledge

Delving into the heartfelt narrative behind "Useless Knowledge," Amy reveals that the song's pre-chorus, penned on May 12, 2022, stemmed from a personal experience of closure after a poignant "situationship" came to an end. Through poignant lyrics that explore themes of reflection and growth, Amy invites listeners to embrace the complexities of relationships, emphasizing the highs and lows with a blend of sassiness, confidence, and heartbreak. As Amy gears up for future releases with Adam, the emotional depth and sonic richness of "Useless Knowledge" serve as a testament to her evolving artistry and unwavering passion for storytelling through music.

Amy Pinkus is a bisexual singer-songwriter of Canadian-Indigenous descent. With a talent for crafting heartfelt lyrics and captivating melodies, Amy brings a unique perspective to her music, weaving personal stories with universal emotions. She began songwriting at just seven years old. After years of honing her craft, Amy finally began releasing her own music, making her debut this past January with How’s Your New Wife?—the first of many songs to come.

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Interview with Amy Pinkus

(º)> What moment or realization inspired the pre-chorus you wrote on May 12, 2022?

I was going through a breakup of sorts. I only had spent a short amount of time with this person but like any new relationship, you spend most of the beginning talking and getting to know each other. I don’t think it’s ever a waste of time - connecting in that way. It inspired the idea of “useless knowledge”. That’s when I sat down and wrote, “I don’t regret any of it…even though it’s now just useless knowledge”.

(º)> How did writing “Useless Knowledge” help you process reflection and closure?

I like to think Useless Knowledge takes you through the emotional journey you go through during and after a break up. The lyrics show frustration, annoyance, sadness, and reminiscentness. It definitely felt good to channel all of them while writing this song.

(º)> How do you balance sassiness, confidence, and heartbreak in your songwriting?

Haha - I keep myself accountable to making sure that I am always writing honestly. I wouldn’t necessarily describe myself as a sassy person but it’s definitely fun channeling that energy in some of my lyrics because everyone has moments of pettiness. But overall, I think it’s easy to find balance when you’re being honest and authentic.

(º)> How does collaborating with Adam shape the emotional and sonic direction of your

music?

Working with Adam has definitely helped solidify this new era of music I’m channeling - significantly more pop. Both of us are passionate about storytelling. Both of us are passionate about music production. I’m very grateful for him and excited to show everyone everything we’ve been working on. “Useless Knowledge” is just the beginning.

(º)> What does “Useless Knowledge” reveal about your growth compared to your debut

“How’s Your New Wife?”

The biggest difference is my confidence. I definitely feel significantly more confident in what I want my sound to be and who I want to be as an artist. “How’s Your New Wife?” was more about getting my first song out - breaking the ice. “Useless Knowledge” feels significantly more “me” - it’s fun, upbeat but still very emotional.

(º)> How has your understanding of storytelling through music evolved since you started

writing at seven?

I grew up on classic country music and it’s always had a huge influence on my songwriting.

Country music is so blunt with their lyrics. It paints a picture which creates a story that’s easy to understand and follow. That bluntness has always been part of my writing. The only thing that’s changed is now I use more complex language and more ‘grown-up’ themes - haha.

(º)> How do your identity and heritage as a bisexual artist of Canadian Indigenous

descent inform your creative perspective?

Growing up, my home life wasn’t exactly ideal. A lot of it can be traced back to generational trauma. I became a really sensitive, emotional person, and I think that’s shaped my creativity — I pour all of those emotions into every song I write. Whether it’s a song about heartbreak or an upbeat dancey song, I’m very intentional with the words and chords I choose.

(º)> What does vulnerability mean to you in songwriting?

Vulnerability is everything to me with my own songwriting. I have always used songwriting as a way to process my emotions. It’s gotten easier to be vulnerable over the years as I’ve grown more confident in myself, but it’s still something I’m actively working on in my songwriting.

(º)> What do you hope listeners take away from embracing the highs and lows of

relationships?

I believe that no matter how good or bad a relationship is, there is always something to learn from it. I never see any relationship as a waste of time. I’d love for them to also be able to reflect on the good, the bad and the ugly and find peace that that person came into your life for a reason and is gone for a reason. Even if it’s heartbreakingly hard to understand right now.

(º)> What emotional or musical territory are you most eager to explore next?

I have always been hesitant to release any of my songs about my queerness. I grew up in a very religious home and community where queerness was not accepted. I have a few releases planned for 2026 that are directly about queer experiences I’ve had. I’m very, very nervous but like I said, I am committed to being honest and vulnerable as an artist.

(•)> That's all Folks! Check out Amy Pinkus on the Pigeon Spins Playlist