Amy Pinkus on Seven Singles, Life, and Brockton Haunt

We chatted with Toronto-based singer/songwriter Amy Pinkus about her journey so far and the release of her vibey but heartfelt single, “Pity Party.” Amy exploded onto Toronto’s indie-pop scene last year with the release of seven heartfelt bangers. She's also started a (consistently sold-out) monthly showcase featuring queer artists in Toronto that has taken the West end by storm.

Amy! Tell us about your last release of 2025, "Pity Party". What inspired the track thematically?

2025 was in the top two hardest years of my life. Absolutely nothing went to plan. I went through a life-changing breakup. I had way too many family members and friends pass away. All of the loss and grief severely affected my mental health. Despite everything, I’m chronically a half-glass-full kind of girl. “Pity Party” was written ironically. I was so fed up with everything, I decided to “throw myself a pity party” and roll my eyes at it all.

You exploded on to the Toronto scene last year with seven hot singles (sounds like a new reality tv show) Was this in the works for awhile? What’s the tea behind your grand 2025 recorded music debut? 

It really does!! I wrote my first song when I was seven years old and have written hundreds since, so in lots of ways this release has been years in the making. Meeting my producer Nick Babcock was a turning point - his confidence in me gave me the final push I needed to start releasing my music. After a few years of collaborating, I felt ready to release in 2025. I was lucky enough to work with two dope producers. Adam Bertucci produced "Pity Party" and really brought the dance energy the song needed.

What have you learned looking back on a year of a ton of fantastic releases? How does it look and feel in retrospect? 

I think it’s natural to be critical. With every release, I learned something new, so it’s easy to look back and say, “I wish I did __ differently!” But I’ve been learning to have more grace for myself in my personal life, and that seems to be trickling into my music process as well. Looking back, I feel accomplished. I’m happy to be going into 2026 with a foundation.

Is there a common thread that connects this year’s releases, a story you wanted to tell through them, or were they just delicious voice memos the world needed to hear?

Omg, I love the use of the word “delicious.” I think that the songs I released in 2025 go through the ups and downs of falling in love, being in love, breaking up and reflecting. They give a pretty detailed recap of my experience. This year I’m focusing more on the post-break up, finding yourself vibe. I’m quite literally so excited for you to hear them!

I understand that music has been a part of your life since your youth. How has her role and the space she takes up in your life changed? How has she stayed the same? 

Truthfully, I know it sounds cheesy, but music has been the only consistent thing in my life, and has always grounded me. I started playing piano when I was four, violin when I was five, and wrote my first song when I was seven. It’s always been a way for me to process my emotions and continues to be. I think the only thing that’s really changed recently is that I’ve been challenging myself to be even more vulnerable with my lyrics. It’s much easier to write a love song or a breakup song than, say, a song about having a strained relationship with a parent or about being queer while growing up super religious.

I’ve been challenging myself to be even more vulnerable with my lyrics. It’s much easier to write a love song or a breakup song than, say, a song about having a strained relationship with a parent or about being queer while growing up super religious.

In what ways does queerness impact your music or the stories you tell through it? 

I grew up in an insanely religious environment where being queer wasn’t an option. Only recently have I really started to accept that I am in fact - very gay. I’m incredibly excited that several of my 2026 releases will be unmistakably queer songs. I’ve always admired people who live unapologetically as themselves and am committed to doing the same.

Amy hosting her monthly showcase at Brockton Haunt

What keeps you going through the ups and downs of independent artistry? What is your biggest struggle as an independent artist? 

My biggest struggle as an independent is the constant hum of imposter syndrome. I find it so easy to get in my own head. Who do I think I am? Why would people want to listen to my music? It’s hard not having an entire team of people around you constantly affirming and helping you in your artist journey. But! The main thing that keeps me going is knowing maybe just maybe, someone somewhere will hear one of my songs and it’ll help them feel a little less lonely in their experience.

What's the best advice you have for other self-releasing artists? 

Consistency is key. That might seem like a boring answer but it really is so important. Things take time to build. It’s such a big industry and there are so many people fighting for the same goals and outcome. But - don’t let that be discouraging! Have fun with the process. Make silly videos. Become friends with other musicians in your area. Dance at shows. Be kind.

What's next for Amy Pinkus?

I’m almost ready to drop my first single of 2026. The first song will be out in April and then we’re not slowing down. In 2025, I partnered with Brockton Haunt to start a monthly showcase featuring queer artists in Toronto. I’m so happy with how it’s been going and look forward to every show. Fingers crossed you’ll get to see me on stage a little more. Overall, still building my foundation as a Toronto artist. The songs are always the most important part to me and the songs coming out this year feel more like me than anything I’ve written before. I’m stoked.

Check out Amy Pinkus wherever you listen to music!