Amy Peters
Q: What initially inspired the song "Soft", and what was the first idea or feeling that eventually became the track we have today?
A: At the time I wrote “Soft”, I was signed as a producer/writer for other artists, working behind the scenes. I’d had a session with an artist that morning, and I had another session coming up later that afternoon. On my lunch break, I was sitting at the computer, and I started singing the first line, “you stole my glasses and colored them rose.” I ended up ditching my sandwich, looping a sample and recording the song as a freestyle just for fun.
Q: Was there a particular story, relationship, experience, or period of your life that shaped the writing of "Soft", or did the song develop more organically from an emotion or atmosphere?
A: Writing this song was my way of processing an argument I’d just had with someone I really cared about. Everything I felt, I just dumped into the microphone.
Q: When you began writing "Soft", did you already know what you wanted the song to sound like, or did its sonic identity reveal itself during production?
A: The day I wrote the song, I had the organ sample, drums, and vocals you hear on the finished track. Then for about two years, this song sat on my hard drive, until I ended up bringing it to my co-producer David Kalmusky. He played the guitar parts and added a few synths, but we still kept the production pretty light, because the lyrics are the real backbone of this song.
Q: What was the most challenging part of creating "Soft"? Whether that be writing the lyrics, recording the vocals, or producing the track
A: Knowing when to stop! I’m notorious for having hundreds of layers in my production, and this song is extremely simple. I wanted to challenge myself to get creative with just a few elements.
Q: Was there a particular lyric or moment in "Soft" that felt especially personal or difficult to put into a song?
A: Honestly, this whole song was an exercise in vulnerability. I’ve never released something so candid before, but every time I listened back to this song, it made me feel really confident. And I have a rule with myself: no matter how sharp the words come out when I’m writing, I don’t sand them down later after the moment has passed.
Q: Your songwriting creates an opportunity to turn personal experiences into something listeners can connect with. What do you hope listeners take away emotionally from your music?
A: I try to be as honest and unfiltered as possible in my lyrics. I write songs like I write journal entries, in a stream-of-consciousness way, and keep rewrites minimal to maintain the emotional integrity of the song. I hope that these confessions help others feel less alone as they process their own emotions and experiences.
Q: Do you tend to write from a place of reflection, or are you more likely to write while you're actively experiencing an emotion or situation?
A: I typically write about an experience while I’m actively going through it and processing it. Songwriting is like a diary to me, and that’s why I call my music “journal pop”.
Q: Has your relationship with vulnerability in songwriting changed as you've grown as an artist?
A: I think I’ve always been open and vulnerable in my songwriting, but as I’ve gotten older, my ability to articulate my emotions has gotten sharper.
Q: Who, or what, has been influencing you creatively lately? Other musicians, films, books.
A: On “Soft” and the rest of this new album, I’ve referenced films from my childhood like Alice In Wonderland and Read It And Weep. I pull inspiration from a lot of my own archives; the visual identity of this record was inspired by a blue and brown polka-dot shirt I wore all the time when I was about 10 years old.
Q: What are you hoping to explore creatively that you haven't had the opportunity to explore yet?
A: The only piece of the puzzle that’s missing for me is touring. I’ve been performing since I was a little girl, but I’ve yet to hop on a bus and experience what it’s like to live and breathe a show for an extended period of time. That’s my number one goal for 2027.
Q: Are there any dream collaborators, producers, writers, or artists you'd love to work with in the future? What draws you to their work?
A: I grew up in the Virginia Beach area, so Pharrell has always been one of my biggest influences. I’ve been a student of his work since I was literally five years old. He’s got such a childlike wonder when it comes to music, and I really relate to that.
Q: If everything goes according to your vision, where would you love to see your music take you?
A: To countries I’ve never been, giving hugs to people I’ve yet to meet, connecting over our shared experiences and love of art. And living in that creative space full-time.
Q: What can listeners expect from you following "Soft"? Are there any upcoming releases you're excited about?
A: Yes! I can’t wait to release my new album this fall. When I wrote these songs, I really didn’t think anyone would ever hear them. I was just processing in real time how it felt to leave the church I grew up in, trying to find my footing while the internet came after me with pitchforks. The documentary I just released, Whose Diary Is This?, was the first time I’ve spoken publicly about being canceled online, and all the kind messages I’ve received have made me even more excited to share this album with everyone.
Q: Finally, if you could leave a message for someone who's about to hear your music for the very first time, what would you say to them?
A: I meant every word you’re about to hear. Come find me after you listen and let’s talk about our feelings.