Rita Wilson, the acclaimed Hollywood actress and musician, has long been known for her roles in beloved films such as 'Sleepless in Seattle' and the television series 'Girls'. However, in a recent interview, she revealed a more personal side, discussing her sixth album 'Sound of a Woman' and her evolving relationship with privacy.
A New Musical Chapter
Wilson's latest album, produced by Grammy-winning Nashville producer Dave Cobb and hit songwriter Amy Wadge, marks a deeply personal turn in her career. The title track opens with sweeping strings and dramatic percussion, showcasing Wilson's sincere storytelling style reminiscent of Brandi Carlile or Shania Twain. One standout lyric, "I couldn't make a masterpiece out of your mistakes," even drew comparisons to Taylor Swift.
The album originated from a lunch conversation between Wilson and Wadge about the experiences of women in their industry. "We were talking about what it's like being a woman in our business, and just in general," Wilson recalled. The writing sessions explored the idea of being different women over a lifetime, from youth to the present.
Overcoming Ageism in Music
Wilson, now on the cusp of 70, began her music career in her fifties, a decision she describes as terrifying. "The music business in particular can be quite ageist," she noted. "I came to music and songwriting in my fifties, and it was terrifying to do that. Everything is exposed: who you are, who you've been, who people think you are."
A friend's encouragement was pivotal. When Wilson expressed a desire to be a songwriter but felt she lacked the skills, her friend asked if she had something to say. Wilson replied yes, and that opened the door. "She totally empowered me. I'm so grateful to her. And [a man] would never [say he's not talented enough]," Wilson said, laughing.
Balancing Privacy and Public Life
Despite her fame, Wilson has always been fiercely private. "I've lived a very public life for a really long time, and I'm an extremely private person. It's served me well for a really long time, but it doesn't fit any more. It's something I've outgrown," she explained. She attributes this shift partly to raising children and the desire to protect their privacy.
Her son Chet Hanks, known for his eccentric public persona, has been a subject of media attention. Wilson described him as "a character" and "so eccentric," adding, "He is the person I could never have been at that age... he's just out there being himself, take it or leave it. I love that." Chet has recently pivoted from rap to country music as part of the duo Something Out West, and Wilson praised his voice, noting he harmonized with her on her 2018 album 'Bigger Picture'.
Reflections on Long-Term Relationships
Wilson, married to Tom Hanks for decades, often gets asked about their relationship's secret. "My joke answer is always, 'Not getting divorced!'", she said. She wanted to write about long-term relationships, a topic rarely explored in music. "You never hear about them, because it's more interesting to hear about the tumult, the sadness and the scandals. But [me and Amy] really wanted to tell the different phases of this great adventure, the wedding, the house, the kids... being in your forties and wondering, 'Who am I? Where is my voice? How do I find this person?' And then you jump to your sixties and you're like, 'Wow, we're still here, we made it!'", she reflected.
Family Ties and Musical Tributes
The album also pays homage to her family, including her mother Dorothy Wilson. The song 'Your Mother' is a tribute, gliding across elegant strings and tenderly picked guitars. "She was my best friend, and I was able to ask her so many things. But also, it's that thing that your mother is always with you, even if she's passed away – you still hear her voice, the advice," Wilson said.
The album closes with the upbeat 'No Matter What', celebrating friends and loved ones who support her through good and bad times. Wilson expressed gratitude for her friendships, particularly with women. "You have to be able to have this beautiful community of people in your life, these deep friendships," she said.
Reflecting on her journey, Wilson admitted, "I wouldn't have been able to write this album even 10 years ago. It's very much of the time that I'm in right now – I wanted to end the album on this really uplifting moment."
'Sound of a Woman' is set for release on 1 May.
