GSP #108: Songwriting Deep Dive with Kat Reinhert - 1989 by The Handshake
Sun Jan 04 2026
📘 Featured BookBefore we dive in, be sure to check out Kat Reinhert’s newly released book, a practical guide for songwriters and independent artists navigating today’s music landscape. Learn more and get your copy here:
👉 https://amzn.to/44VHAI9
Episode OverviewThis episode explores the full spectrum of modern music-making, from the first spark of a song idea to the realities of releasing music and performing for an audience.
We’re joined by Kat Reinhert, a professor of songwriting at Berklee College of Music, who brings deep insight into lyric writing, creative development, and the challenges facing independent artists in today’s digital landscape. Drawing on her experience as a songwriter, vocalist, producer, and educator, Kat shares how she helps artists nurture creativity, embrace ambiguity in lyrics, and balance artistic integrity with the practical demands of the music business.
The conversation moves fluidly between philosophy and practice. We discuss songwriting craft, harmonic concepts like tritone substitutions and modal interchange, and the often-overlooked realities of being a working musician, including stage presence and gig attire. Personal stories and hard-earned lessons from real performances help ground the discussion in lived experience.
A key segment of the episode features a deep dive into the new single “1989” by The Handshake, unpacking its songwriting choices, lyrical themes, production decisions, and how those elements translate from the studio to the listener. The song serves as a real-world case study that brings the broader discussion of songwriting and release strategy into sharp focus.
We also spend time exploring Kat’s newly published book, co-authored as a practical guide for musicians navigating the modern music release process, including distribution, copyright, and audience connection.
Ultimately, this episode is about seeing music as both an art form and a lifelong practice. It’s an honest, wide-ranging conversation designed to help musicians better understand their craft, their industry, and themselves.
Key TakeawaysMusic production is a holistic journey, from creative conception to audience engagement.Strong songwriting often depends on vulnerability, ambiguity, and trust in the listener.Independent artists benefit from understanding both the creative and business sides of music.Branding, presentation, and stage presence meaningfully affect how music is received.A behind-the-scenes breakdown of “1989” shows how songwriting, production, and release strategy come together in a finished track.Creative challenges like a Song-a-Day practice can unlock momentum and artistic growth.Musicians are encouraged to embrace their identities and experiment freely with form and style.
Companies & Organizations MentionedIKEABerklee College of MusicAmazonASCAPli...
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📘 Featured BookBefore we dive in, be sure to check out Kat Reinhert’s newly released book, a practical guide for songwriters and independent artists navigating today’s music landscape. Learn more and get your copy here: 👉 https://amzn.to/44VHAI9 Episode OverviewThis episode explores the full spectrum of modern music-making, from the first spark of a song idea to the realities of releasing music and performing for an audience. We’re joined by Kat Reinhert, a professor of songwriting at Berklee College of Music, who brings deep insight into lyric writing, creative development, and the challenges facing independent artists in today’s digital landscape. Drawing on her experience as a songwriter, vocalist, producer, and educator, Kat shares how she helps artists nurture creativity, embrace ambiguity in lyrics, and balance artistic integrity with the practical demands of the music business. The conversation moves fluidly between philosophy and practice. We discuss songwriting craft, harmonic concepts like tritone substitutions and modal interchange, and the often-overlooked realities of being a working musician, including stage presence and gig attire. Personal stories and hard-earned lessons from real performances help ground the discussion in lived experience. A key segment of the episode features a deep dive into the new single “1989” by The Handshake, unpacking its songwriting choices, lyrical themes, production decisions, and how those elements translate from the studio to the listener. The song serves as a real-world case study that brings the broader discussion of songwriting and release strategy into sharp focus. We also spend time exploring Kat’s newly published book, co-authored as a practical guide for musicians navigating the modern music release process, including distribution, copyright, and audience connection. Ultimately, this episode is about seeing music as both an art form and a lifelong practice. It’s an honest, wide-ranging conversation designed to help musicians better understand their craft, their industry, and themselves. Key TakeawaysMusic production is a holistic journey, from creative conception to audience engagement.Strong songwriting often depends on vulnerability, ambiguity, and trust in the listener.Independent artists benefit from understanding both the creative and business sides of music.Branding, presentation, and stage presence meaningfully affect how music is received.A behind-the-scenes breakdown of “1989” shows how songwriting, production, and release strategy come together in a finished track.Creative challenges like a Song-a-Day practice can unlock momentum and artistic growth.Musicians are encouraged to embrace their identities and experiment freely with form and style. Companies & Organizations MentionedIKEABerklee College of MusicAmazonASCAPli...