We had the good fortune of connecting with Kat Reinhert and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kat, how do you think about risk?
To quote Sara Blakley (Spanx): “The biggest risk in life is in not risking.” I mean, really. If you don’t take risks – and I’m not talking about death defying, dangerous to your person risks – but rather risks that could help you achieve your goals by letting go of fear, allowing the ego to disappear, to be ok with failure….then what are you living for? I’m a total risk taker. I’ve walked away from jobs, turned down jobs, started things and failed miserably, started things and succeeded beyond what I thought was possible – and all if has taught me that whether I win or lose, it doesn’t matter. But taking that step into the unknown – that’s what matters.
In terms of my career as an artist and songwriter, I will pretty much try anything. I’ll try new instruments, new ways of writing, new ideas – and everything and everyone becomes your teacher. I’ve probably learned more about myself and who I really am by simply saying that proverbial line: Yes, and? I think of risk as an important aspect of growth. That place of being uncomfortable is usually where we grow the most. And a lot of people avoid it because of the uncomfortable feeling. But here’s the thing – the more you risk, the more you get used to being uncomfortable, and the more being uncomfortable feels normal – and even something you seek out because you know that in those moments, that’s where growth is happening.
And sure, I’ve failed more times than I can possibly even count. And I’ve made a complete fool out of myself and done things that I don’t need to ever do again – but each one of those failures is simply teaching me to learn how to be uncomfortable. Because being an artist in uncomfortable. It’s wonderful, but it’s also putting yourself out there and hoping people like what you have to say. It’s being vulnerable – and that itself is uncomfortable – but the risk is totally worth the reward.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Gosh. I think something that sets me apart from others is honestly my habits. For the past 25 years, I’ve practiced almost every day for at least an hour. Sometimes more, sometimes less and there are totally days where it’s minimal – but the habit of showing up is really strong.
Honestly, I’m not where I want to be professionally as an artist. I still have a lot of things on my bucket list as an artist, but I’m proud of all the music I’ve been able to put out into the world – five full length albums and four singles (separate from the albums) and I’m still making and creating. At the moment, I probably have enough material for at least one full album, if not two. I’m proud of what I’ve created and it feels honest.
It certainly isn’t easy. I think the hardest thing someone can do is create something new and try to get people to engage with it in a meaningful way. But some lessons I’ve learned:
– Be yourself. All the time.
– Be early.
– Be kind. There’s no need to be mean
– The industry is small. Be nice. You never know where anyone will end up
– Have your sh$% together – show up prepared and ready to do the work.
– Trust yourself. If it doesn’t feel right inside, don’t do it. For any reason. It’s not worth it.
In terms of things I’d like people to know about me and understand – and I would guess a lot of artists feel this way – is that we wear a lot of hats. And we CAN wear a lot of hats. Don’t doubt our abilities in one bucket because we also work in another bucket. For example, yes, I’m a performing artist and songwriter, but I also run a company (Songwriting for Music Educators), I teach privately, I have a PhD and am a published author, and I’m a Professor at a University. They all feed into each other. And each part accesses a different part of who I am. Don’t judge me by the chapter you walked in on.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ah, New York! Well, if it was before they closed, I’d definitely take them to The 55 Bar – a venerable dive bar jazz club in NYC that was a favorite hang of mine for over 20 years. I’d go to John’s Pizza on Bleeker. I’d totally take a walk through Central Park and over the Brooklyn Bridge. I’d hang out at home and in my neighborhood, get ice cream, take long walks. I’d go to Brooklyn and the Village and just take a walk down 5th Ave and see all the things. And I’d go hear as much music by people I know as possible.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Do I have to only choose one? If it’s one, then the shoutout goes to my husband, Robert Sabin. He supports me in every single thing I do. He helps me laugh at the stupid things and revel in the ordinary. He’s my biggest cheerleader and my strongest ally. I really appreciate everything he shares and what we have together.
If I get more than one, I would give a shout out to Sarah Gulish (F-Flat Books, Co-Founder Songwriting for Music Educators) for all her support and gifts. She’s a badass. I’d also give shout outs to all the amazing women that continue to inspire me including: Jamie Leonhart, Sara Paar, Laila Biali, Raina Murnak, Candice Davenport, Jessica Baldwin and Kate McGarry. Plus the musicians I’ve been making music with for over a decade: Perry Smith, Jesse Lewis, Matt Aronoff, Ross Pederson and David Cook.
If it’s an organization – The Association for Popular Music Education. I lived and breathed this org every day for six years and it helped me in so many ways. I love the mission, the humans and what they are sharing with the world.
Website: www.katreinhert.com
Instagram: @katreinhert
Linkedin: @katreinhert
Twitter: @katreinhert
Facebook: @katreinhertmusic
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCyOzDMNAoZdWNR_r1I35gw