Kat Reinhert On the Making Of “Greenlights”
Photo Credit: Aleks Victoria
How does "Greenlights" reflect your musical journey and growth as an artist?
”Greenlights” is the first single I've produced. It's also the first time I'm playing guitar - or any instrument for that matter - on any of my recordings (I've got 5 full albums and some other singles out in the world) so it feels like a major milestone for myself as a songwriter. That, and it's a one-take lead vocal. Meaning, no comps or edits. That feels like an accomplishment.
What did you enjoy most about making "Greenlights?"
I think I enjoyed the discovery of the song itself. It went through a few iterations when I took it to my band the arrangement changed to better tell the story - so the form is a bit hybrid.
What impact do you hope this song will have on your audience?
I hope it brings people some joy and hope - and perhaps a little calm.
Where do you find inspiration for your songs or musical ideas?
Everywhere. Literally. I find it in books I read (this one is that), things I hear on the radio, conversations on the street, ideas my students have (I'm a professor at Berklee), things my husband says, things I observe - and just random ideas that pop into my head that don't seem to have any true origin.
How do you balance creativity and commercial success in your music career?
How long do you have to listen? I don't know if anyone does, to be honest. I think we're all just doing our best to make music we love and hope that other people like it. I've never asked my music to pay for my life, so there is a certain liberation in that - but it probably comes with other costs.