About Katie Dwyer


I'm an independent singer-songwriter, music producer, and arts advocate.

Since childhood, doodling, journaling, and songwriting have been my go-to forms of creative expression, but it wasn't until the end of high school that I was comfortable enough to perform my songs. Almost a decade later, I began studying recording and music production techniques, finally giving myself the ability to release my songs from my home studio without agents or record labels.

In addition to writing and producing my own music, I am the Head Coach and Community Manager for Produce Like a Boss, board member and past president of Short Grass Arts Council, a custom songwriter, and owner of Heartbeat Kick Productions, where I offer all sorts of audio-enhancing services for others. From a young age I mistakenly concluded that music was a hobby, not a job. It took me a long time to unlearn that, and I'm now doing what it feels like I'm meant to do. A big goal of mine is to be an example for other people who may be in that same mentality. I want to be a living example that it's possible to continue living a music-centered life, or doing whatever you are passionate about, through all of life's chapters.

My final disclaimer is that I'm a millennial mom who uses music to process this world, this life that I'm living, and all the emotions that come along with it. I hope that in sharing my songs, other people will relate, feel less alone, and maybe even access a feeling of hope or joy or unity that they didn't notice before.

Links to articles, interviews, and other press stuff...

Music & Affirmation Meditation Sessions

In 2025, I connected my love for meditation with my abilities as a musician, and I studied the arts of sound healing and meditation creation. Below are my free affirmation tracks that are available exclusively on Insight Timer. Download the app and follow me if you'd like notifications regarding my upcoming livestreamed meditation sessions.

Expressive Songwriting Workshop Series

Session 1:

Overview of Session 1:

This workshop introduced participants to expressive songwriting, focusing on maintaining human connection and emotion in the creative process. Katie covered fundamental concepts of song structure, explored what makes songs memorable and relatable, and introduced the "brain dump method" as a practical technique for generating authentic lyrics. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises, writing and sharing their own lyrics in real-time, demonstrating how to transform raw ideas into structured song components.

Key Topics Covered:

- What Makes Good Songs: Elements like storytelling, emotion, visuals, harmony, and catchiness that draw listeners

- Song Structure Components: Detailed explanations of verses (storytelling), choruses (main message), pre-choruses (building tension), bridges (contrasting perspectives), and other sections

- The Brain Dump Method: A practical technique for generating authentic lyrics by writing everything about a topic quickly, then organizing favorite lines into appropriate song sections

- Practical Application: Participants completed timed writing exercises and shared their work, with Katie demonstrating how raw material transforms into structured lyrics

Main Takeaways:

- Expressive songwriting prioritizes emotion over technical perfection

- Speed and authenticity matter more than grammar in initial drafts

- Different song sections can serve specific purposes

- There's no single correct way to start writing—melody, lyrics, chords, or themes are all valid entry points


Resources Mentioned:

Rick Rubin - The Creative Act

Next Steps:
Practice the brain dump method on your own. Try creating lyrics from that brain dump. Attend Session 2 to learn the bubble method and melody creation techniques.