Meet Binnie Klein | Psychotherapist, author, DJ and songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Binnie Klein and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Binnie, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I think it chose me! I often wrote poetry as a young child — somber, clumsy little ditties about loneliness. Later I went on to study creative writing and English literature. My own writing continued, and I applied to poetry workshops in NYC with well-known poets. I did readings around town, and published many poems in journals and small presses. At a certain point in my 20s, it was clear I needed a career that would support me. I had a long-term interest in symbols, dreams, and psychology. I got my MSW from Smith School for Social Work, and then completed a fellowship at Yale University Counseling Services. Obtaining my License in Clinical Social Work enabled me to start a private practice, which in turn gave me the freedom to continue to write. I also began hosting a music and interview show at a freeform radio station, WPKN, a passion which has continued to this day. My show, “A Miniature World,” combines music and spoken word. It’s a lot of hats to wear but I’m not getting any taller! And then…..one more major adventure was to come — it’s like my third act – I’ve become a songwriter and part of an indie songwriting duo, “In These Trees and Tartie.”

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Shortly before the pandemic, I heard from an Australian singer/songwriter named “Tartie.” She wondered if I would play some of her songs on my radio show. I fell in love with her voice. Tartie is in her 30s – I’m well, considerably older! We are over 10,000 miles apart. Through Zoom and email, I tentatively asked her if she would consider putting melody to some of my poems, which had now become songs in my mind and in their formation. She said yes, and our first single, “Orchard,” was born! It’s a poignant cry about letting go of heartbreak and haunting memories. It’s also an anthemic cry about saving our planet. I knew producer David Baron of Sun Mountain Studios near Woodstock, NY, having played some of his artists on my show, and meeting him at a concert. Once again — I’m tentatively and nervously approaching my next mentor, David Baron, producer (The Lumineers, Bat for Lashes) who works with accomplished musicians and a few indie beginners like myself. He liked our demo of “Orchard.” Be bold, I learned. Ask people for help! Push the envelope, or your creative dreams may never happen. I eventually had multiple songs to bring up to his studio. We worked together on selecting musicians to play on the tracks. Meanwhile, we hooked in Tartie in Australia through remote recording and all possible means of contact. We have five released singles, and are working on an album, “The Quiver” that we hope to release in January 2024. Tartie and I have a magical alchemy in our collaboration, and pros like David Baron have our back.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a bona fide introvert who can “bring it” when I have to. That’s what enables me to host a radio show, and be a psychotherapist. So I’m happiest at home, working on music, cuddling with my dogs and husband (who is also collaborating on our project and creating videos for the songs).

But I do live near the university town of New Haven, so I can recommend a few things: The Yale University Art Gallery, a hike up Sleeping Giant Mountain, tons of great Thai restaurants, and get in touch with the great creators at WPKN’s studios (in Bridgeport) for a visit to our new studio. Get the Yale Music School schedule — many concerts are free.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
One of the first songs I wrote (both lyrics and music) was “My Last Bad Boy,” about trying to recover from early heartbreak and lessons learned from involvement with destructive people. I got up the courage to approach a local composer and music teacher, Istvan B’racz, with the hopes of getting feedback from him on the merits (or problems) of this venture. To have this accomplished and brilliant musician allow me to play “My Last Bad Boy” on a piano in his home studio was thrilling and terrifying! I’m an average singer, and knew from the start I would need other musicians to perform music I wrote. He was very warm and encouraging. We talked about how I would proceed, and what would be involved with creating a demo. Shoutout to this remarkable man!

Website: www.inthesetrees.com www.tendaysinnewark.com www.binnieklein.com

Instagram: @inthesetrees

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/binnie-klein-51a19915/

Youtube: @inthesetrees768

Image Credits
photo credits include Mistina Hanscom of Lotta Studios, Scott Shapleigh