What are your name?
Jeffrey Danger, Erik Theiling, Tee Tallent, Monica Lewellen
What is the bands name?
Krantz
How did you come up with the bands name?
It’s my last name. Didn’t want to be a solo artist when I released the first album, so I gave it that name because it really could mean anything. That’s also why I go by my middle name, Danger.
What is your genre of music?
If you’d have to put it in a category, it’d probably be Alternative Rock. I like to say it’s rock ad roll in color though.
Give us a little bio about you as individuals and as a band.
I hail from the cornfields of Iowa. Toured in multiple bands over the years and ended up in Nasvhille, TN, where I started the band. I met all the other members as they were doing the same thing from different areas of the country. We started jamming together and liked the sound.
Describe each other in 2 words.
Jeffrey-Psychedelic, weird
Erik-Cool, Collected
Tee-Smart, Creative
Monica-Strong, Sassy
What made you go in to music?
I fell in love with music after watching the Beatles Anthology in November of 1995. I picked up a guitar, started writing songs, and haven’t looked back since.
Are you a signed?
Not currently. Doin it all ourselves at the moment.
Your new single ‘Run Away With Me’, tell us more about it.
It’s a song I wrote about being stuck in a rut, and just wanting to escape. It’s definitely and upbeat number, and makes ya wanna move…perhaps run.
what was the naming process like?
It’s just the hook of the song, and covers the main there. I think it’s very fitting for the current times. It seems like many people are unhappy lately, so maybe just quit what you’re doing and go find yourself.
What was the writing process like?
I wrote this one by myself and brought it to the band. I demoed it with a beat, so we knew it should keep that four on the floor feel, and the band just took it from there.
What was the recording process like?
With this EP, we did all the bass, drums, and most of the keys in a studio called Jay’s Place here on Music Row in Nashville. Since we’re kinda DIY right now, I took all that to my house, where I do a lot of recording, and finished all the guitars, and we cut all the vocals and strings. From there, it was mixed by Ryan Rosebo, an engineer here in Nashville, who also mixed the first self-titled album.
You are also set to release a new EP, what can you tell us about it.
It’s called “The Pennock Tapes” and will be released in April. I live on Pennock Ave, where the band jams. This is the first collection of songs we’d worked on as a band, so we thought naming it after the street we all park on would be fitting. It’s very satisfying to have finally come up with a sound as the band, Krantz, and this is a great representation.
Describe each track in 2 words.
Weedeater-Finger Pointin’
Until We Meet Again-Dreamy
Romantic All Outta Love-Bittersweet
Freeing Can’t Forget-Bitter, Cocky
Run Away With Me-Pumping, Motivational
What was the writing process like?
I wrote all the songs, except two (All Outta Love and Weedeater) I wrote with Joel King of the Wildfeathers (and our old band, the Effects). From there, I brought them to the band where we arranged em and everyone came up with their parts.
What was the recording process like?
With this EP, we did all the bass, drums, and most of the keys in a studio called Jay’s Place here on Music Row in Nashville. Since we’re kinda DIY right now, I took all that to my house, where I do a lot of recording, and finished all the guitars, and we cut all the vocals and strings. From there, it was mixed by Ryan Rosebo, an engineer here in Nashville, who also mixed the first self-titled album.
Do you play any instruments.
I play a little bit of a lot of instruments, but my primary instrument is the guitar.
Who are your influences?
The Beatles, the Byrds, T Rex, my parents, Jesus
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
Hmm…lots of different things really. Musically, I love catchy hooks and melodies, and a beat you can groove to. As far as what the song is about, I can be inspired by anything from a lust to love, to a dream I had, or to my cat (which is a new number we’re currently working on).
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
I’d really like to see the band touring full time, and hopefully be making a splash all around the world.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
Somehow music is usually involved in my life in most aspects, but when it’s not, I love to golf.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
Strawberry Fields Forever
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Be true to yourself.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Just be genuine with the music you make. Don’t make it to become rich and famous, but make it because you really love it and want the world to hear your sound.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
Time flies when you’re having fun, unless you’re a frog, then time’s fun when you’re having flies.
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
Ha, the Cumming Tap where you can get the “I love Cumming” tee shirts.
Your straight off tour;
1/ where do you go? Home
2/ who do you see? My cat
3/what do you eat? Cheese and fruit
Where is the go to place to go in your hometown?
Well I’m from out in the country in Iowa, so Des Moines is really the closest big city there. If you say home now (which is Nashville) I guess I’d say go to a concert at the Ryman.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget? Engage the Audience
Make them Dance
Get your songs stuck in their head
Our gear
Sell Merch! (which you can buy at krantzmusic.com 🙂
If you had to give your younger self advice, what would it be?
Just become an architect 😉
Nah, I’d say, just keep at it. You don’t wanna live your life saying “what if”
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Instagram
