Review Fix Exclusive: Jeffrey Krantz Talks ‘The Pennock Tapes’ And More

Review Fix chats with Jeffrey Krantz with the Nashville-based, alt/psych-rock band, KRANTZ, who discusses the band and their upcoming EP, The Pennock Tapes, due out April 27.

Review Fix:  How did the band get together? Or How did you get started in music?

Jeffrey Krantz: Well I (Jeffrey Danger) grew up with lots of music around the house. My dad’s a drummer, so I always grew up listening to him play and jam with his bands in our basement. Then I discovered the Beatles when I was 12, and never looked back. Started writing songs and formed a band. We weren’t very good, but we looked cool atleast.

I’d been living in Nashville for awhile, and had been gigging around town for a few years when the band was formed. Basically just teamed up with some of the best musicians who I really gelled with and had the same vision as myself.

Review Fix:  What’s your creative process like?

Krantz: It’s always a little different, but for the most part, I start writing a song with the melody. I feel that’s something that’s kinda getting lost in modern music, but is so important, and everyone loves a catchy melody or hook. So yeah, from there we’ll come up with some lyrics and then usually just bring it to the band so we can start jamming on it. Sometimes the song will just shoot out completely natural and quick, while others we try in different styles until it feels just right.

Review Fix:  What’s your standout song on the current album? How was it written?

Krantz: Well my personal fave is “Until We Meet Again”.  It’s about a magical weekend with a girl I met, and how I was counting down the moments until I could see her again.  I wrote it on my acoustic, like I do most songs, but wasn’t really sure how it was gonna sound with the whole band.  We jammed on it a couple different ways, but never got quite right. Then Tee, our keys player, started messing with some wild effects with his wurlitzer. He came up with this almost steel drum type sound that was perfect for the vibe of the song and that made it complete. Threw some strings on the recording too, cuz there’s nothing wrong with that now…

Review Fix:  What did you learn from this last album? How did it affect your future?

Krantz: Well the band definitely came up with a sound from working on these new songs and recording them. The first Krantz album was pretty much just me, for I hadn’t formed the band yet, so it’s kind of all over the place. It’s nice now that we have set members who all play an important role in our sound, that we have created something that doesn’t really sound like anyone else, which I love.

Review Fix:  What are your goals for 2018?

Krantz: World domination!

Review Fix:  How would you describe your sound to someone who’s never heard you?

Krantz: Beatlesy hooks, with T Rex’s swagger, and a hint of psychedelia to keep it weird.

Review Fix:  How do you want your music to affect people?

Krantz: I love being happy, so while the songs may not always be about happy topics, I feel the grooves and melodic hooks def will make ya wanna move and sing along, and who can’t be happy when you’re doing that.

Review Fix:  Why is this new album special?

Krantz: Well, like I said, it’s a new sound that is the actual sound of Krantz. Plus, we’re all really proud of the songs, and will be hitting the road quite a bit pushing it.

Review Fix:  What’s next?

Krantz: Just keep writing, recording, and playing as much as we can. Hopefully, be touring over in Europe by the end of the year.

Review Fix:  Anything else you’d like to add?

Krantz: Peace and love to everyone…and check out our dates at Krantzmusic.com to see if we’re coming to your neck of the woods. Come party with us!

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