Photo by Taylor Farrant

If your listening ears long for a break from the usual singer-songwriter stuff we hear so much of in Music City, here’s an enticing and respectful retro-psychedelic new tune that will stimulate your mind as well as your ears. (Note that headphones will provide extra enjoyment.) It’s the new single, “Misty Morning Dew” from Nashville rockers Krantz. This is one song that you will put on repeated repeat as you ponder its influences at the same time you dig its fresh sound.

Krantz is lead by its namesake, Jeffrey Krantz who was kind enough to answer the 11 Questions calling. His former band The Effects were road warriors who opened for acts such as Kings of Leon, Shinedown, Foreigner and The Toadies. In 2016, Jeffrey recorded his first self-produced solo album titled “KRANTZ” in between tapings of MTV’s music competition, “American Supergroup,” where he eventually became a finalist. On the new record, Jeffrey Krantz has teamed up his guitar and vocals with Tee Tallent on keys and Adrian Flores on percussion, two players he met while they were all working the Lower Broadway circuit.

Krantz’s sophomore album, titled after its lead single, “Misty Morning Dew,” will be released on September 27. There are no dates yet on their touring calendar, but I’d keep a close watch on www.krantzmusic.com  if I were you.

Where are you from originally, when did you move to Nashville and why?

Born and raised in Cumming, IA. Moved to Nashville from Tulsa, OK, where I was in a band called The Effects who moved here in October of 2008. We toured full time, and a lot of our team was based out of here, so we thought it’d be nice to give Music City a try.

What are the first and the last records you bought, and where did you buy them? Were they CD, vinyl or digital?

It’s hard to remember the very first album I bought, but one that def sticks out in my memory as far as wearing out, is Michael Jackson’s Thriller. So good! It was on cassette.

As far as the last record I bought, well honestly, it’s hard to say because everything is streaming now, so ya don’t really “buy” the album. As far as vinyl, the last album I bought would be The Byrds’ The Notorious Byrd Brothers.

First and last live concerts that you’ve seen?

The first concert I remember was seeing The Beach Boys at Sec Taylor Stadium in Des Moines, IA. John Stamos played drums, and it was great! The last concert I went to was Electric Light Orchestra here in Nashville at the Bridgestone Arena. It was amazing! Prob in my top five fave shows I’ve ever seen.

Whose star should be added to the Music City Walk of Fame?

I’m gonna go with Jack White. Love his stuff and I think it’s cool he lives here.

Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza?

Not a big coffee guy honestly, but Bongo Java always has some good weird creations I dig. For pizza, I’ve never met a pizza I didn’t like, but if we’re going delivery, ya gotta try Jet’s “8 Corner Pizza.”

What’s your favorite record to ever come out of Nashville?

I’m a huge Byrds fan, and Sweetheart of the Rodeo was recorded here on Music Row.

Where’s the best place to eat late night after a show?

Waffle House for sure!

The Bluebird calls and asks you to host an “In the Round.” Pick three local songwriters to join you.

Joel King (old bandmate and member of The Wild Feathers), Drew Green (great songwriter I gig with occasionally) and Sheyna Gee (another good one).

What are your favorite music venues to play in town?

I love the Mercy Lounge and Exit In.

Name a musician who you’d like to see move here?

Paul McCartney. We’d jam for sure.

Finally, what’s in your musical future?

I’m currently releasing a few singles from my new album, “Misty Morning Dew” until the album comes out early fall. Gonna play a few shows but focus more on pushing the music. Hopefully a European tour!