Jeff Krantz
New York City, New York, United States | SELF
Music
Press
URL:
http://www.metro.co.uk/news/article.html?in_article_id=214419&in_page_id=34 - LM
Jeffrey Krantz came into my recording studio today to record his live, “stripped down” segments for the upcoming episode of Next Big Hit. I was stunned, because I had heard of this guy, although I hadn’t heard his music.
Jeffrey has gotten much press lately for building up a fan base in the Second Life virtual world… usually playing gigs for WAY more people than most talented singer-songwriters in New York dream about.
But that misses a point, and the point is, this guy is REALLY good. It is easy to see how he has built up his fan page. His lyrics have something good to say, and they marry nicely to some very hummable melodies.
He’s a throwback, I told him he reminded me of James Taylor meets Van Morrison outside of a country bar, and he didn’t blink. He agreed with me. He’s a talented artist who is following his own voice, unconcerned with being ultra-hip or having a mob of 18 year old fans. He does some great, languid, smooth ballads that bring you to a new space, and has some nice mid/uptempos that keep your brain engaged at all times.
He has also accomplished all of this WITHOUT having an album released yet. Newsweek, Billboard Magazine, and more have written about him without him even having released an album yet… THAT is direct proof of how the internet is changing the game. And I’m so relieved he can get attention… not just a bunch of pretty sixteen year old girls singing Karaoke on YouTube.
If the above description appeals to you, and you don’t feel the need to constantly feel like you’re “hip” with everything you listen to (Is there ANY other reason Vampire Weekend sells?) then you owe it to yourself to check this guy out.
And… I REALLY want to be the producer who does his first album… Are you listening Jeffrey? - Next Big hit
In January 2008, Krantz was featured on a half page article covering his rise to fame in the virtual world, Second Life. - Nielson
Krantz was recently featured in Newsweek for being the top performer in the virtual world, Second Life. Please see the interview at the link below.
CHECK THE LINK:
www.msnbc.com/modules/interactive.aspx?type=ss&launch=19854925,3032542&pg=6
- Newsweek
Many thanks for sending me a copy of Hep's [Jeff's online Alias is Hep Shepherd] CD, which I listened to with great interest. I particularly enjoyed the lyrics, which I found to be written with clarity and meaning. I hope he continues the good work.
Yusef Islam (Cat Stevens) - Cat Stevens
Please note that Krantz recently won the Songwriter's competition for the Songwriters Guild of America, for his song "Last Goodbye." - Songwriter's Guild
Discography
Krantz's debut album "The Last one to Know" is being released fall 2009.
Photos
Bio
In 2007, Jeff Krantz decided it was time to pursue his living-room hobby. Little did Krantz know that within a year, the International Music Awards would name him a Male Artist of the Year finalist, and Billboard, Newsweek and The London Metro would feature him as a groundbreaking singer-songwriter.
Instead of hitting the road, Krantz broke industry standards by finding tens of thousands of fans through Second Life, an online virtual world with over 12 million users. Under the pseudonym Hep Shepherd, Krantz streamed 200 live performances from his NYC loft. His acoustic performances broke attendance records. Billboard Magazine reported that his virtual shows were “sold out,” and Krantz quickly caught the attention of the music industry.
Shortly after recording his first demos, Krantz received an unexpected letter from singer-songwriter legend Cat Stevens, who was deeply moved by his songs, calling them “meaningful and clear.” Lyrical and heartfelt, Krantz is a modern troubadour blending the early songwriting of early Dave Matthews with the vibe of Jacob Dylan. His memorable melodies and lyrics send listeners on a journey through the emotional spectrum. The London Metro calls Krantz “a superstar,” while Holland’s Robkast Radio hails his music as “ambitious, atmospheric [and] awesome.”
Shortly after being honored as a Male Artist of the Year finalist, Krantz received a prestigious Billboard World Song Award.
“I took a look at what was happening in my career and thought, Whoa! I think I need to record an album,” said Krantz, who assembled a band and dove into his debut studio effort, “The Last One to Know,” an 11-track LP.
“The Last One to Know” showcases Krantz’s lyrical imagery as well as his soft, clear and distinctive voice. His guitar work ranges from heartbreaking finger-picking to roots-rock rhythms. The album explores contradictions behind the emotions we all feel: loneliness lurks in love, hope can live in heartbreak, and joy can rise from pain.
“The Last One to Know” is to be released independently on November 3rd, 2009. To promote the album, Krantz is launching THE GREENEST TOUR. Beginning in 2010, THE GREENEST TOUR will take place in 10 countries over 6 weeks, with zero carbon emissions! It will be the first international virtual tour and the greenest tour in the history of music: no buses, no planes, no gas, but thousands of fans!
For more information on Jeff Krantz please visit www.jeffkrantzmusic.com.
Links
