An Honest and Anthemic Release from Tim Kranz
- BuzzSlayers
- Nov 17, 2025
- 6 min read
The new EP release from Tim Kranz delivers a wonderful blend of alternative and pop rock with all kinds of other elements involved, honest songwriting, and powerful changes that all create an atmosphere that you fall right into.
Part of the reason this atmosphere works so well for the record is because of the fact that it comes from a very genuine place. A place that's relatable to a lot of us and therefore connective when we listen to it.
The songs can come through cinematic, anthemic, and impactful, and the record certainly doesn't waste a lot of time with the first and title track, "Soundtrack Of Our Lives", which is a track that holds a heavy-handed impact and a robust rock soundscape that feels authentic right from the start.
Any family man can really grab hold of this track and bring it close to their heart. The way that Tim displays and articulates himself lyrically is so open and clear-cut that there's no crossing any wires in terms of the sentiment behind it.
A powerhouse of a song about recognizing and realizing that little moments with your family are the ones that you'll hold on to until your last breath.
It's those moments that make you who you are. This is a song that depicts that with such a powerful approach that you can't turn away from it.
Tim is unafraid and a little vulnerable throughout this track, which I really loved. This is all part of why it feels like it comes from such an honest place and why it has the kind of impact that it actually does.
You know that this all came from some real place and from his own life experience.
The beauty of songs like this is that for certain kinds of people, we all have those kinds of thoughts and feelings.
Unfortunately for a lot of us, we can't quite articulate it into words, let alone words of music, so when we hear a song like this, it connects with us. It speaks for us, and it's a kind of beautiful thing to recognize that you're not alone in these kinds of amazing thoughts.
The song does get a little emotional, and that's part of its aesthetic.
The track is definitely rock-influenced, and you can hear a lot of that alternative edge, but you can also hear classic indie rock in there, too. There's a wobbly guitar solo that fits perfectly in terms of the soundscape and feel of the track.
Outstanding progression that gives the chorus vocals the ability to really soar, loads of personality and character embedded in its veins, and loads of heart, this track really served as an amazing door opener to the rest of the EP.
"Nothin'- Reprise" comes next, and this one feels more cinematic to me. There's a little bit more of a vast undertone; it's got a little bit more moodiness to it, showcasing a little bit of a darker tone, but really works amazingly in terms of fitting into this record.
This is an artist who clearly puts little pieces of himself in his music and that's part of why the EP shines the way it does.
The next track is called "Locked Down (Freed Up)", which was absolutely fun. It made me think of old school Elvis Costello in the early days. It's got that sort of reggae rhythm, has little bits of edginess but loads of color, and his vocals are sort of robust and in your face. Slightly animated but really works perfectly for the flow of the track.
Then we have the final track, "Chemicals", which also holds a lot of personal and inner thought that comes spilling out for all to soak in, but it's done in more of a subtle, almost folk rock type of approach.
This is an EP that absolutely should be heard from start to finish, all in one shot.
There are more than a few surprises around its corners, and the entire thing showcases the diversity and songwriting while remaining true to himself as a person.
This is a record that doesn't really hold back. It is not built with walls around it or with boundaries holding it down.
In that sense, it's sort of freeing. There are lessons to be learned, messages to be sent, and it's all done with that huge personality and heart that come through in just about every song.
Take a deep dive into this record while you can and see what it does for you.
After listening to this release, I wanted to talk with Tim about where it all actually came from and what might be coming up next for the artist. Here's what happened.
Remember where you heard it first.
Let’s talk about “Soundtrack of Our Lives”! This had a heartfelt sentiment with lyrics that showcased such honesty. The whole thing had a vibrant and massive chorus! Where did this track come from?
This song started with something my mom used to say — “Music is the soundtrack of our lives.” That phrase always stuck with me. Last year around my birthday I considered giving up on producing and releasing my music. I'm over 40, I have gray hair starting to creep in. I then thought about it and decided instead of quitting, I needed to go for it full time. I thought to myself, I've always been a late bloomer anyways. The idea was born as I quit my day job, learned how to record and mix my own music and then started the journey of finding potential fans. I also realized that I had more time with my family. I wanted to write something that captured how songs connect us to the people and moments that shape who we are. It’s both nostalgic and forward-looking, like flipping through a photo album in sound.
I’m hearing a few different approaches on this single! Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
I’ve always been drawn to artists who blend raw emotion with cinematic sound — people like Kevin Morby, Dawes, MJ Lenderman, and The War on Drugs. They all have that ability to make something feel both deeply personal and universally relatable.
When did this all start for you as an artist? When did you fall in love with music?
Music has always been a constant for me, I was in award winning choirs at Santa Rosa High School where I was part of their Artquest program for Theater. I think it was that experience that really started it for me. I acted and sang in musicals at Cape Fear Regional Theater in Fayetteville, NC in between deployments while I was in the Army and my love for the stage was born. It really took root after I left the Army. Writing became a way to process life — to reconnect with that creative side and tell stories that feel honest. That’s when I knew I needed to give it everything I had. I joined my little brothers band Oakcrest and we put out an awesome Reggae Rock Album and toured a little. I moved to Los Angeles and joined an Alternative Rock Band called Tight Rope Sky and we put out an amazing album as well. Years later and now my love for creating my own music and videos has bloomed.
Are you performing live right now? Any touring in support of this release?
I’m focused on releasing new music leading up to my debut album I’m Alive (coming November 17, 2026). I’ve got some regional shows in the works for next year, but for now, I’m putting all my energy into building these releases and connecting directly with listeners.
Did you record this in a home studio setup, or did you go to a big studio for this?
This was a home project from start to finish. I recorded, mixed, and produced it myself, with a few contributions from Nothing But Stars Inside on guitars and drum programming. I mixed it and had it mastered by another Artist Tensas who is a great friend. There’s something powerful about capturing that energy in your own space — it keeps things honest.
Now that this is out, what’s next for you as an artist?
This is just the start. Each single builds toward the full album I’m Alive, which explores family, loss, hope, and rediscovery. The next single drops early 2026 — and the full record follows in November.
Who’s in your headphones right now?
Lately it’s been a mix of Sam Evian, Real Estate, Dawes and MJ Lenderman — all artists who balance simplicity with depth.
This was a pretty big song! Was it a big undertaking? How long did it take to finish this?
Absolutely — it evolved over months. I kept coming back to the chorus until it felt right. Once I nailed that “turn it up” moment, the rest of the production just clicked into place.
What would you tell people they can expect on this release?
A sense of connection. I want people to hear themselves in these songs — to remember moments that matter and to find a bit of light in them. I hope one of my songs can be connected to a good moment in their life.
Before we go, what would you like to express to fans of the music?
Just gratitude. Every listen, every share, every follow, every message means the world. I’m grateful to be able to make music that resonates, and I hope Soundtrack of Our Lives becomes part of someone else’s story too.
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