Emerging from a life steeped in diverse musical influences and cross-country moves, Tim Kranz, better known by his stage names TK-One7 and DJ TK, is carving out a unique space in the world of alternative music. Currently based in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Tim’s journey has taken him from Anaheim to Santa Rosa, Fayetteville, Los Angeles, and now into the ears and hearts of fans nationwide.
A Sound Without Borders
TK-One7’s music defies easy categorization. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Bon Jovi, Garth Brooks, System of a Down, and Sublime, he blends alternative rock with flavors of reggae, pop, folk, and even country. His musical philosophy is simple: if it feels right, it belongs in the song.
“I’ve never tried to sound like anyone else,” he explains. “I just try to be authentic in everything I create—even when I gave rap a try, my voice still came through in a genuine way.”
The Creative Process
Most of TK-One7’s songs begin with a jam session on an acoustic guitar. Once the chorus reveals itself, he builds around it—layering keys, guitars, bass, and whatever else he can get his hands on in Logic Pro, his current digital audio workstation of choice. Emotion is the compass guiding every sonic decision.
Back on Track: A Summer Anthem Born from a Winter Chill
His latest release, Back on Track, is an uplifting summer anthem that was, ironically, born from a failed attempt at crafting a hip-hop beat. When fellow artist Saint Michael saw a teaser video of the song, he reached out to collaborate. The result? A track that captures the relief and joy of breaking free from a long Pennsylvania winter.
“I hope the song inspires people to get outside and have some fun while the summer is here,” TK-One7 says.
Real Emotions, Real Stories
While many of his tracks center on **relationships—the good, the bad, and the complicated—**there’s always a through-line of emotional honesty. A powerful example is his debut single, Nothin’, written during a temporary separation from his wife. The song narrates not just the heartbreak, but the healing journey, including road trips, river tubing in Utah, and time spent with close friends in Colorado.
Collaboration Nation
In addition to solo work, TK-One7 is a growing presence in the online hip-hop scene, collaborating with artists like Danny “Dynasty” Holmes, SGF Graham, and TR3-Don. Though unreleased, these collaborations mark an exciting evolution of his sound.
Staying Inspired
TK-One7 keeps his creative energy alive through active participation in TikTok and Facebook music review shows. These not only fuel his inspiration but often lead to new collabs and fresh perspectives.
He’s also currently competing in the Free Lyfe Music Reviews 2‘s Platform vs Platform competition, where his team, Team RnB, has made it to the quarterfinals—set to perform on August 2nd.
Balancing Music and Fatherhood
With a two-year-old daughter (affectionately in her “terrible twos”) and a shared schedule with his wife, TK-One7 has built a structure that allows him to be both a present father and a prolific musician. “Mornings are for life stuff; afternoons are for creating,” he says. “Then I shut it down and spend time with my family.”
Looking Ahead
One of the biggest milestones of his recent career? Learning to mix and master his own music—a skill he now offers to fellow artists. His goal for the future is grounded and real: to make $2,000 a month from his music, enough to support his family and focus full-time on his passion.
