Music Interview: TK Kravitz

TK Kravitz is a well-established songwriter from Atlanta. He has written songs for Jacquees, Meek Mill, and more. As a musician, he’s best known for “Space”, a #8 Billboard R&B hit last year, and “Ocean”, which is currently at #78 on the Hot 100 as of publication. This talented artist released his second self-titled mixtape, TK Kravitz 2.0, on June 22 and we got to chat with him about that, his writing process, and more.

TYF: Let’s take it to back for a second. You have written a number of songs. Do you remember the first song you ever wrote? If so, can you tell us about it?
TK Kravitz: Yes, I remember the first song I ever wrote. It was called “Crank it Up.” Haha! I was around 10 years old.

TYF: What was it like growing up in Atlanta?
TK: I was born and raised in Augusta, Ga., and moved to Atlanta when I was 16, which was a fun time for me. I was at the age of almost being a grown adult and could venture out and have fun and pursue different opportunities.

TYF: What experiences growing up have carried over to your music? Any memories from your childhood materialize in any of your songs?
TK: All of my music comes from real life experiences that I’ve had growing up and as I’ve said in my song “Natural,” “every day I still talk to my grandma.” My grandma is a huge influence on my music mainly because she lectured us all growing up.

TYF: What is the music scene like in Atlanta?
TK: One word – HUGE.

TYF: What fuels your creativity?
TK: Everyday things and people fuel my creativity. I talk about what I see and go through.

TYF: Speaking of creativity and music, what is your writing process like?
TK: I literally just go in the booth and say whatever I feel at the moment with no pen, no pad. I just express my real genuine feelings.

TYF: Do you ever experience writer’s block? If so, how do you overcome it?
TK: I have and sometimes there’s no overcoming it. You just have to trust the process and not get frustrated and try again next session.

TYF: You have written for artists like Jacquees, Meek Mill, Flo Rida, and more. Does your writing style change depending on the artist you’re working with?
TK: The writing is the same across the board.

TYF: What challenges or barriers did you have to overcome to become a well-established songwriter?
TK: It’s all about networking and building relationships, which took some time. But when the doors opened up, I attacked the opportunity and built my catalog.

TYF: Do you have any fun stories you’d like to share from collaborating with these artists?
TK: No funny stories, just all good vibes. Haha!

TYF: Last summer, you released a song titled “Space” – can you tell us a little bit about the track?
TK: It’s about a normal relationship where people go through everyday stuff like when they have the feeling of the love and hate syndrome.

TYF: How did you feel when you found out “Space” made it to #8 on the Billboard R&B songs chart?
TK: I was thankful and felt like I’ve finally arrived!

TYF: As a writer, I know you can keep editing like there’s no tomorrow so when do you know a song is finally complete?
TK: I don’t try to edit because you take the rawness away from the song so I try to keep everything I have because that’s what I really felt.

TYF: You recently released your second self-titled mixtape, TK Kravitz 2.0. What made you want to have another mixtape be self-titled?
TK: I want the people to know who I am as an artist! That’s why the title is TK Kravitz 2.0 and the cover art is just my face. I’m basically just building my brand.

TYF: How did you grow as an artist from the time you released your first mixtape to now releasing your second?
TK: I feel like I’m going more into detail with my music. I select better beats. I have more fun now, and I’m comfortable with being open about everything in my life.

TYF: Will you be going on tour and sharing your new music with your fans?
TK: Of course! Stay tuned!

Lastly, do you have any advice for our young readers who are trying to break into the music industry?
TK: Never give up! You’re going to hear no more than yes but don’t fold.

Listen to more of TK Kravitz’s music on his Soundcloud page.

Check out his new song, “Ocean,” which features Jacquees.