Meet Vinny Montague | Singer/Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vinny Montague and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vinny, why did you pursue a creative career?
I started singing and performing when I was three years old, because I had to go to my Mum’s children’s choir rehearsals–I fell in love with being on stage, and I discovered that I loved to sing! I began acting around age 7 at a local community theatre, The Front Porch Players and then I ended up being lucky enough to land roles with Horizon Theatre, The Atlanta Lyric Theatre, Aurora Theatre, OnStage Atlanta, and Actor’s Express! I loved being in the theatre world. I felt safe and accepted by everyone, and I just knew that I could be myself and not pretend I was someone else. During “The Dreaded Quarantine of 2020,” theatre stopped, just like everything else. I started to write music and over the course of the next year, I started creating an outlet where I could express myself through songs. By writing, I found that I could be who I want, when I want artistically. I write what I feel and also what I see others feeling. One of my songs, “Love You More,” was written after our Tanta (she was like our Grandma), died suddenly. Writing is an outlet that helped with the grief, and I hope it helps others, too. Finding this creative outlet has been so important to me getting through COVID and just being a teenager! I also love that music brings people together, and I think that’s something the world needs right now. I want to write music that I can relate to, but that others can also find something to relate to as well.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The biggest challenge so far has been getting through COVID and what it did to the Arts. No live performances, no group singing..that was so hard for everyone. But we’re coming back, and I have loved getting to see many of my friends performing live again! For me, that was the time I started writing, so I think that’s how I dealt with it. I taught myself how to mix and master and that was something I would never have done if we hadn’t been hunkered down! Writing just became such an outlet and I’m so glad I found something I love doing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m only 14, so my best time ever would look a bit different than some of my adult friends! I love shopping, so definitely Target! Then on to some good thrift stores because I love looking for bargains! Hopefully the trip woud fall during a time when Atlanta Music Project (AMP) was having recitals or concerts. I am in their Youth Choir and Youth Orchestra, and I would definitely bring a friend, because AMP is amazing! There are so many great theatres in Atlanta so we could see a show (with my Mum because I can’t drive!). To eat? Sublime Donuts. Just go there and you’ll understand! Lifeline Animal Project has a program where you can take a dog from the shelter and spend the day with it. It would be fun to take a dog to the Beltline and just walk around the city. Because I’m 14, the nightlife would involove a cut-throat game of Flinch with the rest of my family! I’d like to answer this question in ten or so years–it might be a little more exciting!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Both my parents are musicians, so music has always been in our home. My Dad is actually my piano teacher! I started singing in my Mum’s Children’s Choir when I was three, and I think that’s when I started singing all the time! Since then, my Mum has been my biggest (and most honest!) fan! She’s been there for all of it since I started acting and now is the first person I send my demos to. Both my parents have given me the freedom and encouragment to chase my dreams (I know, that’s cheesy). I know that not everyone has this kind of support, and I really am grateful for it! I should also mention that I have five amazing brothers and sisters who put up with all my singing and are very supportive.

Website: https://withkoji.com/@vinnymontaguemusic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vinnymontaguemusic/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/VinnyMontague

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vinnymontaguemusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCohQpH6IYw3UYrBP9nXd3pg

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@vinnymontaguemusic https://open.spotify.com/artist/2T0tlFrBvUv3OGN4LBkt3P?si=nnXXfkw7S0uf5ciUGLDqzg