Kelsey Montanez: A New Favorite for the Grrls

Once in a while you come across that new, somewhat unknown artist that truly blows you away with their skill. With so many performers out there getting major record deals and becoming famous, it’s easy to forget the difference between natural raw talent and the majority of the songs that we hear on the radio every day. Kelsey Montanez is one of those extremely gifted up-and-coming talents whose voice, lyrics, and musical abilities remind you of how enjoyable music can be. Cherry Grrl wanted to learn more about the Chicago singer/songwriter and recently had the chance to ask some questions about her obvious passion for music and where she hopes to take it next.

Cherrygrrl.com (CG): How would you describe your musical style?
Kelsey Montanez (KM): I think this is always a difficult question for me. I write acoustically but they aren’t typical acoustic songs. They have a heavier feel to them. Here’s a perfect example - I’m currently working on a new demo and Charlie Benante (drummer from heavy metal band ANTHRAX) is laying down drum tracks on it. But all the songs will still sound very acoustically driven. I guess you can call them pop songs with a twist.

CG: Who are some artists, past or present, that you particularly admire?
KM: ANI DIFRANCO. That woman inspires me so much. My dad introduced me to her when I was a lot younger and took me to one of her shows. I was in awe. Her show was so powerful and her message was so beautiful. She inspires me to be a better musician and a better person. I am also very inspired by Radiohead, Death Cab for Cutie and Arcade Fire. But recently it’s been all about Atmosphere and Aesop Rock.

CG: What inspires your sound and lyrics?
KM: Emotion. Experience. The need to just get it out. I never know what my next song will be about. Sometimes I don’t even know as I’m writing it. Sometimes I have to wait until I’m done writing a song to understand how I feel about something! So I just try to dig my hands into everything and live as fully as I can and the songs come when they want.

CG: What is your favorite part about being a musician?
KM: I love all of it so much. I don’t know what stands out as my favorite. Being a musician is like being in a relationship or being in love. It’s all about passion and dedication. I love the freedom I feel when I’m writing a song. My favorite part is there will always be room left to learn more and create something else.

CG: What are some of your interests outside of music?
KM: I like to read whenever I can. When I’m not writing songs I just like to write in general. It usually always boils down to music though. I think about it all the time. My mother always yells at me and says I need to find a hobby that has absolutely nothing to do with music because I’m going to drive myself crazy one day. I tell her it’s not possible.

CG: How does living in Chicago affect you musically?
KM: I think that there are so many places to go for music and it’s so accessible. When you’re in Chicago music will have its impact on you whether you’re aware of it or not.

CG: Lesbians have a reputation for being extremely supportive of LGBT artists. Have you had a positive response so far from the lesbian community?
KM: Oh absolutely. I have fans of all different backgrounds, ages, genders, etc. But the LGBT community is extremely receptive and welcoming. A show always feels more like a movement than a performance.

CG: Are you planning any tours soon? Where can people find you performing next?
KM: Right now I’ve been working on a new demo and that is taking up a lot of my focus. But in the coming months I plan on doing a lot of shows in the coffee house scene all around Illinois until I can find a full band to accompany me.

CG: Where would you like to take your career next?
KM: I would like to finish the demo I’m working on and shop it around to a bunch of labels. Then I want to get the actual album finished and tour it all over the place!!

To learn more about Kelsey visit her at http://www.myspace.com/kmontanez.

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