Review Fix chats with Kristian Montgomery of the Winterkill Band to find out about his origin in music, new album, Prince of Poverty and more.
Review Fix: How did you get involved in music?
Kristian Montgomery: I wrote my first album while in prison for a crime I didn’t commit. I battled addiction in my youth and suppose I always thought I was more than just the son of a fisherman. I used my talents to pull away from that life but am now back at sea again as if it’s where ima supposed to live out my days I love the sea don’t get me wrong. I appreciate a hard day’s work and have always competed with the children of privilege for a seat at the table. I get ignored in the music scene in Boston perhaps because my music is too emotionally driven by a blue-collar soul amongst the wealthy artists. But I try to keep the chip on my shoulder from showing.
I grew up poor and was in church with my grandmother who had a terrible voice. I had to sing louder than her so no one could hear her. My reverend noticed my voice and asked my family if he could give me lessons. They agreed and he introduced me to the Beatles, Led Zeppelin and more. I taught myself guitar and began performing at local bars at 15.Â
Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?
Montgomery: I love the blues, I write about what’s happened to me, what I’ve been through and how I’ve managed to make it this far.
Review Fix: What inspires you?
Montgomery: My life has been exciting, I have traveled the world on a laborers budget, immersed myself in cultures and have experienced a lot of what life offers. Love, hate, anger, forgiveness it’s all so relevant.
Review Fix: What does music mean to you?
Montgomery: It’s therapy, it’s my voice and most of what I have to offer the world. I’ve struggled to afford to make music so it means a lot more to me than the artists who have it handed to them.
Review Fix: How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you?
Montgomery: We are familiar yet new, a little bit of the past mixed in with the future. A dark country with rock and pop influences with lyrics that I hope are poetic.
Review Fix: How are your live shows different from your studio work?
Montgomery: Right now its all studio, but live shows are always a connection to the audience that I thrive on. Eye contact, seeing the faces and being with my tribe.
Review Fix: What inspired your latest single?
Montgomery: It’s a Appalachian love story, about women that will inspire you or destroy you.
Review Fix: What are your goals for 2021?
Montgomery: To keep recording new albums until I can tour
Review Fix: What’s next?
Montgomery: Hitting the road, telling my story to a larger audience. We are getting good feedback all over the world, reviews, interviews, podcasts and blogs. I’ve never had my music received so well. It’s inspiring.
Leave a Reply