We recently connected with MJ Montgomery and have shared our conversation below.

MJ , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

I’m looking to create sounds that evoke real emotion and feelings from people. I feel like music is an unwritten language, and it can and should reach and resonate with every listener deeply, but nowadays there’s a major lack of authenticity. I want to be remembered for having music that is transparent and authentic to me, remembered for making something real that made people “feel” .

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Getting into music for me personally stemmed from a genuine interest and major exposure at an early age. I was raised playing the cello in all state orchestras, a self taught pianist and guitarist, and a creator of all sorts. As I grew older and more extensive in knowledge, of course my skill set and range of musical expertise increased, allowing me to start mixing, mastering and producing not only my own tracks, but those of other talented individuals. Since then it’s been a continuous snowball effect through consistency, refusing to be complacent, and networking at all times.

Since immersing myself in music, I am of course proud of the material accolades, the following increases, the streams and recognition from some pretty big names, etc. But, what I’m MOST proud of is being able to be myself in my music and have the fulfillment of conveying so many thoughts and emotions through sound, and having it hit close to home with so many others. I love that.

That trueness to myself is also beneficial in the sense that it allows separation from myself and others in the music industry. Entertainment as a whole is very trendy and biased, and my steadfastness in who I am and boldness of making that a focal point of my music creates much needed space from those who make music just to sound good.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My going in/coming out of the hospital in 2022/2023 is the embodiment of resilience to me. After being in a coma and having to regain life, music was the last thing on my mind. I remember having a trach tube inserted through a drilled hole in my throat to breathe for me for 3+ weeks, and then having to watch those wounds heal in real time. Learning to speak, breathe on my own labor, and then proceed to find the strength to sing and articulate myself rhythmically just shows how much this stuff means to me, and how bad I want to continue doing what I love.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

A much needed pivot in my own life was letting go of who everyone perceived me to be, and embracing who I had always known myself to be. Growing up I was an athlete, and I let that title mold my identity. My musical ear was suppressed due to embarrassment, I didn’t want to be associated with the “band kids” at that time. But with gained understanding and growth within myself, I made the pivot to let go of all outside noise/influence, and focus on finding the version of me I knew I should and could’ve been based off of my own true passions and talents

Contact Info:

• Website: https://music.apple.com/us/album/project-brb/1716068892
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brbmj?igsh=N3hqbXhudWd5d2ty&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@BRBMJ?si=j5ukJq_Nlu9JrLh_

Image Credits
Miles Montgomery