Meet Vinny Montague

We recently connected with Vinny Montague and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Vinny, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Throughout my life, my family and friends have always allowed me to express myself without any judgment. They have always offered constructive criticism whenever needed, helping me learn and grow from it instead of belittling me. Even at a young age, my Mum allowed me to shop in the “girl” section when I asked for it, never batting an eyelash. This support has continued to this day, where I am still encouraged to be myself, even if my choices are different from others. Growing up in the theatre has also helped me a lot. I have always been surrounded by open-minded people who are not afraid to be bold and express themselves. Having a safe space to be yourself is always helpful.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I wasn’t able to do theatre anymore. So, I turned to making music to cope with the stress of 2020. Once again, I was met with encouragement and constructive feedback. Embarking on something new and creative became a fun journey that I was happy to share with others. My confidence comes from knowing I have people around me who will always lift me up and not tear me down. It gives me the freedom and ability to share my music with the world. Even if it reaches only one person, I consider myself successful!

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I think for me, writing music is such a unique journey because it’s different every time. The process never happens the same way, and I learn something every time I write. Sometimes I reflect on things happening around me in the world, other times, I may reflect on something happening in my life. Either way, my writing is very organic and from the heart.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
This may sound cliche, but I say this all the time–be true to who you are and never change yourself to suit the world around you. You will find your people by being yourself. Secondly, follow your passion and your joy, which I think a lot of people forget. If you’re doing something that brings you happiness, you will feel more creative and inspired. Lastly, as far as knowledge, I have been fortunate to be surrounded by talented people my whole life. My family is musical, my theatre experience exposed me to a countless number of talented people, and now, I have the privilege of being part of the best music program in the nation–the Atlanta Music Project (AMP), co-founded by Aisha Moody and Dantes Rameau. The experience I am gaining from this group is immeasurable and I know how lucky I am to be a part of it. I am under the private instruction of Mr. Keeyen Martin who is top in his field and nurtures my love for performing, and I sing in the choir under the direction of Dr. B.E. Boykin who is a phenomenal director and writer.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents are both musical and they have surrounded me with music in one form or another since birth! I started singing in my Mum’s choir when I was 3 years old, and I started playing piano when I was 4. They drive me to rehearsals, listen to my first drafts, and give me feedback, but above all else, they encourage my love for music. When I used to play soccer, I would cry, even as I was scoring a goal. My parents listened to me and didn’t force me to keep playing after the end of the season. I turned to theatre and music at that time and they have been my biggest supporters.

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Image Credits
Araminta Jewell

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