Words by Carol Wright |Photos courtesy of MLJ Management
We got to chat with Montana about growing up in a creative household, her song “Let me in”, and the social media talk show she started during quarantine.
You sing, write, and act. Is creativity highly encouraged in your household?
Yes, definitely. My parents encourage my brothers and I to always try new things and to always expand on what interests us the most.
What is your songwriting process?
My songwriting process usually begins with me making small tunes and verses that I record on my phone, sometimes I get inspiration from book titles, things around me, my perspective of the World and events happening in the World, or things that happen in my life. Sometimes I co-write a song with my mom. Afterwards, I went over my lyrics with Dylan Emmet, he mixed and mastered my three originals.
Tell us about your song “Let Me In”. What inspired the lyrics?
The song can be found on all music platforms, as well as a music video and lyric video on VEVO. The music video for, Let Me In, starred actor Maximus Virgili, who played opposite my character. The inspiration for the song and lyrics for, Let Me In, actually came from someone very special in my life and a previous “almost” relationship experience. Some inspiration came from my brother, his name is Arizona, he’s autistic. He was the one that truly inspired me to write the song. During Arizona’s early years, the most difficult challenge for my family was identifying what he wanted, his needs, and assisting him in expressing his needs. For example, Arizona’s face might show that he’s happy, but he may be sad inside. My song asks Arizona to let me into his world and not to be afraid. The second story is shown in the music video about a boy that I liked who ended the “almost” relationship way too soon and never told me why. I created a scenario around why he walked away from our relationship without telling me a reason.
My music video shows that my “almost” boyfriend had an abusive father that drank a bit too much and the parents always got into fights. I try to tell the boy that he doesn’t have to hide his feelings from me, he can open up to me and not be afraid to show me his pain, because I care about him and I am there for him. I feel that many people that listen to my music can relate with their own stories and they should not be afraid to open up to the people who are trying to help them. I also currently have a second music video called Ask Me Why Cry, the music can be found on all music platforms, as well as a lyric and music video on VEVO. My third single is called Reckless, which the music can also be found on all music platforms, as well as, a lyric video on VEVO and the music video will be released May 2020, starring TikToker Anthony Perlongo, who will be playing opposite my character in the music video. But also keep a look out for my fourth single coming out very soon!
Do you hope to write more plays and scripts as your acting career progresses?
As of right now, I think I want to continue being an actress, but further down the road, I would definitely like to pick up again with writing more plays and scripts for different projects and hopefully making my own movie or TV Series.
During quarantine, you’ve been conducting live streams with special guests. Why did you want to start this series?
Yes, a couple weeks ago I started a Livestream Series. Twice a week (Tuesdays & Thursdays @ 12:00PM PST & 3:00PM EST), where I feature one special guest each day! It lasts between 30 minutes to an hour, sometimes 2 hours. I will interview my guests, fans will have the opportunity to ask questions, and there will be performances from special guests that are rappers, dancers, singers, etc. My special guests will include TikTokers, Singers, Rappers, Actors, Movie Directors, models, Dancers, etc. I wanted to start this series because a lot of people are at home right now and don’t have anything to do due to the coronavirus and the livestream gives fans and viewers the opportunity to interact, as well as, learn new things, such as, how to become an actor on Disney Channel or Nickelodeon, how to apply make-up correctly, how to become a singer and nail riffs, etc.. After the livestream, the interview is posted on my YouTube Channel and my IGTV.
What advice do you have for aspiring singers?
I would definitely say to take lessons, always practice, and to take opportunities that come your way because they may only come once. When I was younger I was bullied a lot for having a passion for the performing arts and music, but you have to rise past that and overcome it. If you want to become a singer, then go for it! If you can’t afford lessons, find another way. YouTube is great for learning from as well and it’s FREE.
Follow Montana on Social Media:
Official Website – https://www.montanajacobowitz.com/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/montanajacobowitz/
VEVO Music Channel – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrQWiaem1dP-6rZu5R_Uu3A
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtebzRAhr1myxU7PWzk303g
FaceBook – https://www.facebook.com/IAmMontanaJ/
SnapChat: https://www.snapchat.com/add/little1cutie
Twitter – https://twitter.com/IAmMontanaJ
TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@iammontanaj