Today we’d like to introduce you to George Montrelle.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hi, my name is George Montrelle, and I am a Pop driven singer-songwriter from Detroit. I use colors of R&B and Soul, edges of Rock, and touches of Hip-Hop in my creative songs and cover renditions.
Originally, things began in my room as a teen in high school (2009), where I first picked up guitar, singing, and songwriting. As my cathartic outlet progressed, I developed my talents and eventually found the Detroit Institute of Music Education (DIME Detroit).
While studying for my Bachelor’s in Commercial Songwriting (grad. 2020), I was awarded work placement via the school office doing cover gigs, due to academic talent and achievements.
Since then, I have committed to performing as cover entertainment across Detroit and the Metro Area, and I engineer most of my original music independently.
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Personally, I like to think channel the spirit of Motown, as I am guided by the tones of Stevie Wonder, Allen Stone, and Hiatus Kaiyote. I try to keep an uplifting and honest outlook, with a passion for love and life, to create my styles displayed in Love Unfolding, my self-produced debut EP.
I’ve been told my solo performances highlight soulful vocal melodies and lyrics, with resonance on my acoustic guitar. I usually perform as a solo act, and I also perform with his own 2-to-4-piece band.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve been bullied, ridiculed, and had a hard time adjusting to being an only person-of-color in the Suburbs. Through my life, my mother has really been supportive, and my father, equally as supportive with where I’ve been and how far I have come.
I have other had important people in my life come and go, but overall, you learn to cherish what you have at any given moment, for things can change in a moments notice.
It takes a lot to be a musician in any form of the industry. Hardships in the ending of various relationships of different kinds, and other life events told me: to view/act with what you have and what you desire, not what you think you lack.
You’ll find “gold” much more often, and decide what different choices you’ll make, to get to a different circumstance of your choosing.
Gratitude isn’t always the first impulse but I trust it’s a choice I can eventually choose.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I really enjoy the diverse background I have experienced with songwriting, original bands, solo work, and various teaching and recording opportunities; like sharing skills with youth programs in Detroit, and recording/composing for an audiobook. I can read music, tablature, speak the languages, and play by ear as well. And in collaborative settings, I like to think I am a team player. It’s about the song, not always the artist or just the pieces of the puzzle alone.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
It’s always okay to feel your feelings, even if you feel like giving up. But remember to keep going… you don’t have to act on those hard feelings. Also: Authentically be yourself, and learn to love yourself, as well as what your talents and gifts are. That’s where it starts. Though simplistic, it’s not always the easiest to understand or the clearest path to actualize it.
Pricing:
- Private Event Bookings ($250+/hour)
- Guitar/Vocal Lessons ($60/hour, per individual)
- Recording Engineering/Demoing ($60/hour)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.georgemontrelle.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/georgemontrelle
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/georgeMontrellemusic
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@georgemontrelle?si=1PZrSsrGbzzQQAV7
- soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/IgswuWinrRHwCmubZf
- Other: www.flowcode.com/page/GeorgeMontrelle
