Life & Work with George Montrelle

In my early years, my sister, brother, and mother all had different kinds of music playing in my environment. For my siblings, it was hip-hop and R&B from the ’80s and ’90s, and from my mother, I recall her playing soul, Oldies, and gospel music. This helped me get really familiar with artists like Rakim, Slick Rick, Dru Hill, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, Diana Ross, and many more.

From my 5th to 9th-grade year, I was involved with the school concert band, where I primarily played trumpet. This accustomed my ear to more music, and it gave me training in understanding theory and how to read music. In somewhat of a contrast, a couple friends showed me the music of Public Enemy, Metallica, and I was introduced to some more Top 40 radio during middle school. I started to expand my listening pallet more as I recognized what others were listening to and talking about in class. Overall, I am thankful for the school band and the exposure to new music from that time, as it made picking up guitar and singing a lot easier in the following years.

After leaving the school band, I began to learn guitar from friends I had met in high school. We would either play songs they wrote for their music projects, popular songs of that time (2006 – 2010), or I would learn the music of the artists I personally favored. Bands like Wolfmother, Metallica, Fall Out Boy, and Paramore were bands that studied and learned to, among various others in that time frame. Joining my friend’s music projects was fun and allowed me to explore guitar even more, and eventually singing. Performing live in their bands and being able to record in studios or at home for demos were great experiences.

Post-high school, I continued in my musical pursuits off-and-on through my first years of college, and I even put the craft down for a while as I changed cities, jobs and eventually found myself moving to Ferndale, Michigan. Then, upon finishing my first degree in 2015 from Oakland Community College Royal Oak, I began to ask myself what I really saw myself doing long-term and what gave me true joy. That was when my spark for music was re-ignited, and music began to become a mainstay in my life again.

Shortly after, a friend had suggested I check out DIME after I graduated from the community college, and eventually ended up studying there, going through their four-year degree program from 2016 – 2020. In this course of work, I saw a great deal while networking, performing, writing music, learning, collaborating, and being immersed in a very musical environment. It was also great getting more familiar with Detroit while going to school in the heart of the city. We were able to have many professional artists and musicians visit the school for Masterclasses, and we had an amazing staff made up of working creatives, producers, songwriters, and other industry professionals. One of my favorite masterclasses was the one featuring Allen Stone, an artist and songwriter from Washington. He performed in Detroit and was interviewed at our school, and it was inspiring, influential, and a pivotal moment for me. The moments spent at DIME helped me solidify that the music industry is a viable career option in many ways, and there’s not a wrong way to do it. I am super thankful for the experience in their Songwriting program, as it gave me tools that I still use to this day, added to the skills I had acquired from my past.

During my attendance at DIME, I was given opportunities to write and perform professionally. Some of these experiences included playing in the DIA for Concert of Colors and performing at the Willis Show Bar in the Cass Corridor in Detroit. Also, I played cafes independently and took much joy in performing some original songs in the Singers In The Round series.

I graduated in May 2020, right after everything shut down regarding COVID. While performing live wasn’t on the table, I participated in some virtual experiences, helping with workshops and performing virtually. I also used the time away from the stage to work on my self-recorded and produced EP, “Love Unfolding,” which came out in 2022. I made the best of a novel situation, like many others from the years of 2020 to 2022. It wasn’t always easy, but on the same token, the “pause” from performing live refreshed the sense of what I valued musically, professionally, and in life.

Today, I have much to be grateful for. Enjoying live performances again and entertaining crowds are a sole focus. It’s been a long road, and I’ve come a long way. I went from playing coffee shops and college events, to performing at the MGM Grand Casino in Detroit – and even singing for wedding receptions with the Bluewater Kings Band. Playing primarily in the city of Detroit, and the Metro Detroit area has been so much fun. I appreciate the journey I am on, and the communities I’m a part of. I’m thankful for the support of friends, family, and other creatives in the industry. They all reinforce the belief I have in myself and remind me to stay dedicated.

All in all, I want to continue to connect people, bring joy, and have fun, meaningful experiences through the music I write and perform. I look forward to the next chapters of my music career. I hope to inspire others who need encouragement – to let them know that you can achieve your dream, no matter if it seems large or small. I get to do what I love and want to share that passion with people every day I can.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There are great moments I’ve had, and continue to pull from, to keep my eyes on the good in life. There, too, have been bumpy parts I have experienced, but I’ve been thankful to have friends and family provide great support, reminding me to keep my head up and focused positively, no matter how challenging the circumstances are. Honestly acknowledging rough situations has been proven to be easier when coming from a loving, compassionate perspective.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am known for performing and singing live; in a solo context, as well as with a live band. I’m a music lover of many kinds, yet usually am singing Pop, Soul, R&B, and favor Alternative Rock and Hip-Hop as well. I am excited to continue expanding my outreach, as well as the number of spaces I perform. Also, I write songs and have original music out independently. My fondness for music has brought me many places, and I think all music has merit that we can learn from. I enjoy the connection we can foster together through music. Uniting over artists, bands, grooves and lyrics are the moments I treasure.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Feel free to visit this landing page: https://www.flow.page/GeorgeMontrelle

There, you can find my email contact, links to my music, my website and social media, my events calendar, and everything else from me as an artist and creative. Thanks in advance – I always appreciate the support, time, and attention when it comes to people checking out my art, even if it’s for a few moments. It’s a true gift.

Collaborative questions, other information, and booking inquiries can be sent via email. I am excited to work and resonate with other creatives and music lovers. Looking forward to it!