Exclusive Interview with 5-Piece Band The Montagues

Interviews
Exclusive Interview with 5-Piece Band The Montagues

January 10, 2025/
Chrissie Wood/
Interviews /

In a new and exclusive on Blazing Minds, I chat with The Montagues about gigging, their music and how they have gone from a 4-piece to a 5-piece band.

What was it that led to the band being a 5 piece?

It came down to wanting to evolve and grow our sound. As a 4-piece, we had a strong foundation, but adding Oli brought a fresh dynamic to the band. He’s incredibly talented and brought that extra texture we were looking for, both in terms of songwriting and live performance. It felt natural, like the missing piece finally fit.

Since December 2018, what has been your favourite venue to play so far?

Hands down, Future Yard in Birkenhead. The crowd there was electric, and the venue itself has such a cool, modern vibe. It’s one of those places that feels intimate but still has the energy of something much bigger.

Following on from that question, what is the dream gig/venue?

We’ve all got big dreams when it comes to gigs, but personally, I’d say Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage is the ultimate goal. That’s the kind of place where history gets made. On a more personal level, headlining a local show at Venue Cymru would be an incredible moment for us.

Who have been each of your inspirations for your music?

The band brings a mix of influences to the table—everything from Fleetwood Mac to Queens of the Stone Age, it gives us a wide range of sounds to work with.

I know you’re all geniuses with the songwriting side of the band, but could each of you tell me what your favourite song is of the band’s and why?

Thanks for that! For me, it’s got to be “Breathe” from Verona Act I. That song just hits different every time we play it. It’s raw and emotional, and I think it really captures what The Montagues are about. Plus, hearing how much it resonates with our fans makes it even more special.

You brought your debut EP album 2019, now we have your most recent EP Verona Act I, why was there such a gap between the albums?

A mix of things, really. Life threw us a few curveballs, and then Covid happened, which slowed everything down. That said, I think the gap allowed us to refine our sound and really figure out what we wanted to say with Verona Act I. It’s a more mature EP, and we’re proud of how it turned out.

Now Covid hit hard for everyone, but in particular, the music industry, was there ever a time when you thought you might not do gigs again?

Yeah, it definitely crossed my mind. Watching venues shut down and tours get cancelled was heartbreaking. But we never lost faith completely. As soon as the world started opening back up, we knew we’d be ready to hit the stage again.

Kyle, you kept the fanbase entertained throughout Covid with your own little gigs online and raised money for charity. What was the hardest part of not doing any gigs but going solo online?

Kyle would say that the hardest part was missing that face-to-face connection with the fans. Playing live is such a massive part of what we do, and while he loved doing the online gigs, it’s not the same as sharing that energy in a room full of people.

Your second EP Verona Act I (I absolutely love by the way), these songs really resonate with me. What is your process to writing those songs, and in particular “Breathe,” which I must admit I cried when I first heard the song all the way through?

Thank you—that means so much to us! Our process usually starts with a riff or melody, and we build it together as a band. For “Breathe,” it came from such a personal place, and I think that’s why it resonates so deeply. It’s raw, and honest, and we wanted it to feel like a conversation. Hearing how it connects with people makes all the effort worth it.

There are some tracks that don’t feature on any of your EPs. Will we see them on a future EP?

Absolutely. We’ve got a few tracks we’ve been holding onto, and we’re always writing new material. Some of those songs might make it onto future releases—it’s just a matter of finding the right moment for them.

You’ve done some covers recently, my favourite being Crowded House’s “Don’t Dream It’s Over.” Are there plans for a covers EP?

It’s something we’ve talked about! Covers are a great way to pay tribute to the artists who inspire us and connect with fans in a different way. Right now, we’re focused on original material, but a covers EP isn’t out of the question down the line.

What is coming up for 2025 for The Montagues?

2025 is shaping up to be a huge year. We’ve got plans for a full-length album, some exciting gigs—including a few we can’t announce yet—and maybe even a festival appearance or two. We’re ready to make it our biggest year yet.

And what social media are you on?

We’re on all the major platforms—Instagram, Facebook, Twitter (or X, as it’s called now), and TikTok. You can also stream our music on Spotify, Apple Music, and all the usual places. Just search for The Montagues.