Meet Alejandro Montoya

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alejandro Montoya.

Alejandro, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born in Bogotá, Colombia, in between mountains and cityscapes. Looking back, my entire life is painted now as a journey of loss and love. Perhaps, that’s where my love for storytelling and music began: as a way to understand that where I come from and what has been part of that journey along the way, has been necessary and has led me here.

When I graduated high school, after years of piano and voice lessons, I came to the conclusion I needed to travel abroad, as I wanted to experience music outside my country. I moved to Boston briefly and after dealing with the hardships of independence I had to come back to Colombia. I enrolled in a Jazz program for two years. I soon understood that even though my country presented a beautiful landscape of particularities, it lacked opportunity and it was limiting my personal choices.

I decided I wanted to live in LA in an almost blind fashion. I knew very little about the city and the amount of opportunities I eventually encountered. I just felt it was right for me to finish my education in a city that was known fundamentally for being artistically free. I’ve been here for three years and I feel I haven’t even discovered what this city has to offer. I’m reaching the end of my Bachelor’s in Music program. I have been part of multiple projects as a lead singer, backup singer, arranger, vocal producer, and session singer in a variety of genres, inside and outside school, which has set the ground for creating the artist I wish to become.

I’ve been incredibly lucky to have crossed paths with the most talented, impressive, and passionate creatives and artists from all around the world. From teachers to friends, to session musicians, to unique strangers; I’m slowly building a career that encompasses my love for storytelling through music, my desire to see the world, and my creative freedom. I’m slowly allowing myself to open up about those stories that come from a mountain in Colombia to the colorful chaos of LA. Stories have a place to unfold here, and I’m making peace with that past that fueled me with the desire to tell them.

Has it been a smooth road?
Like everyone’s lives, mine has been full of ups and downs. Coming to LA was a crossroad in my life, where it felt like choosing between my family or my dreams to pursue music. Growing up, the sense of family felt incredibly important, and for someone moving away, it was hard to go somewhere else. Specifically for me, it was additionally hard because some family members were sick. Leaving them behind was like saying goodbye.

I became a lighthouse for my family amidst all the chaos. All my new musical experiences were hopeful, exciting, and new, for the most part. But I was struggling with grief. I internalized so much, and until very recently I started to understand that I’ve managed to heal with time. I’ve also managed to keep that sense of curiosity through the lessons of losing. Having a choice made me aware of how lucky I am to be living this life. It might not be full of badges, awards, or job titles, but it has been full of lessons from both the good and the bad.

My uncle, my cousin, and some friends are extraordinary examples in this story today. Their journeys extremely complicated – in my eyes short – but lived to the fullest. The desire to know more, to be inquisitive, and to have an open mind, led me to my own questioning and to figuring out my purposes in life.

I just needed to come to terms with my past, accepting myself as I am today, and remembering that there’s still so much yet to see besides what has been. I’m collecting my stories and healing with them.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a musician, singer, songwriter.

I have been meeting people in this city through my love for music with genres ranging from jazz, neo-soul, folk, to pop. Perhaps that’s how I’ve managed to become friends with people from all walks of life. I’ve been persistent in my desire to connect with people that are willing to share stories. That has maintained my storytelling alive as well. In some way, it’s becoming a conversational tool among generations.

I’m known for my particular obsession with vocal harmony and smooth sounds. I find the balance between complexity and simplicity is key in music. Think of a Joni Mitchell, from her folkiest repertoire through her more experimental Charles Mingus state. Or a particularly colorful Chet Baker in a world full of jazz virtuosos that were known for speed rather than intention. In the end, all they shared were stories. Painting poems with the most particular, emotional, and definitive melodies in music.

I think adaptability has been crucial for my musical journey. My ability to listen in an industry that sometimes can be deafening with opinions and criticism has made me aware of some people’s intentions. I love working with people that share that same level of musical empathy. We are here to listen and learn from each other. I can’t take credit for all I’ve built musically. I’ve had the most wonderful, loving, and inspirational teachers along the way.

I specialize in arranging, especially when it comes to vocals. I like to relate what is happening lyrically to the melody that is occurring. Like painting waves with sound. I’ve been hired for my sight-singing abilities to assist teachers and be part of recordings as a session singer. I’ve helped friends to produce their songs vocally, as well as writing the vocal parts for their projects.

I’m currently working on my first EP, along fantastic story-tellers and musicians too, with good opportunities in the horizon for upcoming films, and personal projects. Some of these projects will be under my name, under “moonflower.”, and as collaborations with upcoming artists.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
This city has shown me opportunities like no other. It’s a city fueled with art and stories everywhere. A bit of everything permeating the music scene is a constant in LA. So many cultures converge here. That’s fascinating. I can say I have friends from all continents – like a window to that world I long to travel.

Even though this is a great place for entertainment, it presents obstacles when you’re starting. It’s a competitive environment, where everybody is pushing towards their goals every day. You can get lost in the external easily. Some times is easy to feel like you are behind when you see everybody around you moving. Remembering you are on your own tempo and you are headed toward your goal is key. You learn to be patient here, whether you like it or not. Every loss is a lesson learned and maybe a new story to tell.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @amontoyamusic
• Other: Instagram: @moon.flowermusic

Image Credit:
Vivi Jaramillo

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