Photo: Frankie Cavone
Kristian Montgomery and the Winterkill Band have been making waves in the Capital Region music scene over the last couple of years. Touring heavily in Upstate, NY and Vermont, the band led by Montgomery himself brings a renegade rock sound that gives you old southern rock feels.
When he’s not touring out with the band, Kristian Montgomery keeps his presence alive with solo performances which is how we met him. Back in 2023 we had the opportunity filming a Mountain Sessions episode with Montgomery and got to know how incredible was immediately. With an upcoming set at Eastbound Throwdown in Salem, NY, we felt it was necessary to talk to him. Read the full interview below:
Mirth Films: How’s your summer season of music been thus far?
Kristian Montgomery: We’ve had a great summer, we played the Bondville concert series and Southern Vermont arts center to a sold out theater. I’ve been performing solo acoustic shows from the Adirondack Winery in Queensbury, NY to the blue cat bistro in Castleton, VT. I’m leaving for Scandinavia on the 14th and coming back just in time for the throwdown
MF: What makes you most excited about playing Eastbound Throwdown?
KM: I love the diversity of the scene here in The Upstate area and I’ve been bugging Greg Bell to be included. He’s a promoter I really respect and I am grateful he put us on this Bill. Most of all I am just as excited to hear the other bands and make some new friends .
MF: How has spending years as a tradesmen influenced your music?
KM: The chip on my shoulder being a fisherman and construction worker where I’ve broken my body and struggled to make art has turned into a deep appreciation to just be here. Art is subjective and mine is.a reflection of the life I’ve lived. I’ve loved and lost and been the savior of misbehavior on occasion but now I write songs to connect to the world instead of separate myself from it. I’m very Grateful to be here and not a floating sack of fish food somewhere in the Atlantic. I’ve made Hemmingway look like a amateur with the life I’ve been blessed to continue.
MF: Whether it’s art or music, you definitely have a love for it. What is your drive?
KM: Ummmm…why are we here? The age old question every generation asks. Here in the states End stage capitalism has taken its toll. Music can still change our chemistry, unite us. and make us one tribe again.
MF: Who are some people outside of the music scene that have shaped your life?
KM: My grandparents, mom and aunt Tricia and especially my wife April. My wife and I have a deep love and attraction.thats. inspired more m songs than I can mention. My kids and more n recently my foster child Trent. He’s 5 and autistic and he’s been an amazing addition to.my family. He’s taught me a lot and is an amazing little soul who wants to be a part of the world.
MF: When playing a live show with the Winterkill band. What do you want concert goers to leave with?
KM: A longing for the feeling of being in a tribe. To leave and remember it, maybe be inspired to do something beautiful and help mankind. I saw the beatniks turn into yuppies, the hippies turned into yuppies and then even those die hard teenage angst Gen X’ers…yuppies. At some point a generation has to rise up and really make a change. John Lennon said all we need is love and I try to live that mantra.
MF: Your album ‘Prophets of the Apocalypse’ has been in the works for some time, how will it differentiate from your last album?
KM: It’s a collaboration, John Clark.(guitar) jake hill (Bass) James Pesler (drums) we have been writing it together. It incorporates the cajun blues igrew up on with the Alternative roots of the other guys and has become A rock album
The premise is that “Prophets of the apocolpse ” is an album about the end. It feels like something is missing i.think.we all feel it. Whether it’s empathy, respect or meaning in life, something feels different and a change is nessesary. Maybe the dream of “One Tribe” is slipping away from us but I still hold on to hope. The record will reflect that.
MF: What is the best way for folks to support your music? Come see us Live!!!!! You can follow our social Media and all but youre not really in the tribe until you do. Our music and songwriting style is lived in so feel free To trash our living room and make some noise.
KM: Who are some of your favorite acts you have gotten to share the stage with? The Lemonheads, DaDa, Sloan, the Afghan whigs. Alice in chains,The neighborhoods and locally Brianna Elain and the boys, Neon avenue, Krishna Guthrie and Rick Reddington
