Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriel Montoya.
Hi Gabriel, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story starts when I was 11. My father always played guitar around the house and would always talk about when he and his brother would jam together. I never had much interest until the “grunge era” of music really spoke to me. Dad had this beat up classical with a wide neck laying around and one day I decided to pick it up. Pops was delighted that I was curious about sharing his passion for guitar! So he bought me a guitar chord chart and just told me to practice and figure this stuff out.
Guitar was not easy for me. The strings were so high from the neck. My little hands couldn’t hold the notes properly and my form was junk! The early stages were a mixed bag of emotions from pure joy to absolute fustration but I kept seeing how far it would lead me.
I started playing around my friends and I can see the excitement and shock at such a talent that I developed. It fueled me even more to continue on my journey. I would play at talent shows and open mics within school and I started to think that this could be my “thing”.
To this day, I am happy and blessed to be in a position to make an honest living from these talents. I love sharing the enjoyment and experiences that music has to offer! This is my “thing” and I hope one day to share it with you!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The arts can be difficult to make a living. Luckily with new technology and ways to promote yourself it is still possible. I always get asked what my real job is and it can be frustrating at times but I’ve never been so proud of myself for following my dreams.
A big challenge is if I get sick and I’m out a couple of days to heal up. This job unfortunately does not come with health benefits or a 401k. It is with grit and passion that keeps me going!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a local musician in the greater Houston area. I’m mainly a solo act that plays guitar and sing. I am so proud of having able to play music for a living for over 20 years. Having to play all and different types of music has helped me achieve this goal!
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
My link tree is best to support and collaborate!
https://linktr.ee/gabemontoya
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.gabemontoya.com
- Other: https://linktr.ee/gabemontoya
