As 2023 came to a close, one thing was undeniable: Tim Montana’s debut rock track, “Devil You Know,” was among the year’s standout songs. “It’s been amazing, man,” Montana shared with Chuck Armstrong on Loudwire Nights. “I’ve burned every pair of cowboy boots I have. It’s been so awesome to get accepted by this community.”
Montana is no stranger to musical acclaim. For nearly two decades, he has been a fixture in Nashville’s songwriting circles, collaborating with artists like Travis Tritt and Kid Rock. He has also released several records, starting with 2008’s “Iron Horse.” However, “Devil You Know” marked his first significant foray into rock and roll.
Now, Montana is gearing up for the release of his debut rock album, “Savage,” produced by Micah Wilshire and mixed by Josh Wilbur. He is also touring with bands like Seether and Staind and performing at festivals such as Welcome to Rockville. “The creative freedom in this genre is so much more than it was over there,” Montana said, comparing rock to country music. “There, you had to write songs about certain things. Over here, it’s like you can put a rock album on, and it’s just so broad. I’m excited for the creative freedom to do this stuff and write the songs I want to write.”
Montana was quick to clarify that he wasn’t complaining about his country music experiences. “I went to the School of Lyrics and Melody with those dudes, and I’m very grateful for that time. And now that the door is open with rock, I’m hoping I can plug in my version of what I’ve learned over the years writing with these absolute poets and bring that to the rock space.”
For fans who follow Montana on social media, it’s evident that he prefers to stay busy. When he’s not focused on his music, he’s working on the bar he bought with ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, the Wise River Club. “It’s a really cool old Western spot on the Big Hole River,” Montana explained. Their partnership in running the Wise River Club is more than just business. “We’re working on it like crazy…plugging in a music program [and] we’re planning on doing a festival there at some point.”
The Wise River Club holds a personal connection for Montana, who grew up near Butte, Mont. He frequented the bar as a kid and used to fish nearby with his uncle. “Evel Knievel used to get drunk there and try to ride the pet elk at the bar,” he said, laughing. “Some guy came down and brought me a sign that Evel signed for the bar years ago that said, ‘To all the gang at the Wise River Club’ … and we’re finding old photos from the early 1900s. Having Billy involved, he’s setting up all kinds of cool rock and roll memorabilia. There are posters everywhere.”
Somewhere near that point in the conversation, Gibbons crashed Loudwire Nights, cracking a joke as he asked Montana and Chuck to help him shovel some snow outside the bar. With a huge smile on his face, Montana told Chuck, “It’s a lot of work. Rock and roll never sleeps.”
Montana also teased fans with a lyric from one of his new songs: “I could be the dad I never had or wind up dead like my old man.” He discussed why music, specifically rock music, is therapeutic for him and why he often gets in trouble at country festivals. “We’re always the rowdiest dudes at anything country.”
Tim Montana’s new album, “Savage,” is set to release on July 12th via BMG Nashville. The album features ’90s-influenced riffs and a spirit that Montana deems freer than his previous releases. “‘Savage’ is a window into my world and what I was inspired by over the course of writing and recording this album,” Montana shared. “If there is a keystone or a decoder ring to the themes of these songs, ‘Savage’ is it. It’s best enjoyed extremely loud.”
Montana has been endorsed by Dave Grohl and ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons and had his anthems used by the MLB and NHL. In 2023, his song “Devil You Know” surged onto Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay and Rock & Alternative Airplay charts. In its wake, iHeartRadio touted him as an “On The Verge Artist,” and he soon found himself booked for tours with Staind, Seether, Saint Asonia, Bush, and Jerry Cantrell of Alice In Chains.
The “Savage” tracklist includes:
1. “Devil You Know”
2. “Savage”
3. “Ashes”
4. “Die Today”
5. “Shut Me Out”
6. “Right Again”
7. “Get You Some”
8. “Death Row”
9. “Ain’t Comin’ Down”
10. “Lovely”
11. “Day By Day”
Montana’s journey from country to rock has been a testament to his versatility and passion for music. “This has been stuff that’s always been in me,” he admitted about the music on “Savage.” “I’ve been wanting to express it and get it out. Thanks to you guys [in the rock world], I finally have a lane to do so — and I think this is just the tip of the iceberg.”
He is excited for the continued freedom he feels writing and making rock music. “I don’t have to have country music people look at me like I’m an alien,” he said. “We got a lot more coming, man — a lot on the horizon.”
Montana also expressed his excitement about touring with Bush and Jerry Cantrell. “That’s bucket list. I’ve been listening to those guys since I was a kid.” He still feels compelled to write songs about his childhood experiences, hoping to inspire kids in less-than-ideal situations.
With the release of “Savage,” Tim Montana is poised to make a significant impact on the rock music scene. His journey from Nashville’s country songwriting rooms to the rock stage is a testament to his talent, versatility, and relentless drive.
Source: Loudwire, MusicRow, WMMR
