We had the good fortune of connecting with Jay Montoya and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jay, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
I think just surrounding myself with positive people and friends and family, motivates me to keep going. I don’t ever plan on giving up anything. Sometimes, we come across situations that bring us to our lowest but its important to not let any negativity get to our head and always that we can overcomb anything that tries to hurt us. Its possible to achieve and these obstacles eventually make us stronger and better prepared for the future. I always keep trying to succeed and even if I fail or mess up at something, just think of it as a learning experience. Its all about having the right perspective.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Well I started playing music almost 10 years ago which is crazy to believe. I started out when I got really into 50s rockabilly and watching an Elvis Tribute Act which inspired me to start learning guitar. From then I gained an interest in KISS and Gene Simmons motivated me to begin playing bass. From then on Bass has led me to meeting lots of great people who are now my friends and other talented musicians in which I have the pleasure of rocking and rolling with!

It was definitely not an easy journey. It takes lots of patience and time and effort to really sound good on any instrument. Sometimes I would doubt myself and question if music was the right thing for me to do. But eventually you meet people who help you see your potential. In Metal its been a little easier because metal music is still around and thats helped me get more gigs with bass compared to revamping 50s rock.

A lesson ive learned is to just have patience. Sometimes it can be very frustrating to want to reach that goal quickly but it takes time and in the end its worth it. Ive also learned to always have fun in anything I do whether its going to work, making music, or Graphic Design. You always gotta put a positive vibe because you never know, it might make someones day better when they see you smile or just having a fun time on stage and you acknowledge them there. With Graphic Design, it can sometimes be a challenge because theres so many possibilities that can be created sometimes and its hard to choose just 1 design out of 20 that I’ve made for one logo or one poster. But always be positive!

I would want to the world to know that challenges are good. I’ve dealt with some diffocult situations within the past year and I’ve learned that its important to stay positive. Staying busy with juggling work and music helped ease my mind. It might seem impossible or hard to believe to overcomb something thats brought you down in the gutter, but know that it gets better and these challenges happen to make you stronger and better prepared for the future. Surround yourself with good people. It is important to focus in yourself and do whats best for yourself to help you achieve in life. Things take time and it will all come when its the right time for it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh man, well I dont drink or any of that but as a heavy metal fan, going to the Whisky A Go Go to catch a show and then hang at the Rainbow out in Hollywood is really fun. Lots of history to see in those places. I love going to concerts. Besides that, visiting theme parks is cool and fun as well. Very tourist thing to do. One of my favorite Restaurants in Rock n Brews and I love going there any chance I get. Im sure theres some other cool things to do here in LA but these are some of my favorites since im not very into “partying”.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Theres so many to choose from but I would say all my friends that I perform music with, especially my buddy and mentor Giancarlo who has ontroduced me and brought me along some cool performances. Also my bandmates in STRYKE who are great group of guys. As well as my friends from work who are super great to be around and im grateful to know then. Most importantly, my family for supporting my crazy journey in music. And to God as well because Im thankful he led me to be involved with the music scene and all the amazing people I’ve met.

Website: https://jmgrafixbiz.wixsite.com/jmgrafix/portfolio?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAb21jcAPuaEBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81NjcwNjczNDMzNTI0MjcAAafY7onr9S5k6uj4WojNx31gQU2wtASqfjdxWMmQKI5nCxuxK69HtK6IOWUe-A_aem_Eaxmcx4_UtDpoCADQIaLMw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jay.montoya.rocks?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jay.montoya.146?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Image Credits
Enrique Sanchez
Gus Mejia

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