Grab the Setlist meets...Montero

Having the chance to chat to Ben Montero before his support slot for Mac Demarco in Bristol, I was eager to get an insight into the artist's approach to both his wonderfully extravagant music and his extensive catalogue of artwork. For those who don't know Montero, his music delivers grand dream-like soundscapes filled with chorus pedals and reverb whilst his artwork celebrated across the alternative music scene provides comic satire on life's mundanities.

   Being one of the final shows of the U.K. tour, the tiredness in the dressing room atmosphere was evident, however that didn't stop them from proceeding to put on a hugely confident show full of energy and excitement from both the band and the crowd.

Playing mostly songs from the upcoming album 'Performer' including already-released psychedelic singles 'Vibrations' and 'Tokin the Night Away', Montero enraptured the crowd in a euphoric cartoon-like state of dreaminess for the duration of their set leaving everyone wanting more. Detailing the challenge of getting up on stage without an instrument to hide behind, Ben expressed a reservation to performing that presented a completely different side to the confident performer seen onstage; one that resonates with the widely relatable sentiments of daily anxieties presented in his artwork.

Continuing to suggest that "Everyone's a performer, you perform all day...its just this exhausting never-ending performance" gave some light on the upcoming album's title, as well as providing a comforting notion of accessibility to the confidence seen on stage, as he explains it all develops a "nervous energy" that can be channelled into everything he does. It became abundantly clear after speaking to Ben Montero just how invested he is in his work, with an overwhelming passion exuding from everything he does. 

   Have a listen to the interview below: