Today we’d like to introduce you to Montez Garner.
Hi Montez, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m Montez Garner, a bassist, producer, and entrepreneur originally from Town Creek, Alabama. My journey started well before I picked up a bass, literally for as long as i can remember being alive, following my grandfather and his brothers, who formed a gospel quartet called The Garner Brothers around the south east parts of the US performing at various. My dad was the bass player for the group, and at around the age of 13, I picked up a bass and I eventually got my start playing bass guitar with them as well as church and the University of North Alabama gospel choir while in high school, which set the foundation for everything I do today.
In 2009, I chose to leave home to pursue music even deeper. I moved to Orlando,FL to attend Full Sail University, where I earned an Associate’s degree in Recording Arts and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Business. I decided to stay in Orlando for a few more years because I had the opportunity to work with Trae Pierce, a four-time Grammy-winning bassist known for his work with the Ohio Players and Blind Boys of Alabama. That experience sharpened my skills and introduced me to the professional music world.
In 2015, I co-founded G.W. Souther, a four-piece Orlando based Pop/Rock/Soul band aiming to build a global community around our music with smooth songs like “All back, Groupie, Who’d U Love” and many more. Music really starting getting fun. Over the years, I have expanded my work beyond performing. I now record instrumentation for feature films and TV while collaborating with Austin-based artists such as Sir Woman, Wild Child, and Sketch.Band—all while deepening my skills on the bass guitar and songwriting.
Music has always been my passion, but I’ve also had to think about longevity in the industry. That led me to expand my brand, launching Montez G Music LLC, where I offer services such as music production, bass lessons, consultations, playback rig builds and engineering for touring artists, as well as event bookings for the artist Montez G.
During Covid, i felt the urge to make a change. Now based in Texas, I’m focused on leveling up my career as both a solo artist (Montez G) and with G.W. Souther, as well as any artists that i give my “Yes” to while continuing to explore new creative and entrepreneurial paths. I appreciate Voyage Magazine for the opportunity to share my story!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not. It’s been an interesting journey, to say the least. One of the biggest challenges came in 2021 when I decided to leave Orlando and move to Dallas. My goal wasn’t to leave my band, G.W. Souther, but rather to bring them with me and explore new opportunities. That transition forced me to truly understand that before you can lead, you have to listen, learn, and be still.
One of the biggest struggles I faced was emotional uncertainty. I constantly questioned myself—Did I make the right decision leaving Orlando? What do I really want out of my career? Those thoughts can eat away at you daily until you reach a point where you have to make a decision and commit to it. Growth comes from those tough moments, and I’ve learned that clarity only comes through action.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a bassist first. It’s the foundation of why I am the person I am as it pertains to this career of mine. I’m an artist, producer of art, songwriter, and entrepreneur, and my work spans multiple areas of the music industry. I specialize in live performance, studio recording, music production, and playback rig engineering for touring artists. I also provide bass lessons, consultations, and event bookings under my company, Montez G Music LLC.
All in all, I’m best known for my versatility as a bassist—whether it’s playing in bands, recording for feature films and TV, or working with various artists with my peers. Beyond that, I’ve continued to develop a strong understanding of the business side of music, which allows me to not only perform but also create opportunities for myself and others.
One of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to pivot and keep pushing forward. I’ve had to navigate the industry on my own terms, making bold moves—like leaving Orlando to build a new foundation in Texas—while continuously growing as a musician and entrepreneur.
What sets me apart is my willingness to evolve. I don’t just stick to one lane. I take the time to learn, adapt, and apply my skills across different areas, whether it’s building a playback rig for an artist, recording instrumentation for TV and film, performing solo or with a band, or mentoring up-and-coming musicians. I also pride myself on my work ethic, ability to connect with people, and understanding of both the creative and technical sides of the industry.
At the end of the day, I’m just a guy who loves music, loves creating, and wants to build something lasting—not just for myself, but for those around me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I think luck plays a role to a degree, but more than anything, it’s about preparation meeting opportunity. I’ve definitely had some moments where things just aligned—whether it was being in the right room, meeting the right person, or getting a call at the perfect time. But those “lucky” moments only mattered because I had put in the work beforehand to be ready.
On the flip side, I’ve also faced what felt like bad luck—things falling through, opportunities slipping away, or seasons where nothing seemed to be moving. But looking back, those moments forced me to dig deeper, grow, and develop skills I didn’t even know I’d need later.
So I’d say luck might open the door, but discipline, consistency, and faith are what keep you in the room. You can’t control timing, but you can control how prepared you are when your number is called.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.montezgarner.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mrtezzhimself
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrtezzhimself
- Twitter: https://x.com/mrtezzhimself
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/mrtezzhimself
- Other: https://www.gwsouther.com
Image Credits
Cam G Productions
Roho Foto
