Suggested:
Every once in a while, you come across an artist who doesn't just bend genres but completely reimagines them. That’s exactly what 31-year-old Mark Montanari from New Jersey is doing—building a music career grounded in classical roots while launching himself into uncharted sonic territory.
As a composer, educator, and studio freelancer, Montanari is steadily crafting a multi-dimensional path in modern music, fueled by relentless creativity and real-world inspiration.
BUILDING A "GENRE-FULL" SOUND
While many artists claim to be genre-less, Montanari flips that label on its head, calling his approach “genre-FULL.” His music defies categorization not by ignoring genres, but by mastering many. From cinematic compositions and lo-fi tranquility to dark hip-hop and whimsical children's tunes, his catalog is as vast as it is unpredictable. His latest lo-fi album, Crimson, offers a peaceful escape—sonically subtle yet emotionally charged.
ROOTED IN EXPERIENCE, DRIVEN BY CURIOSITY
Mark's journey began with a tuba in elementary school and led him to study under the legendary Alan Baer of the New York Philharmonic. Years in the classical music world sharpened his technical foundation, but it was during the pandemic that he truly started composing and recording his own material. Influences range from the experimental punch of Death Grips to the harmonic storytelling of Hans Zimmer and Pink Floyd. Even Action Bronson makes the list, praised for his unfiltered delivery and creative boldness.
WORKFLOW OVER PERFECTIONISM
As a music educator, Mark treats his own development with the same structure and discipline he encourages in his students. His songwriting often starts with spontaneous voice memos recorded on the go, later transformed into layered tracks that blend emotion with precision. Most of his work is instrumental, though when lyrics are involved, they mirror his life or serve specific sync-licensing themes. His approach is simple: “Write. Record. Repeat.” Don’t wait for perfection—get it down and refine it later.
LOOKING AHEAD: MUSIC FOR ALL AGES
Now five years into a consistent production routine, Mark is working on several projects— from solo piano compositions and lo-fi records to music intended for animated content and children's programming. Whether it’s through collaborations in the sync space or solo ventures, his focus remains unwavering: finish strong, keep ego out, and always serve the music first.
CONCLUSION
Mark Montanari is building something rare in today’s music landscape—a career that isn't bound by platform trends or streaming stats but driven by sheer curiosity and craftsmanship. For fans and fellow artists alike, his message is clear: allow yourself to learn, grow, and even fail. Just keep creating. And in doing so, you might find your sound —one that’s full of genres, full of emotion, and unmistakably your own.
