Montana Sharp, a connoisseur of art-pop, has recently released a new emphatic track called "Something Wicked", which is even edgier than her innovative debut EP "Blood Moon" from 2022. With this new offering, Montana Sharp continues to demonstrate her ever-growing powerhouse status. The accompanying music video for "Something Wicked" puts a modern spin on the symbolism of wickedness and villainy, while the track itself is a tempting blend of empowerment and soulful desires.
(STM) Tell us about your new single Something Wicked?
(Sharp)) Something Wicked is about the fear that you are innately bad, and that sooner or later, people are going to figure it out - a fear we all share to some degree. It was a departure for my songwriting after only writing about ‘pretty’ things with very pretty words and metaphors. I also recorded the song whilst super sick with the flu, and somehow that helped me tap into some really edgy vocals that I didn’t know I had to be honest!
What’s the creative process like for you?
The best songs I’ve written are when I’m at the piano and music and lyrics are occurring simultaneously. Usually, I’ll stumble upon a piano motif that grabs me and the lyrics will follow in a sort of meditative automatic writing way. However, I’m not at the piano 24 hours a day and there’s a lot of times that an idea will come to me at inopportune times; at a gig, cooking dinner, and often - ON THE LOO! So, I’ll open my notes app on my phone and jot it down while it’s still there. I will be honest and say that sometimes I’ve had lyrics or music ideas come to me in a dream!
If you could change something about the music industry what would change?
The idea that women can only become successful in their late teens or early twenties, and then we’re no longer viable in the music industry. It’s probably worse overseas than it is here, but as someone who’s just turned 26, this is something that really plagues me and adds unnecessary pressure. It’s a little ironic really, because I’m so much more capable and confident than I was when I was younger. I do think that this is something that IS changing, slowly, but I find it astounding that we’re expected to reach success in a period as messy and confusing as the early 20s.
What do you think life would be like for you if you didn’t have music/visual art as an outlet?
Really really really boring. And depressing. I don’t know what I would do with myself if I didn’t have an outlet to turn something tragic or difficult into something artful. Maybe I’d get really into slam poetry. Maybe I’d write a book. Maybe I’d become a full-time activist. Hmmm…. I’ve changed my mind. It can be fruitful to ponder who I’d be if I wasn’t doing this. It’s important and healthy to remember that we are NOT our craft.
Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with?
Diplomatic answer but there’s no one I WOULDN’T collaborate with. I hold the belief there’s something to learn and gain from everyone, no matter background, skill, or genre. Something I’d really like to do is collaborate with a fashion label for a show. Fashion is very important to me - my favourite thing to do in the whole world is not to play music, but to play dress up!
What’s your advice to young people who want to make a career for themselves in the industry ?
Do it for yourself.
What’s your favourite song to perform?
My favourite song of mine is Greenhouse (my first release). I usually play it with my full band and string trio, and it sounds super cinematic and orchestral. To me, Greenhouse is more than a song, it’s like me creating my own atmosphere. My favourite song to perform that ISN’T mine is Uninvited by Alanis Morrisette.
Got any secret hobbies that we might be surprised by?
I like to read Twilight fanfiction. No, I will not be delving into this further.