Mercury Nashville artist Randy Montana is releasing his debut self-titled album today, July 26. Music is something that has always been a part of the 25-year-old's life, as his father is hit songwriter Billy Montana (Garth Brooks' 'More Than a Memory,' Sara Evans' 'Suds in the Bucket' and Jo Dee Messina's 'Bring on the Rain'). Montana was fortunate enough to surround himself with some of music's very best artists, songwriters and industry folks throughout his life, and the experience under his belt has set the bar high with the release of his own new music.

Of the album's 11 tracks, Montana took part in writing nine, including his current single, '1,000 Faces.' Throughout the process of making the album, Montana was reminded of the feeling he had back in his younger years when he first discovered his love for the art. Taste of Country recently caught up with the hot newcomer to talk about his debut album and his steady rise to stardom.

Talk about the recording process of making your first album. Was it everything you had hoped it would be and more?
It was just a great all around experience. [My producer] Jay [Joyce] was awesome throughout the whole process. For a guy like me, I love the songwriting aspect of it and the singing, but when it really comes to making cool sounds and kind of making that magic happen in the studio, that's what was so great about working with Jay. He is such a music guy when it comes to the notes. He was just great. He's become a great buddy, but I also think of him as one of the most talented musical guys I've ever had the privilege of working with. He really does bring that magic to the studio, and that's what made it so fun recording this album.

Sounds like it was a pretty comfortable atmosphere for you to be in.
It was extremely comfortable. Jay cuts in his basement, and we call it a "home studio," but that's really down playing it. The equipment he's got down there and the stuff he's done to get that certain sound is incredible. He works down there all the time. The cool part about having it in your home is you don't have to schedule studio time. We would be working there late at night sometimes, and that is cool because it takes you back to when I was first in a band and we'd be at a house, being up late ... getting noise complaints from the neighbors and having the cops show up at 12:30 because we were in there playing. So that's what it felt like again making this record. We were down in the basement, you know? It felt like we were just down there, trying to make music. It's like it was when I first fell in love with making music.

What was the biggest thing you learned about yourself through the making of this album?
I really like the aspect of blocking out any outside distractions. I spent a lot of time in the studio, in Jay's basement. I wouldn't just pop in and record a vocal, and then leave. I was there [for] at least 95 percent of what went on. I found out I do like to be there and hear it all, and really be a part of it. It goes back to why it was so much fun to make this album.

Your name is all over this album on the songwriting credits. Obviously your dad is an amazing songwriter in his own right. What is something you've learned from watching him do his craft all these years?
I was always listening. Writing becomes a whole different ballgame from listening to a song to trying to create something on your own or even with somebody else. I honestly feel that my dad is one of the most talented songwriters that I've ever been around, which is funny to say because I've always been around him my whole life. You kind of take it for granted growing up in a house like that, knowing your dad is as talented as he is. Now I've gotten into it myself, I realize just how talented he really is. I can't say I picked up specific things, but I have grasped that work ethic. He worked hard at it, and he instilled that in me. Just like anything you do in life, you should just work hard at it. So that's what I've taken away from him.

You are two singles deep into the album already. Do you have any idea what will be the next release after '1,000 Faces'?
I was thinking about that. I feel that guys who are established really have a lot of pull or say about their singles, but I don't know if I can ever do that, just because I don't know. I love 'Burn These Matches,' 'Last Horse' and 'Assembly Line.' Those are some of my personal favorites. That's just it. I'd be terrible at picking the next single. I'm sure we'll figure it out soon.

What kind of early feedback have you been getting from your fans when you're playing these songs live?
It's been great. 'Assembly Line' always seem to really connect. I feel like it's just because that song is talking about being on an "assembly line." It's about a guy who clocks in every day and goes to work, but it's not just about being on an "assembly line." I can relate it to the music industry ... that's kind of my take on it. Whereas someone else, I think it could apply to someone in an office full of cubicles, just anywhere. That's what's so cool about making music. You know, a guy told me yesterday that every time he hears '1,000 Faces' he thinks of his 2-year-old daughter, because that's the way he looks at her. I never thought about that. I've never once thought about that because I don't have any kids. So it was just really cool to hear someone else's take on the song. That it was so different than mine when I sat down and wrote the song.

Do you have a pretty busy summer ahead of you?
This summer is shaking up to be quite busy. Obviously in the summer we're going to be doing a lot of outdoor festivals. It's cool because when you are writing, you can't wait to actually go out and play them for people, and then when you are out playing the songs, you can't wait to go back and write more! When you are in the studio it's always one thing after another that you are looking for, and it just never gets old.

Watch the Randy Montana '1,000 Faces' Video

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