More Than a Band: Montclair on Music, Mental Health, and the Family They've Built

For some musicians, being in a band is about the music. For others, it becomes something much bigger—a support system, a source of healing, and a family built through shared experiences.

For Montclair, it's all of those things.

During Weekend Two of the 2026 Austin City Limits Music Festival, I had the opportunity to sit down with the band to talk about their journey, their connection to one another, and something that often gets overlooked in the music industry: mental health.

Our conversation took place on October 10, World Mental Health Day, a day that holds personal significance for me as a military veteran, mental health advocate, and founder of AWRCL Media.

What began as a conversation about music quickly became something deeper.

A Band Born During Uncertainty

Montclair's story began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when two friends from Magnolia, Texas, found themselves searching for something hopeful.

While attending Texas A&M University, they began writing music together. What started as a creative outlet gradually evolved into a full band as other musicians joined the group.

But according to the members, what truly defines Montclair isn't just how the band came together.

It's what they've experienced together.

From the challenges of early adulthood to navigating their own individual struggles, the members have found consistency in their music and in one another.

They describe their relationship as something resembling family—not necessarily through blood, but through trust, resilience, and shared experiences.

That bond is something they believe audiences can feel during their performances.

And after hearing them talk about their journey, it's easy to understand why.

Music Can Reach Places That Words Cannot

One of the most meaningful moments of our conversation came when I asked a question that reflects the heart of AWRCL Media's mission:

What can music give people emotionally that ordinary conversations sometimes cannot?

One of Montclair's members shared that he is also a clinical social worker and therapist, offering a professional perspective on the relationship between music and mental health.

He discussed the ways rhythm, sound, and music can engage different parts of the brain and connect individuals with their emotions.

Music, he explained, can be uplifting, comforting, and even a way to experience difficult feelings.

It's something we experience individually when listening to a favorite song, but also collectively when surrounded by thousands of people at a festival like ACL.

That perspective resonated deeply with me.

As someone who has spoken openly about PTSD, anxiety, depression, and the challenges of navigating mental health, I understand how difficult it can sometimes be to express what we're feeling.

Sometimes a conversation isn't enough.

Sometimes the right song can say what we haven't yet found the words to express.

When a Song Carries Its Own Story

Another band member brought up Montclair's song “Hey Victoria,” describing the emotional connection behind its creation.

During the recording process, he was personally navigating a difficult period in his life.

Those emotions became part of the song's story.

When the band performed it at ACL, he felt that the audience connected with it.

For Montclair, that emotional exchange is part of the purpose of making music.

They want listeners to feel something, to connect with the honesty behind the songs, and to find a space where they can bring their own experiences.

That's what makes live music so powerful.

The artist may be telling one story, but the person listening could be hearing something that speaks directly to their own life.

Protecting the Joy Behind the Music

Being a musician today involves much more than writing songs and performing.

There's social media, promotion, booking, business decisions, public expectations, and the constant pressure to remain visible.

I asked Montclair how they protect the joy of making music while navigating those responsibilities.

Their answer centered on two important things: support and grace.

As the band has grown, they have been fortunate to have people step in to help manage some of the business responsibilities, allowing the musicians to focus more on their creativity.

But before that support existed, the members divided those responsibilities among themselves.

They shared the workload of social media, emails, and booking while still managing everything happening in their personal lives.

Rather than allowing missed deadlines or frustrations to damage their relationships, they learned to give one another grace.

They recognized that life happens.

Someone might miss a posting deadline. Someone might be struggling personally. Someone might simply be overwhelmed.

And instead of allowing that moment to define the relationship, they chose understanding.

That is what stood out to me.

In an industry that often celebrates constant productivity, Montclair recognizes the importance of protecting the people behind the music.

Their approach is a reminder that compassion and accountability can coexist—and that maintaining healthy relationships is just as important as achieving professional success.

A Message for Anyone Struggling Silently

As with my other ACL interviews, I wanted to end our conversation with a question that went beyond the stage.

If you could leave one message for someone struggling silently right now, what would you want them to hear?

Montclair's response emphasized the importance of recognizing that help exists, even when asking for it feels difficult.

They acknowledged that sometimes the greatest obstacle is taking that first step—overcoming the hesitation, fear, or uncertainty that can come with reaching out.

The band also highlighted the importance of resources within communities, including organizations that support musicians and veterans.

Their message was simple but meaningful:

You don't have to figure everything out alone. Start by asking where you can find help.

It's a message that deserves to be heard far beyond a music festival.

More Than Music: The AWRCL Media Perspective

What I appreciated most about my time with Montclair wasn't simply their enthusiasm for their music.

It was their willingness to discuss the experiences and emotions behind it.

They spoke about struggles, support systems, creative pressure, the importance of community, and the power of asking for help.

They didn't approach mental health as something separate from their music.

Instead, it was woven into the very relationships that make their band what it is today.

When I launched AWRCL Media under A Wild Ride Called Life, I made a commitment that this would not be just another media company.

I wanted to create space for conversations that go beyond performances, album releases, and the spotlight.

I wanted to learn about the people behind the music.

And I wanted to continue breaking the stigma surrounding mental health by giving artists the opportunity to share their experiences in an authentic way.

Montclair reminded me why those conversations matter.

Because sometimes, behind the music we love, there are stories of resilience, friendship, compassion, and hope that deserve to be heard.

Montclair may have come together to make music, but somewhere along the way, they built a family.

And that connection may be one of the most meaningful things they bring to the stage.