By: James Brown
Remember Operation Iraqi Freedom? It was a time that left a mark on so many people. Montrel is one of them. His experiences, from the military to his time back home, shaped his music in ways that are hard to forget. His newest release, Love That Makes The World Go Round, dives right into what he believes is the most important thing in life: love, plain and simple.
Montrel’s love for music kicked off early. He was just seven when he started singing in church, soaking up inspiration from gospel legends like Daryl Coley. By the time he hit 12, he was writing his songs. But life had some twists for him—like joining the U.S. Army. He sang the National Anthem at ceremonies and performed with military choirs while serving, including during his 2005 deployment to Iraq. In a way, music became his comfort in the middle of everything.
After returning home in 2006, a random introduction to producer Ben Meyers led to the birth of his own private studio. They worked together on Montrel’s debut project, “This Too Shall Pass,” in 2014. But family life soon called him away from the studio, and he paused his music career to focus on raising his son.
Fast forward to 2023, and Montrel’s back in the game, collaborating again with Ben Meyers. This time, he’s trying new things and exploring different genres. Love That Makes The World Go Round, which dropped in late November, has a country vibe—a bit unexpected, but it makes sense when you hear the story behind it.
Photo Courtesy: Montrel
The song was inspired by a powerful moment in Montrel’s life. He remembers seeing a homeless veteran outside a liquor store. It was cold, and the man’s shoes were so worn out that his feet showed through. Montrel offered to buy him a drink or give him some cash, but the man refused both, a moment that hit Montrel hard. “I felt like God was testing my spirit,” he said. That experience turned into the song’s heart, summed up in the line, “Love that makes the world go round, oh yeah, we need a little love.” It’s about how the slightest kindness can make the biggest difference.
Montrel’s never been one to stick to a single style. This year alone, he’s dropped tracks that cover all kinds of ground. In January, he started with “Good Intentions,” a melodic rap song. By May, he switched gears to a dance tune with “Move Your Body,” all easy beats and summer vibes. Then came October’s “Pretty Lady (A Ballad For),” a classic, soulful R&B track. And now, he’s gone country with “Love That Makes The World Go Round.” It’s clear he’s not afraid to mix things up and take chances with his sound.
Photo Courtesy: Montrel
For Montrel, it’s never just about making music—it’s about telling a story that sticks. He wants his songs to be more than just catchy hooks. He wants them to hit home, to make people stop and think, and to feel something real. Whether he’s singing about a veteran or reflecting on life’s ups and downs, the goal is always connection. That’s what keeps him going.
And it’s not just about this one song. Montrel’s a lot in the pipeline, with plans to release more music early next year. He’s also working on a music video for “Love That Makes The World Go Round,” which he’s aiming to drop in the first quarter of 2025. This year has already seen him explore so many styles—four singles, four different vibes—but it’s all part of his journey as an independent artist. He’s out to prove that music doesn’t have to fit into any one box.
Love That Makes The World Go Round is not just a song you’ll listen to once and forget—it’s a song with heart that speaks to the part of us that wants to make the world a bit better, one act of love at a time.
Stream Love That Makes The World Go Round: Music.Apple.com/us/album/Love-That-Makes-The-World-Go-Round-Single/1778726883
Connect with Montrel: instagram.com/iamMontrelOfficial
Published by Jeremy S.
