Today we’d like to introduce you to Leopoldo Montemayor.
Hi Leopoldo, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I dont really come from a special background. None of my parents were musicians or artists. I have been basically teaching myself everything I need to know, with input from my more experienced friends. I always had friends and family who showed me great music and It always stuck with me.
I really didnt start making music until my first year of college. about 21 years old. I had no formal music training but I had always been obsessed with music a little differently than other people.
I got a copy of Logic Pro 9 and started making beats while I finished college. I used to make music and write raps to only show my close friends because I was too embarrassed, then it started to get better and better. I’ve been producing for over 10 years now. DJing about 3 years. It has been kind of a natural fit for me. I know alot of music from different genres, eras, and styles.
Djing at clubs has started fairly recently. A little over 8 months ago, I started doing Open Decks in the Dallas EDM community and that really led to alot more opportunities as a DJ. Meeting cool people and sharing music we like. What more can you ask for.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road.
For a long time i felt like a hamster on a wheel constantly doing something but not getting anything out of it. I had to really spread out more to get more exposure.
Also when you do this for so long, you start to realize how many untrustworthy people still seem to make it.
That can make something really want to give up but I refuse.
Lastly, probably just maintaining confidence in yourself when rejection is so constant.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Music Producer/DJ.
I DJ here in the DFW area as an Open Format DJ. Over ten years making music. I have a vast musical repertoire and I can articulate my taste better than most people.
My taste and passion set me apart from alot of DJs.
Theres alot of cool DJs. I don’t care about being cool, I care about the music and crowd.
I don’t need complicated effects because I’m focused on finding the right song for the moment.
I meet every crowd at their level, never trying to act like I know better then them.
I try to key in on what’s getting them moving at that moment and meet them there before we start our journey.
For production: I specialize in soulful sounds that come with a bounce. I like my drums to feel like someone is playing them rather than them being programmed. Everything I do drum-wise is hip hop inspired. Check out my latest EP called Loki on soundcloud. Im so proud of how it came out.
I love chords and melodies that make you feel real emotions, not just stimulate you. I love to sample but I also know my way around some instruments. A lot of music right now is about raging and going hard which I love, but I’m just trying to help bring a balance.
When I work with artists, Im very straight to the point, but I can always articulate my idea across. Alot of people lack the kind of communication skills you need when brainstorming.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Get out of your house. Yes, make the music and lock in when you need to, but the networking will be get you farther and at a quicker pace.
Being fun to be around is important, especially starting out. Even 9-5 jobs will hire someone they like over someone who might have more technical skills.
Lastly, you are gonna meet some of the fakest people you can ever come across. Let them think they’re the main character, it’s easier. Outwork them.
Kill that entitlement. Barely anyone makes the kind of money you expect, especially earlier in your career.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/third.lion/
- Twitter: https://x.com/3vrdLyon
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thirdlionproducer4392
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/thirdlionproduction
