Montecruz Music

Tag: inspirational stories

  • Q&A: My Favorite Hobby & Pastime

    Q&A: My Favorite Hobby & Pastime

    What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

    One of my favorite hobbies is writing. I’ve always enjoyed creating songs and stories in my free time. I’ve always seen writing as a way for me to travel to another world as a different person or character. It helps me step outside my comfort zone and change my scenery a bit, even if I’m just sitting in my studio. I even keep a couple of ink pens and fancy notepads that I would use specifically for my creative writing.

    Another pastime I really enjoy is trying out different restaurants with my family. I love discovering new types of cuisines and finding those hidden gems that I want to keep returning to. If I hadn’t chosen the path I’m on now, I probably would’ve become a chef. It was something that I studied for in school and truly enjoyed.

  • September 2025 Featured Song: One More Time by T.Rafe

    September 2025 Featured Song: One More Time by T.Rafe

    Montecruz Music’s Featured Song of the Month

    A song lived. A story felt. A voice that stays, long after the last note. And the award goes to…drumroll please…

    September 2025: One more time: T.Rafe

    Behind the Song

    One more time has held a special place at the top of my playlist, Indie Songs You Need to Hear, for one simple reason; it’s a stunningly beautiful track. While it may not have the big-budget polish of mainstream hits, it shines in ways that matter far more. The writing is exceptional, drawing you into a lyrical journey that stays with you long after the final note. The instrumentation is equally moving, with the piano often taking center stage. The strings and guitar add a gentle warmth, while the drums provide that build-up you didn’t know you were waiting for. T. Rafe’s tender, heartfelt vocals tie it all together, closing the piece with genuine emotion. Every lyric and every piano note feels like medicine for the soul. Do yourself a favor and listen to this track today.

    “Would you stay beside me, would you say you want me, like the worlds colliding as you hold me tightly.”

    🎧 Listen Now

    Come back next month for a new featured song. Got a track you think deserves the spotlight? Email us.

  • Finding my Rhythm

    Finding my Rhythm

    What is your favorite genre of music?

    I love so many genres: pop, rock, EDM, R&B, 80s hits; you name it. But if I had to pick just one, it would be Latin music.

    I grew up surrounded by it. Before there were playlists, I would always listen to my mom and aunt’s CD collection, which included: boleros, cumbias, canciones románticas, merengue, and 80’s music.

    I didn’t appreciate their music much back then because all I wanted was to listen to the most popular stuff on the radio. Eventually, I started listening to Latin music on my own and found my own musical identity.

    I became a fan of Ricardo Arjona, Nek, Elefante, Shakira, Sin Bandera, and Mana, just to name a few. From there, I began searching for other artists with similar styles.

    Their early CD collections shaped my love for music and gave me a deep appreciation for the various styles I listen to and compose today. For that reason, Latin music will always hold a special place in my heart.

    What’s your favorite genre of music?

    Feel free to drop some song recommendations in the comments below.

  • Balancing What Matters

    Balancing What Matters

    How do you balance work and home life?

    I wish I could say I balance work and home life with ease, but the truth is, I had to make sacrifices and adjustments throughout the years.

    I don’t get as much sleep or downtime as I’d like, and I’ve cut back significantly on things like watching tv or playing games.

    It’s not always easy but I do it because I need to work, I’m not ready to let go of my music, and my family is everything to me.

    I just try to stay focused on what’s most important everyday.

  • The light that guided me

    The light that guided me

    Share a story about someone who had a positive impact on your life.

    One person who had a profoundly positive impact on my life is my mom. Growing up, it was always just the two of us, and through every challenge, I watched her work tirelessly, lifting others with her kindness and never asking for anything in return. 

    She’s been one of my greatest inspirations, the one who believed in me even when I struggled to believe in myself. Because of her, I came to realize that some dreams are worth fighting for. 

  • Inspiration

    Inspiration

    Thank you all for taking the time to read. I recently sent an email telling a brief backstory of how “Dime Qué Será de Ti” came to be:

    I thought it would be a good idea to post for everyone else to read as well.

    For those interested, read on.

    After months of writer’s block and feeling as if I had lost my musical inspiration, I woke around 2AM one night — the notes of a piano echoing through my mind. I immediately looked around for something to record on, the only thing I had on me was my iPad… so having to make due, I opened a downloaded piano app and let the melody guide my fingers. I composed through the night, not pausing, chasing the inspiration, until I had completed a rough sketch of the song.

    That moment became the heart of “Dime Qué Será de Ti.”

    I was able to translate the song into English (Tell Me Why) and began working with Abraham Armell in 2023. I loved his vocal rendition of my song so that is why I released “Tell Me Why” first. 

    Check out the links below for the music.

    Dime Que Sera De Ti (A. Mix)
    Tell Me Why (Remix)