Montaigne is one of Australia’s most original voices. A genre-defying, ARIA-winning musician known for their theatrical flair and fearless honesty. From representing Australia on the Eurovision stage to carving out space as a non-binary artist, Montaigne brings both vulnerability and power to everything they do. In this episode, Jess sits down with the brilliant performer to uncover the real person behind the glitter and grandeur.

Montaigne opens up about identity, family, and the emotional refuge they find in music. They reflect on the pressure of performing on one of the world’s biggest stages, what it means to be a confident introvert, and how creativity became a lifeline. With honesty and humour, Montaigne shares what it truly means to take up space, and how the stage gives them permission to express who they really are.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes discussion of complex and difficult family relationships. If this brings up anything for you, please know you're not alone support is available at standalone.org.au relationships.org.au and beyondblue.org.au

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LINKS:

Montaigne's new album 'Its hard to be a Fish' is available here
If you loved this chat with Montaigne we think you'll love Jess's conversation with Courtney Act here
If you love what we do, why not follow the show, and rate and review on Apple or Spotify

CREDITS:
Host: Jessica Rowe
Guest: Montaigne
Executive Producer: Nic McClure
Audio Producer: Nat Marshall
Digital Content Producer: Zoe Panaretos

The Jess Rowe Big Talk Show acknowledges the Gadigal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this podcast, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples here today.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Montaigne ‘I've never done anything like that before’