This Playlist From Montell Fish Is an R&B Crash Course

Photo courtesy of Montell Fish.

This is SOUND ADVICE, a destination for playlists curated by Interview’s friends, enemies and lovers. In recent weeks, we’ve featured playlists from DJ Thank You, Harris Dickinson, and Interview editor-in-chief, Mel Ottenberg. Our latest installment comes from Pittsburgh native Montell Fish, fresh off the release of his latest mixtape, The Spirit Still Remains (Purgatory). With his project, released under the name of his musical alter ego dj gummy bear, the neo-soul savant has taken a new experimental approach, so it seemed fitting that the playlist he made for us, filled with R&B classics by New Edition and hyperpop staples from SOPHIE, reflects his omnivorous tastes. Afterwards, Fish took a stab at our Sound Advice questionnaire, where he revealed what legends he’s carving on his R&B Mount Rushmore and the one piece of advice he never plans to heed.

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Where do you dance? In my bedroom mostly, while I’m making music lol.

What was your first concert? I think Stage AE in Pittsburgh, my hometown. Childish Gambino.

Who do you trust most with the aux? My mom and dad kinda shaped my taste in some ways, I’d say so them. Still listen to stuff they would play when I was younger.

What’s your national anthem? “Can You Stand the Rain” by New Edition.

Dream collab, dead or alive? Would have loved to create music with SOPHIE.

What does your notes app look like? Random one lines I might use in writing, tour/show, world-building ideas, setlist ideas.

Tell us a secret. I think video games are incredibly inspirational for getting an audience into your world. Love the PS2 game era and how the art design looked and felt and the gaming experience as a whole. I think making music in a trance-like way leans in this direction of world-building.

What’s your musical taste red flag? Just not being open to new sounds.

What album are you listening to while the world ends? Purple Rain or some music I’m working on.

What’s a song on this playlist you wish you wrote? “Walk in the Park” by Beach House.

What album reminds you of Pittsburgh? Faces by Mac Miller.

Who is on your R&B Mount Rushmore? Prince, Aaliyah, Lauryn Hill, Michael Jackson.

What number one rule do you live by? Stay open-minded.

What’s the sexiest song on this playlist? “If I Was Your Girlfriend” by Prince.

What would your ChatGPT bot say about you? Lmao, probably use me more.

What’s a good piece of advice that you never follow? Don’t eat fast food lol.

What song off your album has been on replay? “Sweet divine (Piano Edit)”.