Montoya attended Mead Senior High School, where his friends included "drug-users and musicians."

He then looked for a bass position in The Rocket, a Northwest newspaper, and found an ad from Art Alexakis, the former lead singer of Colorfinger.

In 1995, the new Everclear released their U.S. debut album, Sparkle and Fade with singles "Heroin Girl," "Heartspark Dollarsign," "You Make Me Feel Like a Whore," and "Santa Monica".

Montoya did not join the band for the ensuing tour of the United Kingdom, with David LoPrinzi filling in.

In 2004, Montoya formed a new band called Tri-Polar with Sweaty Nipples members Scotty Heard on guitar and Brian Lehfeldt on drums.

Looking for a replacement, Montoya turned to Kevin Hahn of Red Sector, his bandmate from The Strain.

Tri-Polar is still active and plays many cities along the West Coast, including the group members' hometown of Portland.