Montana Palmer joins KGNU’s Wendy Mills to talk about her studies in ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Colorado Boulder, her passion for music, and the inspiration behind her original song, “Rain Is Shine.” Written in a CU songwriting class, the song reflects on finding hope and growth through life’s hardships and is dedicated to her father, Adam Palmer, who died in an avalanche in 2021.
Montana also discusses the documentary The Casual Enormity of Adam Palmer, which celebrates her father’s lasting impact as a musician, environmental advocate, skier, and community leader. The interview concludes with a moving live performance of “Rain Is Shine,” featured in the documentary (Air Date 7/27).
Listen to the interview here:
Transcript:
Wendy Mills: As promised, we have Montana Palmer with us here in the studio. Hi, Montana.
Montana Palmer: Hi, how are you doing?
Wendy Mills: I’m doing great. It’s so nice to meet you. I was excited to hear about you and what you’re doing, and I heard your song. It was beautiful. I really enjoyed it. Let’s let people know a little bit about you.
You’re a junior at CU, and you’re pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.
Montana Palmer: Yes.
Wendy Mills: Can you talk about that?
Montana Palmer: Yeah. I go to CU—it’s the best place ever. Go Buffs! I’m an ecology major. I like to tell people it’s like a biology major, but a little easier. It’s basically about ecosystems and how they all relate to each other. There’s a strong emphasis on sustainability and conservation.
I also have a minor in music, and you’ll hear a little bit of that today with my song.
Wendy Mills: That sounds fabulous. Speaking of your song, there are a lot of different layers to it. One is that it’s dedicated to your dad. Can you talk about that?
Montana Palmer: Yeah. This song was born in a songwriting class I took at CU this past fall. It’s called Rain Is Shine. “Rain Is Shine” is something I’ve been writing in my journal for a couple of years.
People always say, “Rain or shine,” as in, “We’re still going, rain or shine.” One day I thought, “Wait—rain is shine.” The song is about how hardship is a gift. It’s something we all go through, and often something beautiful, a lesson, or a new experience comes out of things that are really hard or seem very negative in the moment.
When we started filming a documentary about my dad, I sang a couple of songs, including this original one. We decided to record it for the documentary, and it’s featured in the film, which will premiere at the Dairy Arts Center this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.
Wendy Mills: Let’s dive into that. Your dad is no longer with us.
Montana Palmer: No. He passed away in an avalanche in 2021. I was 16.
The documentary is about how much of a legend he was. He touched so many lives and had such a strong impact on his community through sustainability. He was an amazing musician, skier, and biker. It’s been incredible for my family to see just how broad his impact was through the people he inspired and the change he created in our community.
It’s fascinating to see how many people are still inspired by him every single day.
Wendy Mills: What is the name of the documentary?
Montana Palmer: It’s called The Casual Enormity of Adam Palmer. The title comes from how casually he did extraordinary things. He was always accomplishing amazing things, but he never acted like they were remarkable. I think that’s part of what’s been so fascinating for my family and everyone who knew him—to see just how far-reaching his impact was.
Wendy Mills: This is all part of the Boulder Environmental Nature Outdoor Film Festival at the Dairy Arts Center. Why don’t we hear the song?
Montana Palmer: Yeah. I’ll give it a whirl. This is Rain Is Shine.
[Performance of “Rain Is Shine”]
Wendy Mills: Montana, that is beautiful.
Montana Palmer: Thank you so much.
Wendy Mills: I’m so honored.
Montana Palmer: Thank you so much for having me.
Wendy Mills: We’re honored to have you. This is what we do—we love celebrating people in our community and beyond who are doing amazing things.
I also have a feeling you may have a parallel career ahead of you. You can certainly pursue ecology, but I don’t think we’ve heard the last of you musically.
Montana Palmer: I hope not.
Wendy Mills: I don’t think so. That was just beautiful.
We’re talking with Montana Palmer. We just heard her song, Rain Is Shine, dedicated to her dad. It’s also featured in the documentary shown as part of the Boulder Environmental Nature Outdoor Film Festival.
What’s the name of the documentary again?
Montana Palmer: The Casual Enormity of Adam Palmer.
Wendy Mills: I love that title. Do you know the exact date and time of the screening?
Montana Palmer: Yes. It’s this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at the Dairy Arts Center. Tickets are available on their website or at apsffund.org. There is also a student discount available for CU students.
Wendy Mills: That’s always a good thing.
Montana, thank you so much for joining us in the studio, taking time out of your day, sharing your beautiful music, and telling us about this wonderful event at the Dairy Arts Center.
You can also get more information on our website, KGNU.org.
Thank you so much for being here.
Montana Palmer: Thank you.
