LA Music Review | Art, stories and advice
Bold, authentic and truly incredible!
Hi Ross, welcome to LA Music Review! Tell us a little bit about you and your music.
Ross Flora is a seasoned, multifaceted singer and musician
out of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.
Growing up just south of Roanoke, he was surrounded by strong influences in both R&B and Bluegrass. When asked what his first musical memories were, he said, “My dad would stand me up on the back of a church pew and teach me harmony parts with the congregation.”
When Ross was 12, his dad came home to find him playing along to a Van Halen CD and went to sign him up for guitar lessons that day. By his teenage years, Ross began performing at various venues and festivals throughout the South Atlantic. At the age of 19, he started playing guitar and singing with “The Kings” in Roanoke, Virginia.
In 2012, Ross moved from the family farm to pursue a career in Nashville, Tennessee. Once in Nashville, he was able to build a strong audience base as a solo artist and began touring full-time as a lead guitarist and vocalist, performing with acts such as “Johnny T” Band and “Smoke n’ Guns” around the nation. Ross has performed over 3,500 shows since moving to Nashville, all while writing and producing his own music.
Ross’ songs emulate the tasteful guitar parts and bold emotional lyrics of the southern rock genre. His sound reflects his lifelong influences, including Gregg Allman, Duane Allman, Chris Cornell, and Ian Thornley. As an English major, he utilizes the themes of all his favorite authors, including Dickinson, Thoreau, and Whitman, in his musical writing. Ross’ music shares stories from his rural roots to life on the road.
Congrats on the release! What was your inspiration when you were writing this project?
Released on July 15, 2022. Ross’ vision humbly reflects his inspirations from growing up and those who have come before him who have framed career moments for a lifetime. Ross adds, “I come from a long line of rural Appalachian culture where survival was hard but simple. Nowadays, our daily lives are generally far easier (survival wise) but so much more complex, and come with their fair share of different challenges.” The authenticity that Ross portrays as a performer allows him to see further in the direction that he is going.
Creating a journey to leave the listener in a different place than where they were before they heard Shoulders of Giants…
Ross vocally showcases his rural roots in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. “I would like to give credit to some of the ‘old timers’ who personally shaped me, being my grandpa, Melvin Flora, Ron Layman, Bill Walker Sr. and Larnell Starkey — as well as those musicians who influenced me and paved the way, Gregg and Duane Allman, Jimmy Page and Aretha Franklin,” says Ross.
Start streaming “Shoulders of Giants” right here:
What is your vision for this song?
The 7-song EP was written, mixed, and engineered all by Ross himself. Emilee Allan, former lead singer for the band Scarletta, joined Ross as a duet to perform “Sky Ain’t Falling.” Each song gives off the good ole’ southern rock blended sound with a mix of country songwriting. Perfecting his musical chops, Ross wins over an audience every time he hits the stage.
Continuing to believe in what he was born to do, music has always played a significant role in Ross’ life.
As a creative musician who explores musical entities, Ross channels his strong influences in R&B, bluegrass, and classic rock. As a true musician on the Shoulders of Giants, Ross’ sound honors those remarkable musicians that have come before, knowing the capability that future generations can stand on their own.
Anything else we should know about it? Upcoming events?
Ross plays 9 shows weekly in downtown Nashville. See schedule below.
Monday: Luke 32 Bridge, 2-6 PM
Thursday: Margaritaville Broadway 11-3PM, Cerveza Jack’s 7-11PM
Friday: Tequila Cowboy 11-2PM, Cerveza Jack’s 6-9PM
Saturday: Casa Rosa 2-6PM, Cerveza Jack’s 6-9PM
Sunday: Luke’s 32 Bridge 2-6PM, MJ’s Chill Spot 6-10PM
Connect with Ross
