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Photo provided by: Ross Flora
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When an audience hears a seasoned artist perform, it means experiencing more than just music — it’s a connection to a lifetime of stories, emotions, and mastery. A seasoned artist brings depth, authenticity, and nuance born from years of honing their craft, navigating challenges, and growing both personally and musically. Their performance resonates on a deeper level, often delivering a sense of history, wisdom, and emotional truth that newer artists may not yet fully convey. For the audience, this can translate into a powerful, immersive experience where every note carries meaning, every phrase tells a story, and the energy on stage creates a shared moment that feels both intimate and unforgettable.
Ross Flora is a dynamic guitarist, songwriter, and recording artist known for his captivating blend of blues, rock, and soul. With a career spanning over two decades, Flora has built a reputation for his emotive playing style, soulful vocals, and skillful songwriting that resonates deeply with audiences.
Drawing inspiration from classic blues legends and modern rock innovators alike, Ross crafts songs that balance heartfelt storytelling with compelling grooves and memorable melodies. His guitar work is characterized by expressive phrasing, tasteful bends, and a tone that combines warmth with edge, making every note count. A seasoned live performer, Ross has shared stages with a variety of notable acts and continues to captivate fans across the country with his engaging presence and passionate delivery. His latest recordings showcase an artist who is both rooted in tradition and fearless in exploring new sonic landscapes.
Ross Flora remains a vital voice in contemporary blues and roots music, committed to keeping the spirit of the guitar alive through every performance and composition.
ABOUT ROSS FLORA
Ross Flora is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter and guitarist originally from the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Drawing from his early guitar lessons and a rich blend of R&B, southern rock, and Americana influences, Flora has crafted a soulful and compelling musical voice. Since relocating to Nashville in 2012, he has steadily built his career as a solo artist, captivating audiences with heartfelt songwriting and expressive performances. His debut EP, Shoulders of Giants (2022), introduced listeners to his blend of southern rock and country sounds, featuring standout tracks like “Me and Abilene” and “Poison & Wine.” He followed up with the introspective EP As the Crow Flies (2023), exploring themes of life’s journey through songs such as “Better Times” and “Creek Ran Red.” Recently, Ross has released several singles including Part of Me (recorded at Blackbird Studio), Santa Ana Wind, Home Bound, Cornerstone, and Old Habits (all 2024–2025), showcasing his evolving sound and lyrical depth. With a growing discography and a strong presence in the Nashville music scene, Ross Flora continues to make his mark as a heartfelt storyteller and versatile guitarist.
INTERVIEW WITH ROSS FLORA AND GUITAR THRILLS MAGAZINE
Guitar Thrills: Ross, you’ve built a remarkable career blending southern rock, blues, and Americana. What moments or accomplishments are you most proud of so far?
Ross: I’ve been blessed to have so many great experiences, but my best memory would have to be getting the opportunity to record at Blackbird Studios here in Nashville with my dad, Millard Flora and three of my best friends Jeremy Pearl, Doug Gross and Angela Gonzalez. It was a perfect session, everyone was locked in and we were able to really embrace and enjoy the moment.
Guitar Thrills: How would you describe your signature sound, and what influences have shaped it over the years?
Ross: Defining my signature sound has been challenging, I’m mostly a rock oriented guitarist and singer but lean towards country and americana as a songwriter. I like to throw in some R&B rhythmic and classic country elements when possible as well.
My main influence is The Allman Brothers band, but I regularly listen and try to soak up all kinds of rock, classic country, Sinatra and Elvis era pop, jazz funk fusion, indie and even EDM music.
Guitar Thrills: Your EPs Shoulders of Giants and As the Crow Flies showcase a thoughtful and soulful approach to songwriting. Can you share the inspiration behind those projects?
Ross: The song “Shoulders of Giants” was inspired by a conversation I was having with a lifelong friend and neighbor about our childhood, and how lucky we were to have grown up with such strong mentors in our lives. That song was just a small testament to the legacy they leave behind. That song really sums up what I wanted that project, my first EP, to represent.richer for it.
“As the Crow Flies” is a song about analyzing life’s journey and finding meaning in the challenges we face along the way. That’s a topic I write about the most, trying to make sense of life’s imperfections and finding beauty and hope in them.
Guitar Thrills: Nashville is a hotbed for songwriters and musicians. How has the city influenced your music and career trajectory?
Ross: Moving to Nashville to pursue a music career was a dream of mine and the result of a plan made by my family and I at a young age. Having been here since 2012, this town has allowed me the avenues to explore and grow in all facets as a musician and songwriter. Being able to see and work with some of the best musicians and writers in the world on any given day here is a constant source of inspiration and development.
Guitar Thrills: Your guitar playing combines both warmth and edge. How do you achieve that balance in your tone and technique?
Ross: My dad started my gear and tone obsession early on, and I had great local influences in Roanoke with impeccable tone that I could hear live and ask questions to during my formative years. I learned how a standalone great tone may not be what’s best in the mix and vice versa.
On most of my rhythm guitar tracks I run through a 1073, to an 1176 taking off about 3dB at fastest attack and release, to an LA2A controlling the note sustain then into the box using a modeler so everything can be adjusted in post. I’ve found that using those outboard pieces really adds a warmth and consistency to the signal and allows the modeler to be at its best.
Guitar Thrills: Collaboration often plays a big role in an artist’s growth. Are there any recent or upcoming collaborations you’re excited about?
Ross: Right now I’m finishing up recording an EP and starting to fill my calendar with cowrites for the next one. I’ve got a rock project with Buck Johnson in the works that I’m very excited about as well!
Guitar Thrills: Looking back, how has your music evolved from your earlier days in Virginia to now?
Ross: I would say, like a lot of people, as I’ve gotten older my tastes in music have migrated to more organic styles- less effects and production. Diving into the studio world really drove home an appreciation for the honest, pure sound of an instrument and voice.
As an artist in this town, I’m kind of a late bloomer. I wrote and recorded songs consistently for around 10 years before my first release, mainly playing guitar for other artists and didn’t feel I had the life experiences to draw upon to make the music I wanted to. Just through organic experiences and living day to day life I reached a point where I felt I had a message, and I’m glad I waited to mature in my tastes and songwriting.
Guitar Thrills: What are some goals or milestones you’re currently working toward in your career?
Ross: Obviously, I’d like to be playing bigger shows reaching more fans, and continuing to regularly release music that hopefully affects people. It’s been a while since I’ve been on the road on a steady basis, so I would like to put together a couple tours and continue to grow “a grassroots” following.
Guitar Thrills: With your growing discography, how do you decide what themes or stories you want to explore in your upcoming work?
Ross: During the writing process I usually don’t force a direction, I’ll dictate a groove or feel musically but with the lyrics I try to follow whatever inspiration reveals itself. When a couple of songs based around a theme come together, I’ll start putting an album together.
I’m a big believer in letting the ideas arrive in their own time. It’s almost a meditative state focusing on what the heart of the message is that the song wants to convey. Often those seemingly random subjects align to represent a piece of the larger project.
Guitar Thrills: Finally, where do you see Ross Flora’s music heading in the next five years, and what legacy do you hope to leave behind?
I plan to continue writing and releasing music as much as possible, to grow as an artist and human being, collect stories and different points of view that enrich my life and music. I hope my music leaves a legacy that inspires, motivates and comforts people for years to come.
THE ROUND UP:
From our conversation with Ross Flora, it’s clear that his music is a heartfelt fusion of southern roots, soulful storytelling, and finely crafted guitar work. His journey—from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the vibrant Nashville scene—has shaped a distinctive sound marked by warmth, authenticity, and emotional depth. Ross’s thoughtful approach to songwriting and dedication to evolving his craft reveal an artist who honors tradition while boldly embracing new creative horizons. As he continues to build his discography and pursue fresh collaborations, Ross Flora is not only carving out his own unique space in Americana music but also inspiring listeners with stories that resonate long after the last note fades. The future looks bright for this rising star, whose passion and vision promise to keep his music both timeless and relevant.
“Ross Flora’s music is a soulful journey—blending heartfelt storytelling with masterful guitar work that speaks directly to the heart. His growing body of work marks him as one of the most compelling voices in modern Americana.” — Guitar Thrills Magazine
