Nashville-based musician Ross Flora steps confidently into a defining new era with the release of his debut EP, Shoulders of Giants. A producer, songwriter, and performer with deep Appalachian roots, Flora distills a lifetime of lived experience into a collection shaped by vulnerability, grit, and the unmistakable pulse of Southern rock. The title reflects his reverence for legacy — standing tall because of the giants who paved the way before him.
Flora’s influences span generations. From Frank Sinatra and Stevie Wonder to Led Zeppelin, he draws inspiration from artists who themselves built on the foundations of those who came before. “One of the themes I wanted to explore in Shoulders of Giants is the contrast between modern life and the world my family came from,” he explains. Raised in a rural Appalachian community, Flora grew up surrounded by people who lived simply, worked hard, and carried wisdom earned through experience. “Life today is easier in some ways, but far more complicated,” he adds — a tension that fuels the emotional core of the EP.
Across the project, Flora’s voice carries the imprint of the Blue Ridge Mountains. He credits the “old timers” who shaped him — his grandfather Melvin Flora, Ron Layman, Bill Walker Sr., and Larnell Starkey — alongside musical icons like Gregg and Duane Allman, Jimmy Page, and Aretha Franklin. Their influence is woven into the EP not as imitation, but as grounding: a reminder of the foundation beneath his feet.
Written, mixed, and engineered entirely by Flora, the seven-track EP showcases his range as both craftsman and performer. Former Scarletta lead singer Emilee Allan joins him on the duet “Sky Ain’t Falling,” adding warmth and dimension to the EP’s blend of Southern rock textures and country-rooted storytelling. Each track feels lived-in — the product of years spent honing his sound onstage.
Music has always been Flora’s compass. With influences spanning R&B, bluegrass, and classic rock, he approaches each project with curiosity and intention. Shoulders of Giants honors the musicians and mentors who came before him while carving out space for the next generation to rise.
Throughout his career, Flora has performed as lead guitarist and vocalist with the Johnny T Band — opening for Love and Theft — and with Smoke n’ Guns, sharing stages with Blackberry Smoke and Dustin Lynch. As a solo artist, he has played more than 3,500 shows, all while writing and producing his own music.
He continues to make his mark in Nashville, performing at iconic venues including The Bluebird Café, and appearing weekly at Cerveza Jack’s, Luke’s 32 Bridge, and Margaritaville. Shoulders of Giants is available now on all streaming platforms.
Connect with Ross Flora:
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