Nashville-based singer-songwriter and guitarist Ross Flora has always walked the line between Southern Rock grit and Appalachian storytelling soul. On his new EP, The Garden, he finds his most natural footing yet—digging into memory, bloodlines, and the lessons of resilience with songs as rooted as the Virginia dirt he grew up tending.
The title track, co-written with his father, Millard Flora, anchors the project in both theme and spirit. With warm baritone vocals and a steady melodic pull, “The Garden” reflects on the cycles of loss and renewal, reminding us that the child we once were never fully disappears. It’s a deeply personal meditation, but one that resonates universally—especially when paired with the EP’s broader explorations of home, habit, and the passage of time.
Across the seven-song set, Ross surrounds himself with a seasoned circle of collaborators, including Bill DiLuigi, Dee White, Troy Kemp, Emilee Allan, and his father Millard. Each brings their own texture without overshadowing the project’s authenticity. Highlights include “Small Town No More” (co-written with Kemp), a portrait of change painted with equal parts nostalgia and grit, and “Old Habits” (with White), a soulful slow-burn that lingers long after its last chord. Allan’s harmonies add a graceful lift, especially on “Cut a Trail.”
But what makes The Garden compelling is more than its songs—it’s the intention behind them. Ross ties his releases to community causes, and this cycle supports the restoration of Lebanon’s historic Pickett Chapel, one of Tennessee’s oldest African American churches. That grounding in service gives the music a weight that extends beyond the studio.
In the end, The Garden is both personal diary and communal offering. It’s about rediscovery, hard-earned wisdom, and planting hope for the next season. With this release, Ross Flora proves he’s not just growing as a songwriter—he’s cultivating a legacy.
Standout Tracks: The Garden, Small Town No More, Old Habits
For fans of: Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, The SteelDrivers
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