Nashville-based producer, songwriter and performer Ross Flora releases the focus track and lyric video for “Me and Abilene” off of his debut EP Shoulders of Giants.
Symbolizing how one is shaped consciously and subconsciously by those we surround ourselves with, the single and first-ever lyric video tells the story of a person at a crossroads through an ever-changing life path.
The track is a look into the experiences of life and gaining transparency throughout the journey. Ross says, “‘Me and Abilene’ is about trying to get away from or escape some person or place — only to realize as you get further from it and gain clarity, that those reasons pale in comparison to the regret of leaving and the value that person or place brought to their life.” Not only does the song and lyric video capture the sense of escape and search, but rather it symbolizes life on the road and the ups and downs that go along with it.”
Ross adds, “I wanted to write a song that was about more than just missing a person or place. I wanted the person in the song to realize and own up to what decisions they made and come to a crossroads type of moment.” Living with those resolutions and the absence of not traveling to the promised lands would only lead to regret. Ross adds, “I’ve been very lucky to be able to travel the nation playing music — spending a few days in a town and moving on to the next. Along the way there have been places I wished I didn’t have to leave, but staying would mean betraying the life I’ve been blessed with and worked for. I created the character in ‘Me and Abilene’ to partly convey that feeling.”
Lyrically illustrating the natural part of life, and even the process of a transition may seem right but for the wrong circumstances. ‘Now there’s a thousand miles between, Me and Abilene, And I’m wondering if she’s thinking bout me. The reasons grow harder to see, Just why I had to leave. All the distance, That was never meant to be. Between me and Abilene.’ The formidable artist with distinctive vocals and deep southern rock guitar riffs, is one of the most in-demand outlaw country acts in Nashville. “Me and Abilene” stands apart for its perfect balance of nostalgia and vulnerability for the artist.
Ross’ musical inclinations were shaped by a diverse range of musical eras and sounds through his family upbringing. The singer vocally showcases his rural roots in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and authentically allows himself to see further in the direction that he is going. “To me, I wanted the setting to distinctly take place somewhere that wasn’t home. While I love and miss my home in Virginia, I wanted this song to symbolize a deliberate change in the character’s nature and habits, and embody the curveballs life throws at us that end up changing our path,” says Ross.
Ross Flora continues to make waves in Nashville as a solo artist, having performed over 3,500 shows all while also writing and producing his own music. Steadily building a following, Ross’ signature style will be on full display next year as he hits the road touring throughout the US. Be sure to follow Ross Flora on all social media platforms to keep updated on the latest!
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