You may remember all the way back in February we had Ross Flora as our guest on Episode 89. That interview was a blast and getting to know Ross and who he is as an artist was a real treat. In 2022, he released his debut EP Shoulders of Giants. These seven songs proved Ross is ready to join his influences with a long, successful career.
As with most albums, Ross had to make the decision to pass on a couple of songs he had written. Sometimes the moment isn’t right. Sometimes they just don’t fit the vision of the album. And sometimes, they’re just not ready. The opportunity arose for two of those songs to take on a life of their own, stalling their departure into the world with the rest of Shoulders of Giants. Those two songs; Last Part of Me and Get It Right would become Ross’ first collaboration project Part of Me. The collaboration was recorded with the help of students at the Blackbird Academy at Blackbird Studio and was released on March 24th, 2023.
Last Part of Me rips the band aid right off. You can’t help but find yourself thinking back to moments of heartbreak and regret. While the instrumentation is nothing short of beautiful, it’s the spaces in between, the silence, that captures the emotion. You’re left hanging onto every word, hearing the last and longing for the next. Nobody wants to continue to feel the pain of a loss however the tempo choice and the sway in Ross’ vocals is almost subtly saying “I’m not ready for the pain to leave”. After all, as the chorus ends, “Cause it’s your last part of me”.
Next up is Get It Right. Right from the start, without even realizing it, you will be nodding along. With a powerful driving force in the guitars, Get It Right takes you on a journey. Lyrically, this is exactly what the song is promoting, taking a journey together. The smooth, R&B influenced flow of Ross’ vocals are really convincing on his feelings here. Sometimes we all need a reminder of those who are important to us, the ones we can’t live without and this track will do just that.
While this release is only two songs, they are a powerful couple. There is a real Jackal and Hyde, Bonnie and Clyde, Good verses Bad contrast between these two songs that so perfectly and poetically fit together. A reminder that love is the strongest of emotions.
I for one am glad these songs didn’t make the first cut. They found a home with the love and care they deserved.
-RJM-
