We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Flores and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Much of my creative sentiment came to be through a resistance to my experiences with the standardization of the school system, and how it can crush individuality. I felt that a job I could get straight out of the education pipeline would be nutritionally poor for my soul. To me, working a traditional job can lack self realization – becoming who YOU are rather than who someone else expects you to be. I also believe in prioritizing your own wellbeing first, like being on an airplane, you have to put your own oxygen mask first before you can help others. I strive to work out of love for what I do rather than work for retirement. The work you do on yourself has so much more impact on the outside world than anyone could imagine.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I like bringing back vintage techniques in a new way, returning to simplicity in overly complex times. I like to emphasize musicianship & musical communication in performance; nothing we play is exactly the same every time. We really strive to be FEELING the music and the energy of it to better share it with others! I semi-jokingly refer to it as “organic non-GMO” music with less sterility that can be found in modern industry “factory” music. I look forward to performing in front of more people, and traveling to share my music.

Getting to this point in my career was not easy, its a long road and there’s still plenty to travel. It constantly feels like I’m going against the grain and reprogramming a lot of societal conditioning. The only way I think anyone would “fail” in the pursuit of their art is by stopping – it doesn’t matter how fast you go, just don’t quit! One of the major lessons I had to learn in this journey is to make sure I’m working with the right people, and that takes lots of practice (and messing up sometimes).

My music is part of a healing journey and I feel that many others are on a similar path and could resonate with it. My brand is imperfect, because I was raised with the standards of perfection. I think that imperfection makes art beautiful and interesting. All of this sounds heady but it was Guitar Hero III that started my love for guitar and my musical journey!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would definitely take them up north to visit Sedona and Flagstaff! I’ve only been in Arizona for a few years so I don’t have the deepest knowledge of the land but that would be a great start. There are so many outdoor activities to do when its not 110 outside. Of course I’d take them to a show at the Van Buren, Crescent Ballroom or the like. I’d introduce them to my outdoorsy friends who know the cool spots.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh, there’s so many people I’d love to shout out! My friends have been along my side supporting this journey for years now, and I cant be thankful enough for that. Í would like to shout out Scott Krijnen, my orchestra instructor, who really helped foster my love for music.

Website: mikeyflors.com

Instagram: @mikeyflors

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOzV-wT3W1T5E8pcaxef68Q

Image Credits
Jeremiah Conley, @chillboysproducitons (Zach Placencia)

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