For J Rick Flores, the electric guitar has never just been an instrument—it’s been his voice, his therapy, and his constant. A self-made guitarist and songwriter, Flores didn’t stumble into music through some big break. Instead, his path was shaped slowly, through jam sessions with friends, late-night experiments in sound, and a steady grind toward authenticity.
But that journey began even earlier. At just seven years old, Flores began his musical training with classical guitar—a discipline that laid the foundation for his technical skill and expressive style helping to forge a deep musical intuition.
His new EP, Interconnected Creativity, reflects that ethos. Its lead single, “Summer Soul Tie,” is a fiery instrumental that started as a vocal track about a summer romance—and ended up telling a story all on its own, no lyrics required.
“Summer Soul Tie” hits like a sun-soaked memory. Flores blends the emotional pull of Latin rock with the rhythmic fire of reggaeton, letting his guitar do the talking. Think Santana soul with Satriani-level precision, layered over piano, synth, bass, and percussion. Then comes a left hook: a saxophone solo that melts into a buttery fretless bass interlude before the full band crashes back in for a triumphant close. It’s a track that demands movement—perfect for a rooftop party or a solo drive with the windows down. Flores isn’t just mashing genres; he’s building something new from the bones of the old.
But making music independently isn’t all vibes and victory laps. Flores wears many hats—artist, producer, planner, promoter—and the pressure to get everything right is real. Still, he calls “Summer Soul Tie” his proudest moment yet. Not just because of the final product, but because of the collaboration behind it. Co-produced with Mark Nilan Sr., and supported by a tight-knit team of engineers, the track came to life as a true group effort. And the unexpected fan response—especially the love for that sax solo—has reminded Flores that sometimes, the risks pay off.
His relationship with fans is built the same way as his songs: slowly, genuinely, and with intention. Whether on stage or behind the scenes on social media, Flores stays open and real. “Trust the process and lean into collaboration,” he says—words he wishes he’d heard sooner. And that mindset powers the entire EP. From start to finish, Interconnected Creativity is about what happens when people bring their best selves to the table.
His next move? A cover of Sting’s “Fragile,” reimagined with Flores’ signature touch, set to release ahead of the full EP drop.
Looking ahead, Flores isn’t chasing fame—he’s building something that lasts. He sees the next year as a time to expand, not just in numbers but in impact. He wants his songs to stick, to mean something, to be the kind of tracks people return to long after the first listen. “I hope you love ‘Summer Soul Tie’ as much as we loved making it,” he says. And you probably will. It’s not just a song—it’s a vibe, a statement, and a promise of more to come.
With Summer Soul Tie, J Rick Flores doesn’t just show us what he can do—he shows us who he is.