Nearly a year ago, I moved to Nashville and I was truly unsure of what I would encounter. Being raised in New Jersey and spending my young adult years in Washington, D.C., I had never truly left the northeast or the mid-Atlantic. One thing I can say that I have learned in my time here is that everyone has a story to tell. Whether it be comedy, fine art, photography or music, everyone in Nashville has something to say and they’re searching for a way to say it.
Along my journey here, I’ve grown an appreciation for the comedians at Zanie’s, the opening acts at The Basement and everyone in between. Through all of that, I’ve also learned that everyone down here has “it.” When I listen to Reaux Marquez’s No Roads, I don’t hear an album that’s just good enough to get buzz in Nashville. I hear an album that’s on my short list for “Album of the Year.” When I see Josh Black at Zanie’s, I don’t see someone that’s just dope in Nashville, I see someone that could easily control a crowd at Caroline’s in New York or the Improv in downtown Washington, D.C. I feel the same way about this artist right here, Mike Floss.
Coming out of Nashville, Mike Floss stands out thanks to his lyrical ability and his delivery. My introduction to Mike Floss came in November when a friend sent me a link to his 2015 track, “Dopeboy Dreaming.” Immediately, I developed an appreciation for the song’s production, particularly the drums that command your attention. As I listened to the song, I also formed a love for his delivery. Every bar that he delivers sounds like he means it with his whole soul. While the Nashville artist’s new track, “Libation,” is a lot more laid back than “Dopeboy Dreaming,” it does have many of the things that drew me in initially. His voice cuts through all the noise and his pen is on point. If you don’t believe that Nashville is deserving of the “Music City” title, check out Brian Brown, check out Reaux Marquez, check out Mike Floss and check out so many others.
“Libation” is available below.
