We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Derek Flores. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Derek below.

Hi Derek, thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?

I think the biggest misunderstanding about me is that I’m difficult to work with, which could not be further from the truth. The problem is that I want to do great work. If I’m playing a gig, I want to show up and I want to have sound check done before the start time. I’ll make flyers, put up promo videos, and post in every Facebook group to get the word out, but I do NOT put up with people who don’t care.

One example is when I was working with this gigging band from Brownsville, TX. They were talented guys, but they had a habit of showing up and starting late. If we were supposed to start at 7, they were done sound checking by 7:30. It used to really get to me. Their singer quickly realized that this could no longer be the norm and tried everyday to act more professionally. Eventually, the guitar player and I had a falling out via text message before a gig. Some harsh words were exchanged and at the venue, I told him “I meant what I said do NOT piss me off again or I will beat the shit out of you.” The group once again started the show late and didn’t look into it at all. I ended up quitting the same day… mainly because I knew they wanted to fire me. I know this because their singer texted the girl I was dating instead of telling me himself. By this point I had seen more spine in jellyfish.”. I want to do the best work my abilities will allow. I take what I do very seriously and sometimes people take that drive for hostility.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

My name is Derek Flores. I am a gigging musician from Mercedes, TX (GO TIGERS), and the guitarist/singer for a rock band called Ethun Hawk. When I was 12 years old, I heard KISS for the first time, begged my parents for a guitar, and it’s been my life ever since. After dropping out of community college… that I had to attend because I dropped out of highschool, I joined a band called Makeshift Cities. We toured the country, signed to a label, and then disbanded. After getting that small taste of my dream, I decided it was time to quit my busser job and go for it all over again. This time I had no backup plan. I spent every penny I had on equipment and played at any venue that would let me. I went absolutely broke with no gigs booked and no guarantee I’d even get any. After a year of cover gigs, the songwriter in me became very depressed and I formed a new band called Ethun Hawk. We’re releasing our debut single, “Crossfire” September 21 and I could not be prouder of the work we’ve put in! What got me to this point was not allowing myself to become stagnant. I’m never content in my work. For me, it could always be better and bigger. It’s helped make every step of this journey clearer than the last.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

When I write, I tend to put myself in a dark place, even if it’s for an upbeat song. I dig into everything I’ve put myself through and it brings out the honesty in my work. I self destruct and pretty much break down. I’ve had friends and family tell me It’s completely unnecessary and I don’t have to go on month long depressive stints to create, but I do! It keeps my work honest. It’s isolating and lonely, but the end result is always worth it! Non-creative people will never get it, but maybe admitting it will make other songwriters feel not alone.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I’m from a place called the Rio Grande Valley” to “I’m from The Rio Grande Valley” and at the very end, I want to add “In San Antonio or Austin, if you don’t do well, bookers are willing to book you again later to see how you’ve improved. They give second and third chances! In The Rio Grande Valley, if you’re not great right out of the gate, they will write you off immediately. It’s not a healthy environment. It needs to change. The talent that comes from this area is too great to keep booking the same acts week after week.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: _DerekFlores
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DerekFloresOfficial
• Twitter: _DerekFlores

Image Credits
All images belong to me