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

Hi Johnny David, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Although sometimes it’s hard for me to take as much time to dedicate to my music as I would like, my job does afford me a lot of room. I drive a high school bus. When I’m on field trips or sports trips, I can take a guitar and work on my music as I’m waiting for my students. It also doesn’t hurt that I’m in a school bus singing my songs while I’m on my live sometimes. It provides an interesting backdrop for my fans! In the summer time and over holidays I’m available to tour or play gigs out of town. Finally, my boss has always been really supportive of artistic pursuits. If there is ever a conflict, she usually tries to be as accommodating as possible.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been passionate about music for the past 30 years. I feel that the most unique thing about my performance is a fact that I’m a bassist who is also the lead vocalist in my group. In the world of live performance, that’s not really all that common. I play both electric and upright bass. When I pull out my upright, people flip out because it’s not the typical instrument you see at live concerts these days.
I’ve been grinding it out for many years playing small bars and nightclubs. Sometimes I would drive for hours with my band just to play for a handful of people. We love it so much and have created some great memories.
Music has afforded me some amazing experiences and I’ve made some great friends. It has taken me literally across the world. I’ve played shows in clubs in Siberia, St Petersburg Russia, England, Germany, France, and Belgium to name a few. Not to mention multiple States across the country here at home.
I’ve learned that as long as I am being true to myself as I perform, somebody out there is going to connect with my passion. Whether it’s for one person online during a livestream or in front of hundreds of people in a hall, music transcends barriers and brings people together.

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 live in a small downtown beach community. I like to bring my friends for a walk to the pier. There are some great night spots downtown where you can hear a diverse variety of music. Everything from punk rock to blues, reggae to R&B. There are some great restaurants around here also. We can get fish tacos on the pier and look out at the ocean.
I also live really close to one of the California Missions. Connecting with the past can be an amazing experience.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would first like to shout out my father for inspiring me to start playing music when I was a kid. My band The Down Low who has been there for me through thick and thin. And lastly but certainly not least, DJ Cazel and his record label, “Industry Music Group” for believing in me.

Website: https://dot.cards/johnnydavidmusic?a=user%2Fsrklsktaxmoflfwfeli68310j%2Fc%2Fbl

Instagram: https://instagram.com/johnnydavidmusic

Facebook: https://facebook.com/johnnydavid805

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@johnnydavidvevo8464?si=oQQde_wabEHRRArv

Other: https://805johnnyboy.wixsite.com/johnnydavid

Image Credits
Johnny David

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