For ErickOscar, “Two Flags, One Heart” is rooted in a story he has lived himself. Born and raised in Panama, Erick came to the United States at 21 on a scholarship to a small Christian university in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. What began as a move to study eventually became a life in the United States, a country he now calls home and loves. His 10-song country-Americana album brings those two parts of his identity together through songs shaped by his Panamanian roots and his American life.
The idea is captured in Erick’s own description of himself as “An American with Panamanian Heritage.” Rather than treating those backgrounds as separate, Two Flags, One Heart places them side by side through the deep, raw and direct style of country songwriting he has come to appreciate. For Erick, country music has a particular quality that continues to draw him in. He hears it as deep, raw and pure, with the story always taking priority over the genre.
That focus on storytelling has been part of Erick’s life for decades. His father was a singer and introduced him to love songs and ballads while he was growing up. Erick has now spent more than 35 years playing acoustic guitar with his church worship band and has written more than 1,200 songs during that time. The guitar remains an important part of his creative life, something he describes as a form of therapy and a way to work through what the day leaves behind.
His life outside music has also shaped the range of stories and sounds in his catalogue. Erick has lived in the United States for 34 years and became an American citizen decades ago. His work has taken him to postings across nearly every country in Latin America, giving him years of experience moving between different cultures and musical traditions.
That background comes through in a catalogue that refuses to stay inside one genre. Erick writes and records in both English and Spanish, with songs moving through country, Americana, pop, ballads, bachata, reggaeton, salsa, merengue, flamenco, vallenato, mariachi, gospel and choir music. The style may change, but his approach remains consistent: the song has to say something.
Erick writes all of his own lyrics and recently taught himself how to work with music production software. He now uses the technology to select styles, tempos, vocals, instruments and arrangements, building complete productions around his songwriting. He describes himself as an amateur producer who enjoys experimenting and bringing his music to life.
Across Two Flags, One Heart and his wider catalogue, Erick Oscar brings together the places, experiences and musical influences that have shaped him. His story began in Panama, continued in Arkansas and grew through more than three decades in the United States and across Latin America. The result is music built around the belief that a song can cross borders while still holding on to where it came from.
Listen below:open.spotify.com/album/5lyfwQ5
Follow ErickOscar : @eorivera617/