Creator to Creators With Meosha Bean

BiAs an Army brat, Larry May travelled more than most will by the time he was ten. His parents were stationed in New Jersey, Hawaii, Georgia and Alabama. He moved to Germany at age 7 and was exposed to many cultures and customs that shaped his world view. His family spent time in France, England, Spain and Scotland before moving back when he was eleven. 
He was an avid reader and listened to music incessantly in his room. 
His teens were typical of a small town Southern upbringing. He grew to love Alabama and its denizens. He also questioned some things that were commonplace. He met the girl that would be his wife when they were both seventeen. She took a young man mad at the world and stood him up, dusted him off and was patient while he figured it out. They opened CD Cellar Christmas 1997. The store has been through many iterations but continues to be based in a love for music and serving its musical community. Larry was responsible for starting a music festival for downtown Anniston. It ran for five years and brought national level talent to his hometown and also thousands through its gates. This spawned an art gallery and also reviving the Christmas parade under his watch. 
The couple’s son, Andrew, was born in 2004. He’s an accomplished musician that plays with his band, writes and records their music and also is a full time student at JSU. Larry has written a music column for the Anniston Star newspaper for well over a decade. He interviews national touring artists as they traverse the Southeast. 



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The video for “Neon Dreamers,” the latest single from Arcade Knights, opens on a futuristic cityscape reminiscent of Blade Runner or Tron. As the visuals unfold, soaring vintage synthesizers and thunderous reverb-soaked drums create a cinematic soundscape. Digitized female vocals deliver the track’s core message:We’re the neon dreamers lighting up the sky
Chasing our tomorrow, never asking why
With our hearts electric, breaking through the dark
In this digital world, we’ll make our markEvoking the atmosphere of the Stranger Things soundtrack as much as Daft Punk, the song explores a timeless question: What does it mean to be human in a world dominated by machines?That question lies at the heart of Arcade Knights, the synthwave-cyberpunk electronic project of Canadian musician Dean Parsons. Known for his deep love of 1980s drum machines and synthesizers, Parsons incorporates authentic hardware such as the LinnDrum and Oberheim OB-8 into his work. While modern software can replicate these sounds, he prefers the analog warmth and tactile experience of physical instruments, embracing the buttons, knobs, and patch cables that bring a unique authenticity to his production process.Unlike most contemporary producers, Parsons creates entirely outside of a digital audio workstation. Every track is written, recorded, and mixed using his MPC hardware sequencer, a process he believes allows more emotion to come through the physical act of playing.“My main production machine is not a DAW,” he explains. “Every track, every note, every melody is crafted and recorded through purpose-built hardware. There’s a lot of heart that comes through the keys and pads.”“Neon Dreamers” serves as a companion piece to Cyber Hack, the full-length album released earlier this year. The record tells the story of hackers raised in an AI-driven world who use their skills to protect humanity, ensuring technology serves people rather than controlling them.The theme reflects Parsons’ own life. Growing up in the 1980s surrounded by Commodore 64s and science-fiction films like Terminator and RoboCop, and later working as a cybersecurity expert, he has lived at the intersection of the analog and digital worlds.“It’s important to embrace technology, but not let it control your life,” Parsons says. “Technology is advancing rapidly, and if we continue to depend on it blindly, it may begin to control us. I love technology, but it’s a double-edged sword. The message of Cyber Hack is that we must remain the ones in control.”


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https://www.samwelchboston.com

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Sam Welch released his project The Republic in 2024 and now returns with a new album titled The Attic. Building on themes from his previous work such as spiritual transcendence, the album expands to explore healing, resolution, and hope.The title track showcases the vivid, imagery-driven lyricism Sam is known for. Inspired by memories of his grandmother’s attic and the eclectic artifacts within, the song also draws on the metaphor of a yard sale. Sam reflects on the idea that, much like items given new purpose, people carry lasting worth and value in the hands of God, regardless of how much time has passed. At its core, the song conveys hope—a message that serves as the foundation for the entire album.The Attic also delves into themes of healing and regeneration, which stem from Sam’s personal experiences during its creation. He faced health challenges, including worsening tinnitus and caring for his cat during a medical scare. With the help of hearing aids that dramatically improved his quality of life, Sam translated his journey of perseverance and renewal into the music.Though the process took longer than usual, Sam views the extended timeline as a blessing rather than a setback. Completing the album affirmed his creative drive and resilience, proving that he could continue to grow his catalog despite adversity. He also incorporated new techniques, such as the TC Helicon vocal doubling system, to enrich his harmonies and further elevate his sound.Spirituality remains a guiding force in his work. One track in particular connects to his single Jerusalem, which he regards as a Christian rock anthem. Producing his own music allows Sam to be deeply involved in every stage of the creative process, something he embraces fully.For Sam, music is about discovery and transformation. He values the unpredictable nature of creation and finds fulfillment in bringing songs to life. More importantly, he is inspired by the impact his music has on listeners. With The Attic, Sam Welch continues his mission to write from a place of community, faith, and healing—encouraging others to find hope and purpose through sound.

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https://www.darrynyates.com
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Darryn Yates is a retro rock and alt-rock artist whose music fuses driving guitars with soaring, melodic choruses. His latest single, No Regrets Only Greatness, marks a powerful return to the stage and reaffirms his lifelong passion for music.Darryn first rose to prominence as the frontman of the pop-rock band On Tracy Lane (OTL), opening for major acts such as Avril Lavigne, American Hi-Fi, Local H, and Phantom Planet. The band’s momentum further grew when actress Lacey Chabert, known for Mean Girls and Party of Five, appeared in one of their music videos. While OTL never fully broke into the mainstream, the experience cemented Darryn’s commitment to a life in music.His journey began unexpectedly after a high school sports injury redirected his path from athletics to music. Inspired by rock icons like Kiss and Poison, Darryn discovered his true calling during his first live performance and never looked back.Beyond music, Darryn has pursued careers in radio, television, and the corporate world, while also carving out a role as a motivational speaker, podcaster, and author. These experiences, along with overcoming personal struggles, deepened his understanding of resilience and reignited his dedication to creating and performing music.In 2025, Darryn has released three new singles, with additional tracks in production alongside producer Kevin W. Gates. His vision is to record a full-length album and deliver electrifying live shows reminiscent of the larger-than-life performances he grew up idolizing.Driven by a philosophy of boldness and disruption, Darryn Yates inspires audiences not only through his music but also through his story. His message is clear: chase your dreams without regret, and embrace greatness in every step of the journey.


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DJ Matrix first emerged on the electronic music scene in the mid-1980s with the release of “It’s Time to Rock” in 1986 and “Feel My Bass” in 1988. Though he stepped away from music shortly after, those two tracks went on to achieve underground fame and built him a lasting fan base within the Electro and Miami Bass communities.After nearly four decades, DJ Matrix has returned with “Hypnotic,” a powerful, high-energy track that channels the same bass-driven intensity that defined his early work while fusing it with a modern EDM edge. The single features legendary artist Egyptian Lover, whose music first inspired DJ Matrix to pursue a career in electronic music, making the collaboration both full circle and deeply personal.DJ Matrix’s journey is as dynamic as his sound. Following his early music career, he served in the U.S. Navy and later in the Marine Corps, including deployment during Desert Storm. Music had to be put aside as he focused on military service, raising a young family, and building a career outside of entertainment. He transitioned into corporate finance, becoming a stockbroker and later cofounding Randolph & Main Capital Group, where he continues to champion women and minority-owned businesses as Managing Director of Digital Assets. He also owned and managed professional basketball teams, including the Miami Pit Bulls of the ABA and the East Kentucky Miners of the CBA.Still, music never left his spirit. Encouraged by Egyptian Lover and rediscovering the international impact of his early songs, DJ Matrix returned to the studio with a renewed sense of purpose. His upcoming album, expected later this year or early next, will bridge classic Electro and Miami Bass with today’s EDM landscape. With additional singles and a possible EP on the horizon, he is determined to give longtime fans the sound they have been waiting for while also introducing his style to a new generation of listeners.With “Hypnotic” leading the way, DJ Matrix is proving that his music remains as innovative and relevant as ever. Blending nostalgic analog energy with modern production, he is poised to spark a renewed appreciation for the Electro and Miami Bass sound that helped shape dance music culture.

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Nigerian American artist Ase Odin brings a refreshing blend of Afrobeats, R&B, reggae, and hip-hop, infusing his music with joy, culture, and spirituality. His breakout single “No Wahala” captures the universal stresses of work, money, and daily responsibilities, while offering an uplifting escape through infectious rhythms and melodies. The phrase “no wahala,” meaning “no trouble” in Nigerian Pidgin English, serves as both a mantra and a reminder to embrace life with ease, positivity, and resilience.Born in Benin, Nigeria, and later emigrating to the United States, Ase balances his career as a pharmacist with his lifelong passion for music. His personal journey—supporting family, raising children, and navigating life’s challenges—deeply informs his songwriting, allowing him to connect with listeners on an authentic level. After more than three decades of creating music privately, Ase is now fully embracing his artistry, declaring: “It’s time for me to live my life.”Ase’s work speaks to the global African diaspora, celebrating shared roots and cultural pride. His second release, “Mama Mama,” is a heartfelt tribute to mothers everywhere, delivered in a smooth R&B-reggae fusion. With an upcoming album and multiple singles set for release, Ase is expanding his sound across genres, from love ballads to hip-hop and beyond.At the heart of his music lies a mission: to bring African culture and history to a global stage, highlight themes of spirituality and social justice, and spread a message of hope. His philosophy is simple yet powerful: “Let’s not let anything bog us down. Take one step at a time. Tomorrow will be a different day. No wahala. No trouble.”Dissolve your stress, embrace the rhythm, and experience the uplifting sound of Ase Odin. Connect with him on all platforms for music, videos, and new releases.

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Nashville, TN – Rich Allen is a distinguished singer-songwriter whose music embodies the rich tradition of country storytelling. With a career dedicated to crafting heartfelt narratives, Allen's recent single, "Innocent Kiss," exemplifies his signature style: a warm blend of nostalgic lyrics and genuine emotion reminiscent of classic country. His intuitive songwriting approach, often capturing inspiration in moments, allows him to transform personal experiences into evocative tracks that connect deeply with listeners. Raised in a musical household, Allen's commitment to creating lasting, meaningful songs is evident in his lyric-first philosophy, ensuring each release, from rodeo anthems to personal reflections, delivers an authentic and impactful experience.
Innocent Kiss is available now on all streaming platforms.


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https://chirpradio.org/blog/chicago-sounds-vinto-van-go

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CHICAGO, IL – Psychedelic soul outfit Vinto Van Go is bringing the summer heat with
their new single “Hot Pants Boots,” a vibrant, groove-heavy track that sets the stage for
their upcoming album In the Neon Wilderness, out July 4.
“It became a party right there in the studio,” says the band’s frontman and lyricist.
“Everybody chirping in little bits... the whole construction of the song was so fun.” Built
collaboratively, the track captures the band’s spontaneous, celebratory energy and
reflects their deep roots in Chicago’s psych-rock and soul scene.
Described as “the best band at your local bar” and “the ultimate party band,” Vinto Van
Go has carved out a distinct space in the city’s live music community. Their sound
draws from the gospel-soaked soul traditions of Chicago’s past while pushing forward
with layers of distortion, reverb, and psychedelic texture. “I love psychedelic music
because it pulls the audience into the music. You’re not an observer anymore. You’re
inside it.”“Hot Pants Boots” has already become a live staple. “When we play it live, people
immediately start dancing and cheering. Some of them are even dressing up for it,” the
band shares. “We played a private Pride party last weekend, and the crowd showed up
in hot pants and boots, knowing we were going to play that song. That’s the dream.”
Vinto Van Go formed during the pandemic, when longtime collaborators and friends
used the pause in touring to experiment together in the studio. Each member brings a
unique voice to the group. Ann brings theatricality and character to every vocal
performance. Jon, a bassist from Manhattan who studied under jazz legend Ron Carter,
guides the groove with precision. Jason anchors the outfit with sharp, intuitive
drumming. Kevin, the band’s keyboardist and recording engineer, blends his Afrobeat
experience into every arrangement. “We all know what to do and when to leave space
for each other,” the frontman says. “You can hear that clearly in ‘Hot Pants Boots.’”
In the Neon Wilderness is the band’s second album, written and recorded entirely in the
past year. Their debut album dropped in April 2024 and helped solidify their status as
one of Chicago’s most exciting live acts. With local indie radio and fans alike rallying
behind them, the group has developed a loyal following that’s spreading beyond the city.
“We’ve got a scene here. If you go to a Vinto Van Go show, you’re going to run into at
least 50 people you love seeing. That kind of community is rare.”
As they gear up for their album release and upcoming gigs, including a show in New
York later this month, Vinto Van Go is keeping it simple.

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KING OF THE GLORY GAME OFFICIAL VIDEO

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CAIRO, EGYPT – Rising Egyptian artist RARA has released her electrifying new single,
King of the Glory Game," a cinematic and soul-stirring track that channels cultural
pride, global connection, and emotional strength. With her signature haunting yet
magnetic vocals, RARA continues to carve out a bold and authentic space in the global
pop landscape this time with a sound that feels as grand as it is heartfelt.
The track, layered with vibrant beats, soaring choral elements, and emotionally charged
crescendos, showcases RARA’s ability to transform deeply personal storytelling into
collective resonance. “‘King of the Glory Game’ is the first song that truly felt like it was
for people,” RARA shares. “I could sense that this song had the potential to resonate in
the hearts of so many. I wanted to show the world my own authenticity, while still
staying deeply connected to Egypt.At its core, the song is an anthem of unity. “I wanted to remind people that we are united no matter how different our cultures, religions, or beliefs might be,” RARA explains.“The message was about strength through unity… and I wanted people to feel joy inside
themselves when they listen to it. That kind of joy that feels like light coming from
within. The single also stands as a direct tribute to Egyptian football legend Mohamed Salah,
whose name is proudly mentioned in the song. RARA noted that part of her intention
was to honor someone “very important to the Egyptian people.” The track celebrates the
pride, determination, and collective spirit Salah represents both in Egypt and around
the world. The song’s emotional power is amplified by its rich vocal arrangements. “Recording the
choir was magical,” RARA recalls. “So many voices came together in this one song  it
felt overwhelming in the best way, like I was being lifted by this huge wave of unity.
Everyone gave their absolute all  and you can feel it.”Known for her cinematic approach to sound, RARA builds emotional landscapes with each track she releases. But as she puts it, she doesn’t aim for spectacle alone. “I want my music to feel like a big moment   not for the ‘wow effect,’ but so that someone can feel something deep inside. Like they’ve been understood without needing to say a word.” Shot on location in Cairo, the music video for “King of the Glory Game” is an intimate,
unfiltered homage to her home. “Cairo is my home. The faces, the smells, the
movements it was all mine, all familiar. That wasn’t just a music video, it was me,”
she says. “I felt thankful. Thankful that I get to be myself, and share that.”
While fans await her forthcoming EP or album, RARA is focused on crafting something
deeply personal. “I’m not rushing it. I want it to feel alive  not just something made to
check a box,” she says. “Every song feels like a piece of me.”
As an artist straddling both Egyptian heritage and a global perspective, RARA remains
grounded in her mission. “It’s a constant conversation with myself,” she says about
balancing cultural roots with global sounds. “But deep down, there’s something that’s
mine  something warm. I try not to lose that.
With “King of the Glory Game,” RARA doesn’t just offer a track she offers a moment
of connection. And if she can bring someone a moment of peace, she considers it a
success. “Honestly… just that one day, someone puts on one of my songs on a hard
day, and feels like: ‘Okay. I can breathe now.’ That’s it.

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Back in the mid-’80s, James Sifuentes began writing and recording some pretty good
pop rock. He and Bill, his brother and bandmate, dreamed of getting the songs re-
recorded professionally, but life, other interests and careers intervened.
Then came more life: age 50, cancer, Hodgkins’s lymphoma. He beat that. Ten years
later, July 2023, turmoil at the hospital where he had been an executive for 19 years
resulted in his firing. A few months after that, January 2024, he suffered a heart attack
while interviewing for his current regional manager position with the Chicago Park
District.
He didn’t know about the heart attack until he went to urgent care after the interview.
At this point, he tells himself that if he’s going to put out his music, he ought to do it, and
by March, he persuades himself to get it done.
Then, January 2025, disaster for the second January in a row. He is diagnosed with
stage 4 pancreatic cancer, but now he is seriously committed to putting out his music.
And the result, a year later, is “Summertime,” the single, a jazzy pop-rock anthem to the
season, and Summertime, a 12-track album of some pretty good pop rock transformed
into seriously good pop rock.
It’s all under the name Sifuentes. It features Jim, his brother Bill on guitar, and Matt
Riggen, a multi-talented colleague from the park district, on drums, brass and piano.
“Overall, it’s pop rock, but there’s some stuff that fits in different genres.”
The single features the rocking guitar and beat you would expect from someone
influenced by the Beatles, especially John Lennon and Paul McCartney, funkadelic,
(Parliament) and R&;B.
And it also has some swinging brass work too.
“The ’60s, I was only a little kid,” said Sifuentes. “My dad actually bought Beatles
albums, and we were just listening to them and, yeah, they became it.”
Growing up, living and working in Chicago, “Summertime,” to him, means the end of the
ice, snow and cold of winter and the “beauty, the energy when people get to go out,
wear shorts, barbecue, head to the beach and enjoy a different feeling.”
“It’s just trying to capture that feeling and make people feel good when they listen to the
song.”
He has been writing, composing, playing and recording music ever since he and his
brother were teens. At one time, he wanted to do that full time.
“We just didn’t pull the trigger, my brother and I. We wanted to get into the studio to
record these songs. We wanted to hear what they would have sounded like
professionally.”
After the heart attack last year, “I said, ‘I’m gonna get these songs done.’ In March of
last year, I said I’m gonna put out an album, so I set the goal.”
But doubts set in: already 60, health not good, and though the music he had written and
recorded was good, he hadn’t been playing much, or singing.
Somewhere in here, his daughter Amanda says to him about “Summertime,” which he
wrote in his 40s, “I love that song, Dad. You should finish it.”
“And I said, ‘You know what? I’m going to do this album. I will release it around
summertime, so, I want that to be the title.”
He began work, getting back into musical shape, working over his songs, and by
November, he was back in the studio.
Then January, and this time it’s pancreatic cancer. But, “I’m always one to finish a goal.”
Now it’s June, and the album is out.
“And I celebrated yesterday,” he said. “My staff here at the park district, we held a
listening, they called it a listening event, and they played the album. My brother, Matt
and I did some of the songs, five of them, just acoustic versions, but it was really nice.”
And that’s the story, he said. The love of music, the talent, the gift, has always been
there, waiting to be unveiled.
That’s what he calls it, an unveiling.
“People know I play guitar, kind of, but didn’t know this other part of me, that I could
sing, or I can record, and I compose songs. It’s an unveiling of another part of Jim that
people might not know.”
He wrote most of the songs when he was 18-25. “The Memory” is about where he grew
up, “walking around the park, going to school.” “Searching for Another Day” he wrote
when he was 18.
“Life,” coming more than 30 years later, after the first bout with cancer, “kind of
complements that song, saying, like, ‘After your search, this is where you’re at.’”
“Will You Be Mine” is R&B, “kind of a stepper.” “Loving You Dear,” “a catchy little club
song.” The last song, “Yes, It’s Me,” started out as a love song to a woman named
Orquídea, orchid in English. It features a Latin flavor and Sifuentes on guitar.
“But it became in many ways more about me, showing everyone that it’s me singing,
recording, unveiling parts of me that were hidden, and still living fully.”
He wrote other songs for people like him and his brother, people who grew up during
the same period and listened to The Beatles, Elton John, The Who and others.
“I’m hoping as they’ve grown and listened to music, it fits right into their lives.”
One song, “Rumors,” a fast-moving rocker, is in its original recording of the Sifuentes
brothers from the late ’80s, early ’90s.
“I just threw it in because I wanted to get 12 songs done, and it fits the mood of the
album perfectly.”
“Life,” a soft, lovely ballad, has special meaning.
“It’s the question every kid gets: What do you want to be in life? I just wanted to be
famous and write songs, but you got to live your life for real.”
The last lines are:
Now that I’m older, I’ve come to be
All the gifts life has given me
Still life comes asking one more thing
Is this really what it means to be
“I have this gift, and I wanted to share it, what I think my brother and I wanted to do
back when. When you get that opportunity, like now, go ahead and make that happen.”


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