Artist Spotlight
Richard Lynch Remembers Steel Guitar Legend, Pays Tribute To DJs On New Recording
“The Lord has been, so good to him
He helped him do, just what he wanted to do
He didn’t always know, but God always knew
The hearts he’d melt, by being on the radio
You know the souls he touched, from that DJ chair
He meant so much to people everywhere
Just a humble man, doing what he loved to do
And after 50 years, he’s gonna play his final tune”
–Richard Lynch, “Radio Friend”
When an artist like singer-songwriter Richard Lynch writes a song, you can bet it is inspired by true events, real people, family, faith and country. The Waynesville, OH country artist has released tributes to our military (“Love Tattoo” with Ronnie McDowell); his family (“Grandpappy,” “Daddy’s Guitar”); and his friend, Doug Supernaw (“Supernaw”). On January 28th, 2022, Richard Lynch will release “Radio Friend,” a never-before-released single, written as a tribute to two of Lynch’s pals.
Lynch explains, “We had a very good family friend that recently passed away. Ray “Chubby” Howard was a lifelong friend of my dad’s, and a member of the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame. Chubby played all over the world, and he was a great supporter of my music. When he became a DJ on a local station here in Ohio, he continued to promote my songs, and I’m eternally grateful. ‘Radio Friend’ is my way of saying ‘Thanks’ to Chubby. I was honored to have it played at his funeral.”
He continues, “The inspiration for writing the song actually came from another friend and DJ on Real Roots Radio, Gary Cohn. When Gary retired, he made the comment on his last show, ‘ if I don’t see you on the air, I will see you in the air.’ Anthony Williams and I penned this song as a tribute to Gary and all of the incredible DJs that have played my music over the years. You are all my ‘Radio Friends.”
“Radio Friend” is planned for inclusion on the next Richard Lynch album, due later this year. A video tribute featuring photos of Chubby Howard, Gary Cohn and Richard Lynch is available at https://youtu.be/uVyVxKQfVUY. Pre-sale starts on January 14th.
ABOUT RICHARD LYNCH: Over the past 3 decades, Richard Lynch has compiled a long list of country hits and chart-toppers on both domestic and international sales and radio airplay charts, including two #1 iTunes chart singles, multiple #1 New Music Weekly radio songs, #1 IndieWorld and Roots Music Report chart tracks and a Christian Music Weekly Top 20 single. Richard has been in Billboard Magazine, Taste Of Country, The Boot, CCM Magazine, Country Music People, and countless others. He has also appeared on WSM Radio Nashville, RFD TV, Fox TV and more. He has recorded popular duets with legendary artists like Ronnie McDowell and Leona Williams, as well as Grammy Winner, Rhonda Vincent. Richard Lynch is a proud member of the Ohio Country Music Hall of Fame and the Independent Country Music Hall of Fame. Lynch is also the owner of Keepin’ It Country Farm in Waynesville, OH and co-founder of Love Tattoo Foundation that assists veterans.
Website: http://www.richardlynchband.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RichardLynchBand/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/richardlynchbnd
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Ft2PD3ZFfdWgcysP7RYnb?si=52IT3X3BS-y-gRShvEW-Pg&dl_branch=1
Album Review
Dian Sheng explores identity, life and love with “Sid” album
Dian Sheng releases his long-awaited first English-language album, “Sid,” a genre-defying collection of songs that includes pop, rock, electronic, and jazz. “Sid” is a deep, meditative exploration of identity, relationships, and self-growth, spanning 29 minutes and 12 seconds across eight tracks. This album is a personal exploration of the complex emotions of mankind and the vitality and jubilation of life.
From the opening track, “Right Now,” Dian Sheng establishes a sense of urgency and reflection. The upbeat song “I Come From Far” examines the connection between the self and one’s environment. It has joyful beats and layers that make you think and feel like part of the narrative.
The jazz ballad “Undecided Love” delves into the complexities of modern romance, featuring tender vocals and instrumentation that showcase Sheng’s delicate touch as a songwriter. “It Will Be Alright” is an empowering anthem about overcoming life’s biggest obstacles, combining electronic beats with a rock influence.
“Seventeen” is bursting with youthful energy, and its production captures the restlessness and emotionality of adolescent life. Two introspective songs with similar atmospheres, “The Way Before” and “This Life,” match chilling melodies with moving lyrics that touch on bygone relationships, self-awareness, and the quest for meaning we all experience.
The album concludes with “Shining As Your Name,” and the final few minutes of this piece alone evoke a strong sense of hope. Dian Sheng demonstrates his ability to join emotional depth with new styles. “Sid” is an invitation into the rich musical universe of Dian Sheng, where you can both consider yourself and feel influenced.
Connect with Dian Sheng on | Facebook | X | Spotify | Instagram |
Written by:
Faith Koch
Artist Spotlight
Feel the vibe with Sporty-O’s new EP “The P.L.U.R. Project,” a blend of emotions and sound
“The P.L.U.R. Project” begins like a rush of light across a crowded dance floor as jubilant, purposeful, and very human. This seven-song, 29-minute journey from the EDM pioneer Sporty-O is a cultural reset built around peace, love, unity, and respect.
Sporty-O establishes the emotional timbre for the entire project from the first track of its lead single, “Spirit Higher.” The song is anthemic, its purposes well outlined despite a high-gloss production. It’s a centerpiece that establishes the mood of an intensive exploration of sound and self-awareness.
“The P.L.U.R. Project” is just as much about managing your feelings as it is about moving. Sporty-O creates each record with intention, writing things that make people think on the dance floor. Another high-energy song is “Happy Together,” with Lorme and Chris Willis, pulsing warmth and togetherness. “SOLD!” has a clean, feel-good sound that embodies the community spirit of EDM culture.
Sporty-O embraces a multi-genre EDM palette on the EP, fusing forward-thinking sounds with uptempo beats. Tracks like “Revolution” with Specimen A and “Geek’d Up” with Baby Sweet provide lots of energy and edge. “Piece Of My Mind” is more introspective, while “Cheveyo” features a diverse array of collaborators and culminates in a rich, layered sound, all while maintaining a global welcoming spirit.
What makes this project unique is that it serves both and reminds people of the origins of dance culture. Sporty-O aims to help people rediscover the heartbeat of the community. “The P.L.U.R. Project” is an EDM experience that reaches beyond the speakers, colorful and thoughtful about meaning in music-based culture.
Connect with Sporty-O on | Facebook | Spotify | Instagram | TikTok | Website |
-
Artist Spotlight6 days agoFrançois Marius & Bérénice turn moments into magic with “Happy Day”
-
Artist Spotlight6 days agoVibrational Match serves up light and breezy vibes in “On a Sunny Shore”
-
Artist Spotlight6 days agoSpiros Exaras blends jazz with greek roots on “Kalamatiano Medley”
-
Artist Spotlight6 days agoMracks paints city life in new release “Cornerstore”
-
Artist Spotlight6 days agoUna Lengua Infinita releases gentle string quartet piece on “Bajo un cielo cuadrado”
-
Artist Spotlight4 days agoMTS Management Group artists celebrates friendship with new release “A Song for My Friends”
-
Artist Spotlight4 days agoMichael Soul hides from being open with new release “Hiding”
-
Artist Spotlight4 days agoGrace Doty lights up the sky with new release “Sunset Colors”

