I first met Ricardo Mejia Chaves at one of my AI-assisted songwriting workshops for older adults at the Santa Ana Public Library. From the beginning, it was clear that he possessed something many aspiring songwriters spend years searching for: stories worth telling.

A lifelong reader and lover of literature and music, Ricardo had spent decades collecting memories and writing lyrics. Thanks to the AI music production tools available today, those ideas are now coming to life in ways he never imagined possible.

For me, there is nothing more rewarding than watching someone realize that age is not a barrier to expressing themselves through music. Ricardo is a perfect example of the amazing things that can happen when talent, experience, and technology come together.

Ricardo’s album can be heard for free here:

https://s.disco.ac/czskrfddearh

How did your interest in songwriting begin, and what motivated you to participate in  AI-assisted songwriting workshops?

As a high school student, I chose to earn my degree in Literature because I have loved reading since childhood. I was motivated to participate in the songwriting workshops because the Municipal Office for Older Adults and Persons with Disabilities (OPAMDIS), led by Lic. Teresa Cerda Rocha, regularly offers educational programs on a variety of topics for older adults. These programs are designed to strengthen our knowledge and provide opportunities for continued learning.

One of these programs was an introductory course on artificial intelligence, which I attended after receiving an invitation. It was there that I first discovered this technology and realized its incredible potential.

The songwriting workshop itself was held at the Santa Ana Public Library under the coordination of Cindy Madrigal Montoya, where I had the opportunity to learn how artificial intelligence could become a powerful tool for musical creativity.

You have created many songs using SUNO. What kinds of music have you produced?

Yes. I have created many songs with different messages, melodies, and rhythms. My music includes boleros, bachatas, gospel, cumbia, merengue, salsa, blues, rancheras, musical poetry, roots, calypso, reggaeton, reggae, and many other styles.

Where do the ideas and inspiration for your lyrics come from?

They come from my emotions, my memories, personal experiences, stories from my life, and everyday situations that sometimes become challenging. Music allows me to transform those experiences into something meaningful.

What is your creative process like?

My creative process develops gradually. I write every day, adding new ideas and feelings as they naturally come to me. I always try to carry a notebook and pencil with me so I can capture those moments of inspiration and the small details that appear unexpectedly.

Do you usually begin with a story, an emotion, a memory, or a specific idea?

Sometimes I begin with a story or an idea about a particular person or subject. Other times, inspiration comes from something unexpected or simply from the desire to share life with someone special, without borders or limitations.

Have you shared the songs you have created?

Yes. I have shared many of my songs, and it brings me great joy to know that people appreciate both the messages and the music. Seeing others connect with my work has been incredibly rewarding.

What has discovering a tool like SUNO meant to you at this stage of your life?

At this stage of my life, as an older adult, discovering SUNO has been one of the most wonderful experiences I have ever had.

For many years, I carried ideas and emotions inside me that I could never fully express through music. Thanks to this technology, I have been able to hear those thoughts transformed into songs. That has truly been a blessing.

Watching people enjoy, dance, sing, and share happy moments with my music fills me with enormous satisfaction, peace, and happiness.

Do you plan to re-record your songs using your own vocals?

Yes, absolutely. I would really like to. Perhaps that will be my second album.

What message would you like to share with other older adults who believe it is too late to learn new technologies or express their creativity through music?

My message to both young people and older adults is to embrace today’s technology and enjoy learning. There is always something new to discover.

Growing older is a natural part of life. What truly matters is continuing to grow emotionally, spiritually, and creatively, regardless of our age.

If we keep our desire to learn and create alive, we can leave a meaningful legacy for future generations and make a positive contribution to humanity.

Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my teacher, Bruce Callow, for introducing me to this exciting new world of creativity through artificial intelligence.

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