The Story of C.M. Jaye Music

C.M. Jaye Music LLC

C.M. Jaye Music Logo short video. Song - Larysa Jaye. Written by Billy Smiley & Larysa Jaye.

The Story of C.M. Jaye Music

Born from Two Paths, One Purpose

In 2024, Larysa Jaye and her brother, Carlos McNeely (known to readers as author C.M. James), were walking parallel paths in different creative worlds, she in music, he in literature. Though immersed in separate crafts, they were unknowingly building a shared legacy, two currents flowing toward the same ocean.

Larysa was on the verge of a breakthrough, recording music, giving interviews, and writing songs that embodied her raw, soulful artistry. Meanwhile, Carlos was making waves in publishing, writing at an extraordinary pace, having multiple works published, some even registered in the Library of Congress, and launching C.M. James Writes LLC, a publishing house built to empower storytellers.

The siblings would constantly exchange ideas, inspiring one another along the way. Larysa often urged Carlos to manage her career, but he resisted.

"Music isn’t my field, Larysa. I don’t know it. It can be messy."

But in July 2024, their worlds officially merged when Larysa asked him for help, not with management, but with her memoir. She wanted to transform her lyrics into literature, capturing the stories behind her songs. This, he agreed to. Writing was his world. Together, they began compiling her words, archiving the meaning behind every lyric, preserving her artistic soul on paper.

Larysa had always believed in giving a voice to artists who didn’t fit the conventional mold, but as she approached 40, that vision became more urgent. She wasn’t just thinking about her own career anymore; she wanted to create opportunities for others. For years, she talked about supporting artists who had grit, raw talent, and real stories to tell, especially single mothers, minorities, and those who didn’t fit the traditional image of country or soul artists.

What mattered to her was authenticity; the kind of voice you can feel in a song, one that carries experience and struggle. When she first brought the idea up to her brother, he told her, "Now that, I could help with. Not the artists themselves, but maybe the business side." She had spent years talking about it, now she was finally ready to act. She had already created her own music label for music, Larysa Jaye Music LLC.

As fate would have it, while Larysa celebrated her 40th birthday in October, Carlos was making another major leap, officially launching C.M. James Writes LLC. They marked their milestones, exchanged future plans, and discussed ideas for 2025.

Then came their last conversation.

Two days before she passed, they spoke for about an hour, discussing what was next. Carlos mentioned, almost offhandedly, that he was considering stepping into the industry, but only to help songwriters, assisting with lyrics and connecting them to music professionals.

Larysa’s response was immediate. Emphatic. Unshakable.

“You are a genius, Carlos. Seriously! Do it!”

For the first time, the roles were reversed. His younger sister, the one he had always pushed toward greatness, was now the one pushing him. It was a shift he hadn’t anticipated but deeply felt. He hung up that night, smiling, thinking:

"My little sister is really coming into her own. So much so, that she’s giving me the push this time." As he chuckled.

Two days later, she was gone.

A Vision Turned Mission

Larysa’s passing shook Carlos and family to their core. The grief was unlike anything he had ever known, a lifetime of memories condensed into a single, unbearable moment.

But with that pain he felt there was a new purpose, he had made a deal to help her with her vision and continue her music.

If she couldn’t bring her vision to life, he would.

Thus, the idea of C.M. Jaye Music LLC was born, not just in her honor, but in her image. A label dedicated to artists like her; raw, real, soulful voices that don’t fit the mold but deserve to be heard.

Larysa herself is now would be the first “signed” artist of C.M. Jaye Music,  posthumously , ensuring that her voice and message live on. Her being the label’s foundation, the gatekeeper of its vision, and her legacy; the heartbeat of its mission.

Now under C.M. Jaye Holdings, C.M. James Writes LLC has officially published Larysa’s lyrics-to-literature memoir, "Love & Lyrics: The Nashville Dream,” a personal book, featuring her words and her story compiled and completed by her brother. Released on Valentine’s Day 2025, this book is more than a collection of lyrics. It’s a love letter to music.

One of many of her final recorded songs, "No Other Face," is set to release in the spring of 2025, an upbeat, powerful track designed to reintroduce her not just to Nashville, but to the world.

Her full posthumous album is expected to be released by Summer 2025, a body of work that will showcase her passion, her soul, and her undeniable legacy.

Next after her album: The Future of C.M. Jaye Music

The search…

C.M. Jaye Music will sign artists who reflect Larysa’s vision; artists with grit, authenticity, and a story to tell. She was passionate about giving opportunities to voices that often go unheard. This aligns perfectly with C.M. James Writes LLC, which was built on the belief that:

“Everyone has a story to tell. Let’s share yours with the world.”

Now, her brother carries that same belief into the music industry, honoring her vision while merging it with his own passion for storytelling.

From Two Paths to One Purpose

Carlos never expected to be here. But Larysa did. She saw it before he did. She knew his talents weren’t limited to books. She knew he had what it took to bring stories to life, whether on the page or through song.

This isn’t just a music label. This is a movement.

A movement fueled by two siblings who spent 2024 on different roads, but toward the same destiny. One authoring books, the other writing songs, both unknowingly shaping the foundation for something greater than themselves.

C.M. Jaye Music:

“Old Soul. New Sound. Rebel Roots”

To explore the full story, background, and vision behind C.M. Jaye Music, Larysa Jaye’s legacy, and C.M. James Writes, all relevant links have been included throughout this article for easy access. Simply click the highlighted links to learn more about each company, upcoming events, and milestones.

For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please reach out via:

Email: C.M. James

Direct Contact: Carlos McNeely (C.M. James) at 615-751-0923

Follow & Connect on Social Media:

C.M. Jaye Music: @Cmjayemusic

Larysa Jaye: @LarysaJaye

C.M. James (Author & Publisher): @IamCMjames