The X Collective members debut a new single and video all about trying to make it in the tough game of the music industry.
‘Big’ arrives with a hustling music video directed by Emily Shaw and Ele Breslin (Zapho) and shot and edited by Nicola O’Reilly (a.k.a BabyGirl Films).
“‘BIG’ is about the highs and lows of trying to make it in an industry that’s already oversaturated in talent,” Shanny says.
“The verses play with the idea of a dual reality: already made it big versus working in a chipper to pay for the music you want to make. The chorus is an affirmation that you have what it takes despite the obstacles every artist faces when trying to release.”
Celaviedmai is a Galway rapper and Nialler9 regular, Jamel Franklin is a Brooklyn-born rapper who has worked with SENU and more and who fronts Shy Mascot, while Shanny sings with Yankari Afrobeat Collective and Toshín.
Watch the video.
“I had never focused on rap genres until I spent time listening to the likes of Celaviedmai and Jamel Franklin, understanding the musicality of their flows and rhythms and lyrical genius. The writing room was fun, wholesome and the vibes were immaculate. We wanted to write about our BIG plans and BIG moves and BIG dreams as artists, who I guess all share the same vision of success. The reality is that the music industry it’s one of the most difficult industries to survive in, let alone thrive in—yet we keep dreaming BIG.”
The X Collective co-founder Ele Breslin (Zapho) worked as a co-writer, co-producer and bass player on BIG.
The X Collective is a dynamic supergroup of Irish artists and creatives who write, record, release and perform together in a mass-collaborative nature. The project is iterative, always evolving and keeping listeners on their toes. The pair arranged a songwriting camp, hand selecting 35 writers, producers, instrumentalists and vocalists. This camp created a body of work which the group have gone on to record and perform at festivals and events around the country.
Song credits:
Written by Celaviedmai, Jamel Franklin, Shanny, Zapho, Adam Garrett
Produced by Zapho, Adam Garrett, Chris Bubenzer
Executive Produced by Emily Shaw, Zapho
Video credits:
Directed and Produced by Emily Shaw, Ele Breslin
Videography and Editing by BabyGirl Films
Styled by Laura Cooney
Assistant styling by Emily Shaw
Make-up by Elaine Cruz
Connect with The X Collective:
Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Spotify
Connect with Celaviedmai:
Connect with Jamel Franklin:
Connect with Shanny:
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005 . He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Cara Magazine, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, founder of Lumo Club, club promoter, event curator and producer of gigs, listening parties & events in Dublin.
