Co. Clare soul singer DeCarteret, Dublin-based multi-disciplinary artist Senita, and Cuban-Irish singer-songwriter Qbanaa of The X Collective released their sultry new single ‘NAKED’ on October 11th. Dynamic supergroup The X Collective also share the appropriately steamy music video for ‘NAKED’, directed by Emily Shaw and Ele Breslin and shot by Brazilian filmmaker LEON D . The single precedes The X Collective’s performances at Guinness Cork Jazz at Kino on 26th October and the Pitch, Please stage at Output Belfast on 12th November .
Senita says of the track: “The genesis of ‘NAKED’ is at The X Collective writing camp in 2021, a time of reclusivity and reflection. I went into the pandemic in my mid twenties and at that point was on the cusp of 30, wanting the world back and wanting to say what I had to say more boldly than I had before. The song marks self-evolution and ownership before inviting folks in. At that moment, during that heatwave summer, I wanted to capture the lust and yearning we were all feeling—for each other and the return of normal life. It felt like a big break away from the social anxiety I was having even being in a room with so many people and singing with my whole chest, ‘I wanna see you naked.’ It’s a song drenched in barely contained horniness, and the people deserve that.”
DeCarteret adds: “I had such an incredible experience creating ‘NAKED’ with such amazing artists! For me this song represents female power and reclaiming our sexual energy.”
Emily Shaw, one of the founders of The X Collective, says: “”NAKED’ is bold, personal, and unapologetic, carrying the energy of everyone involved in the project where collaboration truly shines. Each release is a piece of a larger puzzle, offering a deeper glimpse into ‘The X Collective’ world we’re creating—every track feels like a new chapter in the story we can’t wait to tell.”
DeCarteret, Senita, and Qbanaa create shimmering harmonies together on the bedroom eyes track, each of them bringing their own distinctive sonic background to ‘NAKED’. DeCarteret’s music incorporates neo-soul, jazz and R&B, and her forthcoming EP To The West will chronicle her journey back to her home in the west of Ireland. Senita began her career as a singer-songwriter in the mid-2000s, and her impressive collaborations with artists like GodKnows , Daithí , Le Galaxie , and Bantum showcase her versatility and range. Qbanaa seamlessly blends her Cuban heritage with modern influences such as soul, jazz, and Latin rhythms, and she was named one of RTÉ’s Rising Stars for 2024 .
The music video for ‘NAKED’ centers love (or lust) in all its myriad forms. Besides DeCarteret, Senita, and Qbanaa, The X Collective recruited dancers and actors via Instagram for the visuals.
Qbanaa explains: “I had an amazing time creating choreography with the dancers Adam, Ahad, Daya, Zarena, Mai, and Ellie. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and became my favourite part of the shoot. Working with Leon, DeCarteret, Senita, and The X Collective was incredible. Community and collaboration is hugely important so I feel blessed to have an opportunity to meet and work with such lovely people on a large project.”
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 incredibly varied roster of musicians and performers make for the ultimate ensemble. They are known for their crowd-pleasing, high-energy, interactive sets and explore soul, hip-hop, disco, reggae and a myriad of other genres. Through covers, originals, freestyling and the members’ own repertoires, The X Collective have been shaking things up and setting high standards for every stage that they hit. They recently released their swaggering single ‘BIG’ (Celaviedmai, Jamel Franklin, and Shanny), which premiered on Nialler9 and was praised by the likes of District Magazine , The GOO , Hot Press , GoldenPlec , and more. ‘BIG’ was also featured as Track of the Week on Spin NOW .
The X Collective was set up in 2020 by Ele Breslin (artist, songwriter, music producer and MD) and Emily Shaw (music sync, events and visual production), a duo with a shared passion for pushing boundaries and breaking musical conventions.
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.
Songwriting Credits
Written by Senita Appiakorang (Senita), Amelia DeCarteret (Decarteret) , Elizabeth Villazon Figueredo (Qbanaa), Jennifer O’Brien (Bobbi Arlo), Alex O’Keefe, Rafino Miguel Murphy (Uly)
Music and production: Alex O’Keefe, Chris Bubenzer
Mixed by Chris Bubenzer
Produced by The X Collective
Executive Producers: Zapho and Emily Shaw
Video Credits
Shot by LEON D
Edited by Emily Shaw and LEON D
Directed and produced by Emily Shaw and Ele Breslin (Zapho)
Additional videography by Yesunia Appiakorang
Artist Performances: Qbanaa, DeCarteret. Senita
Dancers and Actors: Lisiane Freitas, Ahad Jassani, Adam Norris, Daya Jolan, Ellie Scanlan, Zarena Boladale, Maianh Nguyen
