Out today! Sultry single ‘Naked’ – from The X Collective, DeCarteret, Senita + Qbanaa

Co. Clare soul singer DeCarteret, Dublin-based multi-disciplinary artist Senita, and Cuban-Irish singer-songwriter Qbanaa of The X Collective release their sultry new single ‘NAKED’ today. 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.”

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.