A new, 70-artist strong creative collective has launched in Ireland. Founded by musician Ele Breslin (ZAPHO) and Emily Shaw of Oíche Events, The X Collective will be a way for creatives in Ireland to connect and collaborate.

The X Collective has already seen some of Ireland's leading artists join, including: Shiv, Tolu Makay, Shookrah, Zapho, ELKAE, Toshín, Shy Mascot, Gemma Bradley, Mutant Vinyl, Brenna Carroll, Zennie Summers, as well as a "host of music industry professionals working to promote and elevate the musical industry landscape in Ireland and beyond".

The first project born from this exciting initiative will be a collaborative album from Zapho, Tolu Makay and Jenny Browne called Collide. The project was recorded and created entirely in isolation, and will be available June 12th.

Co-founder Emily Shaw said: “The music industry has been hit hard by the restrictions that are in place today with the news of cancelled gigs and events. Now seems like no better time to join together, encourage and launch this collective as we had originally intended prior to Covid-19, and to open up a space where collaboration is possible and creatives can continue to create.

Co-founder Ele Breslin (ZAPHO) added: “The X collective aims to highlight a diverse range of social, political and musical ideas that are important to the Irish music community. Through the work of our artists will bring a voice to topics such as diversity, inclusivity, women in music, LGBT rights, gender imbalance in the music industry, mixed heritage; mental health, kindness, freedom, the housing crisis, Covid-19 related issues, creativity, fashion, spirituality and much more.”