Groovy: A Celebration of Collaboration and Creativity
"Groovy" is more than just a song; it’s a testament to friendship, creativity, and collaboration. This project was born out of a long-standing bond between two musicians, Pie and Nico, who navigated their artistic journeys together from childhood in Sudan to their young adult lives in Europe. Their shared experiences and passions culminated in an exciting music video project that not only showcased their growth as artists but also highlighted the incredible talent of those around them. For a deeper dive into Nico’s musical journey, check out his, “Finding My Sound” blog post.
Creating the Track
Creating “Groovy” was a natural progression in their artistic journey. After years of making music together, Nico traveled to Brussels to visit Pie, and their collaboration unfolded organically, as always. As they caught up, a simple jam session quickly turned into the creation of "Groovy." It all started when Pie strummed a funky bass riff, instantly sparking a creative connection. Within 40 minutes, they crafted a solid foundation for a track that felt polished and professional—different from their earlier works. With a catchy hook and clever verses, “Groovy” was born. This was not just another track; it felt different, more polished, and appealing to a wider audience than their earlier efforts. With excitement buzzing, they knew they had to promote this track properly.
Radio Performance
They reached out to local radio stations, and their efforts paid off when they got invited to "Radio Prima" in Liège. With the support of the radio host, Berenice Gillot, who extended their interview to two hours, they shared their creative journey, the making of “Groovy,” and performed a few original songs. This exposure, along with features on multiple playlists, created a buzz around their song, encouraging Nico to push forward with his vision.
Three Days of Creation
To maximize their momentum, they decided to create a music video. After thorough research and planning, Nico booked a flight for a whirlwind three-day trip to Brussels. The first day was spent capturing promotional content throughout the city, while the second day involved traveling to Liège for their radio performance. The final day was dedicated to shooting the music video, a feat that required meticulous planning and coordination.
Nico’s Creative Contributions
Throughout the "Groovy" project, Nico's involvement was instrumental in shaping not just the sound but also the strategic execution of their vision. Nico took the lead in writing the melody and co-writing the hook’s lyrics, as well as his own verses, ensuring the track was catchy and relatable. This experience allowed Nico to showcase songwriting skills effectively.
To enhance their promotional strategy, Nico developed detailed spreadsheets to track outreach efforts, managing contacts for influencers, Spotify playlisters, and radio hosts. This meticulous organization helped them broaden their reach and create valuable connections in the industry.
In preparation for their radio performance, Nico collaborated closely with Pie, providing insights on tone and delivery to ensure they engaged the audience effectively. Nico's previous experience in music video production also allowed him to guide Pie through this new creative endeavor, helping him feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.
Leading up to the shoot, Nico contributed significantly to brainstorming sessions, focusing on locations, mood, shot angles, and timing. Nico’s passion for creative collaboration ensured that each team member's input was valued, making this a truly collective effort.
A Collaborative Experience
This project truly exemplified collaboration. They enlisted the talented model Xenia, who brought both professionalism and an incredible energy to the shoot, and independent photographer Ria Rwayitare, who documented the journey with both digital and analogue cameras. Together with Pie as the musical partner and Anh Thi as the brilliant creative director, they formed a creative collective. Each person's passion contributed to the success of "Groovy," bringing the vision to life in an unforgettable way. Nico can’t wait to collaborate with this team again on future projects whenever the opportunity arises.