Ryan Collins x Ty Taylor Describe “The Madness”

1 week ago 5

In this industry, many projects that flourish begin with a keen eye for observation, someone who knows exactly what, or who, a song needs to get off the ground. When tasked with capturing the frenzy of March Madness in a single track, it was Rob Aster, the storytelling visionary behind award-winning music production boutique RRHOT LLC and record label iDreamology, who first recognized the potential in a serendipitous collaboration between award-winning hip-hop artist and songwriter Ryan Collins and soulful powerhouse Ty Taylor.

Since 2012, Collins has fine-tuned his formula for viral success, garnering millions of views on YouTube and other social media platforms and landing notable sync placements. Recognized by the Independent Music Awards and the Maryland Music Awards, he blends genres with ease, fusing hip-hop with pop, rock, country, and more with originality and finesse. In crafting “The Madness,” he tapped into the resolve, fearlessness, and drive that elite athletes bring to every game, pairing the arresting soundscape with a voice to match. Taylor has graced Hollywood, Broadway, and rock stages throughout his illustrious career, including fronting Vintage Trouble and performing alongside some of the most renowned rock icons in history. His magnetism sets this track ablaze, searing those bubbling feelings of nail-biting apprehension and blissful euphoria into the hearts of sports (and madness) fans everywhere.

As the last days of February give way to March, a patient crowd of sports enthusiasts emerges, eager to dive into the best season of the year. It’s not spring, but a special time when the stakes on the court reach an all-time high, pitting the top collegiate teams from across the country head-to-head until only one winner remains. This supercharged event calls for a soundtrack that pulses with the same anticipation and adrenaline as the games themselves, which is exactly where “The Madness” comes in. Inspired by the timeless allure of soulful trailblazers, from The Roots to James Brown to Prince, this funk-driven jam tinged with darkness captures the spirit of March Madness in every note, an open invitation to become fully engulfed by the intensity of the competition. Weaving ripping guitars and driving drumlines, developed by Collins, with Taylor’s suave, sultry vocals, the spirit-lifting anthem transcends battles on the court, amplifying the excitement of fans who cannot wait a second longer, because “it’s the madness they adore.”

Naturally showcasing the built-in versatility of this electrifying experience, “The Madness” music video offers viewers a front-row seat to the performance of a lifetime, throwing open the doors to a packed theater where thousands of adoring fans cheer on Collins, Taylor, and their spirited crew. On stage, they dazzle the crowd with fluid dance moves, shimmering instruments, and effulgent smiles. Completely swept up in the “madness” unfolding before them, both fans in the video and those watching in the real world will be throwing their hands in the air and singing along, as Collins and Taylor flood the room with an intoxicating, delectable hysteria. Designed in tandem with Eli Lev of Lev Studios, the animated anime also marks the beginning of an ever-expanding RRHOT and iDreamology universe, where familiar faces will continue to make surprise appearances. As the empire continues to hit milestones at an astronomical pace, upcoming adventures plant the seeds for what will soon grow into a limitless landscape of music and art.

What brought you together for “The Madness”?

Rob Aster and I have a very close working relationship; this was the first time I personally had the pleasure of working with Ty Taylor. After hearing some of his music, we knew he’d be the perfect fit for this project.

Ryan, how did your genre-blending approach shape this song

This one took me out of my comfort zone because I had never made anything in the style of “The Madness”. Funk was something I had never personally made before, but as a fan of rock and hip-hop, I have a real appreciation for how it played such a huge part in the music I grew up listening to.

What made March Madness the right theme for the song

Well, the March Madness season was right around the corner, and typically, the networks often used a combination of funk-inspired, energetic rock or hip hop songs to play throughout the majority of the broadcasts. This song checked all the boxes when it came to matching the excitement that surrounds the NCAA March Madness tournament.

How did you bring the different influences (funk, rock, soul) together in this track

Those things just came together as the creation of the song developed. We started with a funky rock track, and as the lyrics were written and sung, the soul just came out. Ty really crushed it vocally.

What came first when building the song: the concept, the groove, or the vocals

The groove came first, then as we worked on the vocal melody, the madness concept fit perfectly with the overall feel of the record.

What was it like filming the performance video with that crowd energy

Eli Lev, who’s an integral part of the iDreamology team, did an amazing job bringing the video to life with assistance from modern software. The mastermind behind the storyline and concept was Rob, who also executive-produced the project.

How did the idea for the larger visual universe come about

We wanted listeners and viewers to get the epic concert experience from the comfort of their own homes, whatever country or city that may be.

How does this release fit into what you’re building next creatively

Every project we release on the iDreamology team is meant to build toward a higher purpose. To invoke good feelings and positive energy to the people in a time they need it.