New single, ‘Godspeed’ sees Ryan Collins staying connected and present, accountable to the life he is building for his family, his 10 year old son, and 14 year old daughter. He brings his past into the same frame as where his life is now, and in so doing knows that his reasons for moving forward are more important than anything ever before.
Collins’ songwriting started back in high school, where he would write rap songs while in detention. From there he started selling mixtapes and t-shirts, thus discovering a way to turn around his difficult circumstances. Later his writing came from a different place, and after 3 years of sobriety, fatherhood, and a determination to build a better life after struggling with alcoholism, his music is inspiring not just to himself but to many others who’ve gone through similar struggles.
Co-written by iDreamology record label head, Rob Aster, ‘Godspeed’ sees Collins put all that determination front and centre. He describes it as deeply personal, rooted in fighting his own demons, getting sober, and becoming the kind of father who can provide something better for his children. Instead of just spelling out those experiences literally, he instead translates the lyrics into words filled with resilience, competition, ambition, and forward motion. Early in the track he raps, “Had my back to the wall, came back with resilience”, at which point he establishes the song’s purpose in refusing to stay down. Collins moves through the verses with references to destiny, independence, and seizing the moment, ensuring it’s clear that ‘Godspeed’ is all about pushing ahead, rather than looking backwards.
Directed, animated, and produced by Eli Lev, of Lev Studio, the music video for ‘Godspeed’ comes off like a graphic novel, with orange and black visuals, framed by storm-heavy skies and dramatic city imagery. With heightened animation, the energy of the song itself is reflected, while at the same time reinforcing the message of perseverance that’s a running thread through the song’s lyrics; a hero’s tale worth the telling.
You can watch the music video for ‘Godspeed’ below, and find out more about Ryan Collins and his music online on Instagram, and Facebook.
