15-year-old Newtowncunningham man Cristian McDaid is quickly becoming known as one of Ireland’s most talented and youngest producers. Incredibly, Cristian has already had an official release on a record label and has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the business.
Producing and DJing as Crizify, Cristian began his musical path when he was just 7. At just 13, he signed his track ‘Change of Tide’ to Zunami Records in June 2015.
He was first inspired by trance DJ Tiesto when he heard his song ‘Adagio for String’ on the television, and went on to complete a FETAC production course with a distinction in 2015.
Speaking to Donegal Daily, Cristian says that he recieved a lot of support and guidance from Letterkenny based DJ and producer Reuben Keeney.
“Reuben found me back in 2012, since then he has been the most kind and generous person to me and my whole family. Reuben has helped mould me in to the artist I am today, and I am so thankful for that.
“Reuben is probably the best producer I know and his work ethic is on another level. Not only does Reuben have my back no matter what, he tries his best to help me out with everything I do as an artist. I’m so grateful to have him on my side.”
In 2016, Cristian was honoured to be asked to create an official remix for Dublin based producer Axel Knox for his record ‘Immersion’.
Upon hearing Crizify’s remix Axel Knox was blown away by Cristian’s age and the quality of his work. Incredibly, this remix was then signed to German dance music record label Plasmapool Records.
His first major radio support came in December 2016, when International DJ and Producer Nicky Romero played Crizify’s remix of Lykke Li’s ‘I Follow Rivers’ on over sixty radio stations, including the largest radio station in Holland, SLAM! FM.
“I was absolutely blown away and so proud of myself. I never thought somebody from a small village in Donegal could make it to a radio show like that. It gave me so much motivation to work on new music. I couldn’t believe it when I heard Nicky pronounce my name on his show, it gave me goosebumps.”
Following this, Cristian has been completely dedicated to refining his skills in the studio.
The rising star is now collaborating with American Idol star Rhea Raj, a New York based singer songwriter.
“I heard Rhea Raj through a song that she was featured on. Once I heard her voice I instantly looked her up and contacted her. I felt that her voice was unique and would suit my next song currently called ‘4AM’.
“When I contacted Rhea she got back to me within a few days. She is such a nice person to talk to, and she made working with her very easy.”
The only thing holding young Crizify back is how difficult it can be to secure gigs due to his age, however with a lot of support from his family, friends, local fans, and thousands of fans across Europe, we’re positive this is only the beginning for this incredible Donegal DJ.
To keep up to date with Crizify, you can find him on Facebook, Soundcloud, and Youtube.
