PhoeniXappire - Money on my Mind

James Davie
May 7
4 min read

PhoeniXapphire is one of the most versatile artists to come out of South Wales. Hailing from Aberdare, Phoenix has been releasing banger after banger consistently. His latest EP ‘Trust the Process’ boasts tracks such as NCP and Money on my Mind.

Money is tight today and everyone’s feeling the squeeze with the Cost-of-Living Crisis continuing to put a strain on families’ sense of budgetary freedom. Money On My Mind by rising Welsh rapper PhoeniXappire not only raises the constant struggle through his easy-going lyrics, but he demonstrates a personal side to his issues with money, wishing for his son not to experience the same hardships he has had to endure.

Not only does Money On My Mind concentrate its focus on personal hardships, but there’s a striving desire for success, and sharing that success with family and friends. The smooth auto-tune vocals are pleasant to listen to, and they don’t dip into the realm of pretension, they’re clean and cohere with the straightforward goal of making and sharing the wealth to ultimately provide a better future for the family.

The rap emphasizes the meaningfulness in concentrating on personal fulfillment, whilst shutting out vices for a renewed focus. Such utterances like “don’t even drink that much no more no busy getting high” shows a sobering concentration on the need to accrue money and not wasting time or indulging in old habits.

Consideration for the streets and people going through hard times is also represented through the rap “yeah, yes I need the win it’s all that for me, well some for me, some for my G’s, some for my fam, some for the team, some for the ones who kept it G,” showing there’s a great love for the community and giving back to those who were loyal.

The music video for Money On My Mind utilizes flashiness, and while this strides along with the beat of the rap, it can be unnecessary and distracting. Many different techniques are utilized to create a film reel effect that stylistically coalesces with the words and the overall message conveyed, but they could’ve been toned down for a more pleasurable viewing experience.

The video begins showing two shots of PhoeniXapphire, one where he’s lounging on a sofa, and a second at a computer desk putting pen to paper, and looking as though he’s doffing his cap. The shots are overlayed with a green filter before the camera fades and shows a strobe UV light, zooming in until we enter the studio where filmy ragu splays up and down each frame. The streaming words and graininess give some attitude and a theme to the song, but as stated previous it wasn’t entirely necessary.

In general, On My Mind is an expressive and personal tune with meaningful lyrics, a decent beat, and features a nice style and presentation. The music video might be a little too busy with a lot going on visually that it can be too distracting, but it is otherwise a good song that resonates with its sense of thankfulness towards family and friends, while also acknowledging the power money has to provide a good future for loved ones.

We had the chance to ask PhoeniXapphire a few questions, and here’s how it went:

Tell us about the process behind the creation of Money on my Mind?

“Money on my Mind was the sixth track to conclude my EP ‘Trust the Process’. I heard a snippet of one of Westy’s beats (he’s a producer) and reached out because I was interested in his sound. I bought two beats and went to work following my typical process; put on the beat and write down what comes out.”

What’s the meaning behind the track?

“Money on my Mind is basically a thank you speech to everyone who has stuck by me throughout the journey I’ve been on. It’s also meant to display that even though I’m trying to get paid from music, it isn’t to fuel my personal greed but to help take care of the ones close to me and better my community.”

What else have you been working on?

“I have been working on some new material, that will equate to an EP, with the aspiration to drop it around summertime. I’ll also be looking to release some more singles closer to the time such as my unreleased singles; ‘Looking In’ and ‘It’s Not Safe’.

Who would you say are your biggest influences within music?

“It really depends on what I’m writing for and how I’m feeling. However, if I was going to put them into a top 3 I’d have to go with Wiz Khalifa, Ed Sheeran and Drake.”

Tell us about the highlights of your career so far.

“My biggest highlight so far as an independent artist has to be my time on Talent Search UK where I won and the awards I’ve won at both the 2023 and 2024 Music Wales awards ceremonies. I’m also proud of the music I’ve been releasing and I am confident that with every step I take; more opportunities will arise and I will definitely take them.”

Any shout-outs you want to give?

“Firstly I’d love to give a huge shout-out to Vali Massive. My friends, my family, my fans, the supporters, the people who give me confidence in what I do. I want to keep making all of my supporters proud, I have some big stuff in the pipeline. Can’t wait to show you all!”

Review by James Davie

Interview conducted by Dechlan Tomsett

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