Big Water Collective (see bigwatercollective.com) is a grassroots movement of musicians and local supporters. Founded in 2016 by Scott McClain and Tyson Motsenbocker, it was born out of the racial conflict in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and inspired by the Native Tongues Collective of the 1980s. At its very core, Big Water Collective is a consciously grassroots movement — a creative family that has evolved over time. From the beginning, it has stood apart from the contemporary music industry, rejecting restrictive norms in how songs are created and released, and championing lyrical content that comes from the depths of the soul, often born out of struggle and hope. The Collective brings seasoned singer-songwriters together with young and emerging artists, creating a collaborative space where fresh voices are heard, mentored, and celebrated. With humility and intention, Big Water provides opportunities for these younger musicians to grow their craft, share their art, and step into their calling.

The Big Water College Tour

In partnership with Young Life College Ministries, Big Water Collective will embark on a Ten-Day, Four-Stop College Tour — a journey through college towns designed to build community through music, story, and shared experience. This is not a typical tour. It’s a traveling creative workshop and spiritual retreat — a caravan of songwriters, mentors, and friends moving together to write, record, and perform in the midst of real life. Along the way, young artists will co-write three new songs with seasoned mentors on the road. Each stop will feature intimate house concerts and community meals, creating a space where musicians and attendees meet eye-to-eye and heart-to-heart. Live shows will be recorded in real time, capturing both the performance and the spirit of the moment. College students involved with Young Life will be invited into the process — to listen, to learn, and to belong. Over time, Big Water has been shaped and inspired by artists who began their journeys performing at Young Life camps — including Tyson Motsenbocker, Scott Cash (We The Kingdom), Drew and Ellie Holcomb, Jordy Searcy, Andrew Ripp, Matt Wertz, Grammy Award–winning producer Mitch Dane, and author and songwriter Justin McRoberts. Big Water Collective remains deeply invested in the next generation — giving them a platform to make music, a safe community of seasoned mentors, and a place to “come home to” for encouragement and support. As these artists grow in confidence and skill, they are encouraged to give back, mentoring and supporting others just as opportunities were extended to them.

Big Water Collective is proud to be part of the Wedgwood Circle. At its heart, Big Water Collective is a movement of music, mentorship, community, and healing — building bridges through art and relationships. The College Tour is simply the next chapter in that story — bringing the sound of hope, honesty, and belonging to a new generation on the road.