EXCLUSIVE: Billy Boyd on the origins of Silibil N’ Brains and California Schemin'
- Andrew Batchelor
- 50 minutes ago
- 5 min read
The story of Silibil N’ Brains has long been one of Dundee’s most extraordinary cultural tales. What began as a bold and unconventional attempt to break into the music industry quickly became a global talking point, blending ambition, identity and the realities of an often unforgiving industry.
Now, that story has made the leap to the big screen with California Schemin’, bringing a new perspective to a journey that has fascinated audiences for years. With scenes filmed in Dundee and strong links to the city throughout, the film brings the story back to where it all began.
At the heart of it all is Billy Boyd, one half of the duo, whose experience helped shape one of the most talked-about music stories of its time. From early rejection to unexpected success, and everything in between, his journey continues to resonate with audiences today.
Speaking ahead of the public release of the film, Billy reflects on seeing his story retold, the reality behind the headlines, and what he hopes the next generation of creatives will take from it.
Andrew Batchelor (AB): How does it feel to see the story of Silibil N’ Brains brought to the big screen, especially with Dundee playing such a key role in the film?
Billy Boyd (BB): It’s a great feeling to finally be bringing the story to audiences in a feature film format. It’s been a long time coming and to now be sitting in local cinemas with a crowd taking it in is fantastic.
As you know, I played a big part in pushing to have an premier event brought to Dundee as I felt the city deserved it due to having such a huge part to play in the story.
AB: What was your initial reaction when you first heard that the story was being adapted into a film?
BB: It’s a strange one because I’d heard it for years. So many times since the initial documentary (The Great HipHop Hoax), I’ve heard that a certain actor, producer or writer is involved in an adaptation that I was at the point of ‘I’ll believe it when I see it’.
It wasn’t until I was stood on set with James McAvoy, taking in the filming that I figured it was actually happening haha. To now have it officially being released is great.
AB: Looking back, what do you think drove you and Gavin Bain to take that leap and reinvent yourselves in the way you did?
BB: To be honest, it started as a joke. After several disappointments and rejections for having a Scottish accent, i threw on a terrible American accent to a record label as a prank call and we were instantly asked for a demo.
That’s what started the cogs turning. It was always a bit of fun and to try get ourselves through the door of opportunity before exposing the industry.
Once we got in, it became harder and harder to get out of the situation as you’ll see in the film.
AB: How accurately do you feel the film captures the reality of that time in your life?
BB: Speaking to James initially, he wanted to create a fun and general version of the film and I think they delivered it perfectly to that aspect.
Of course there are some elements that are not 100% factual but that was always going to happen. I feel the film is a decent telling of events.
I am releasing a book in May which is a true representation of events and I aim to right a lot of the wrongs that have evolved over the years.
AB: What was it like working alongside the cast and creative team on the project?
BB: Everyone involved in the film process has been excellent. I spent some time with the actors who were all great to deal with. Sam (that plays me) and I had a good few conversations where he picked my brain a lot to get into my character.
As a director, I feel James has done a fantastic job creating a version of the story that everyone can enjoy. As a person, he was better than imaginable. Really down to earth and humble which made him a pleasure to interact with.
Sometimes it’s easy to forget that these celebrities are real people, but James certainly reminds you instantly by being genuinely like able.
AB: How important is it for you that Dundee audiences get to see the film early at DCA?
BB: As mentioned before, it was huge for me to bring a special event to Dundee. The story started in Dundee and a lot of the scenes were filmed here so I really wanted to bring it back home so to speak.
The DCA were fantastic in supporting the concept and together we worked on creating special moment with a great after party at the brand new Riddoch’s next door.
Just bringing people together and showcasing the city in a positive light is something I am always willing to support.
AB: What do you hope people in Dundee, particularly younger creatives, take away from your story?
BB: I hope that they see this as an underdog story. If you take away the hiphop element, it’s about creative people not getting the opportunities they may deserve for any particular reason. It really shouldn’t be about how you look, sound or where your from.
I want people to push boundaries and reach for the stars. If you reach for the stars and fall short, at least you’ll land of the rooftops and still be ahead of where you started. The secret is believing and just starting.
AB: When you reflect on the journey now, what stands out most to you?
BB: A few things stand out I guess, how far I’ve come and how much I’ve matured and appreciated where I’ve come from is a major one for me. It was a wild time, a dream that I chased and lived but essentially walked away from because I realised that sometimes dreams change, and that’s totally ok. I love my life now and wouldn’t change it for the world.
This week I am releasing my album called ‘Everyone Has A Story To Tell’ which follows the timeline of the story through the songs and is very unapologetically authentic. It’s me being mature, real and honest which has been a real breath of fresh air to create and feels a million miles from the days of Silibil n Brains.
As California Schemin’ reaches audiences, it marks another chapter in a story that has continued to evolve over time. For Billy, the film is not just a retelling of the past, but a chance to reflect on how far things have come and what those experiences have meant.
With a new album and a book set to follow, his story is now being told in his own words as well as on screen. It offers a deeper look at the journey behind Silibil N’ Brains, moving beyond the headlines to something more personal and grounded.
For Dundee, the film stands as a reminder of the city’s role in shaping creative stories that reach far beyond its borders. From local beginnings to global attention, it highlights what can happen when ambition meets opportunity, even in the most unexpected ways.
And for those watching, whether they remember the original story or are discovering it for the first time, it leaves a clear message. Sometimes the most unlikely journeys are the ones that stay with you the longest.
