Foy Vance: Ed Sheeran is “a force of nature”


Foy Vance releases his second album on Ed Sheeran’s Gingerbread Man Records label. Sheeran is “like my little brother,” says Vance.

The Northern Irish musician Foy Vance (* 1974) became known, among other things, for his appearances in the opening act of Ed Sheeran (30) and Elton John (74). He is now releasing his fourth studio album entitled “Signs of Life” on September 10th – the second on Ed Sheeran’s Gingerbread Man Records label. Foy Vance recently got rid of his alcohol addiction with the help of therapy. His family was a great support to him, as he explains in an interview with the news agency spot on news.

He also talks about working with Ed Sheeran, whom he describes as “little brother”. “I love to give him the creative freedom to do what he wants, because after all, I’m a big fan of his work,” Sheeran said in advance in a statement about the new album by his colleague and friend. “It’s a great pleasure to be able to publish such great works of his and I hope everyone will enjoy it as much as I do.”

Your album is called “Signs of Life”. What were “signs of life” in your personal life?

Foy Vance: The signs of life came when I stopped some bad habits and started seeing clearly again. With this clarity, I realized that I had options, that I was surrounded by signs of life. I just couldn’t see her because I was hiding my feelings.

On the cover you can be seen as a man and a woman. What do you mean by that?

Vance: It’s not so much about what I mean by that. It’s more about that I just wanted to do it, and when it turned out the way it is, it made sense to use the photos for the front and back of the cover. Even the manliest man has a feminine side somewhere, and without masculine and feminine nothing would grow.

You have dealt intensively with your alcohol and drug addiction on your new album. Did music help you overcome your addiction?

Vance: Absolutely. But it was also the sight of my family that watched me systematically destroy myself. I didn’t change for the kids, but it was they who helped me see the need for change, and the music was the life raft I sailed myself out of danger to. As long as I can remember, music has been my salvation. I had only forgotten that for a short time.

When did you realize that it couldn’t go on like this?

Vance: It’s easier to hide your addictions on the street than when you’re at home with your family. When I got back from the tour, I still had the habits of touring life in the home environment. It was when I saw my family so concerned all the time that I really realized what I was doing to myself.

How and why did the addiction start in you?

Vance: It’s too big a question to really answer here. In short, I think we are all born with a need within us. Those who are surrounded by a healthy attitude and approach have a good chance of satisfying this need with healthy things. I suppose I haven’t always been surrounded by healthy attitudes towards life, and before you know it, one vice leads to another, and ten years go away.

Why is it important to you to be so open about the subject?

Vance: I don’t know if it’s important that I speak about it so openly. It’s just something that happened and I wrote about it because it was real. That was important. When I’m writing a song, it’s very important to me to express the truth as best I can, and I couldn’t have done that without talking about what happened.

Your management has urged you to get help. What did this help look like? Did you also get support from your family?

Vance: She came in the form of a psychotherapist. The day I met her, I told her about my life and how I abused my body and to what extent. She said we couldn’t tackle anything in my life until I got rid of everything I took. I then went home and got clean – drenched in sweat and sickly for three days. My wife and daughter changed sheets and looked after me all day long until I was back on my feet.

Is there anything in your past that you regret?

Vance: No, I have no regrets.

In 2012 you appeared in the opening act for Ed Sheeran, since 2013 you have been under contract with his label. How would you describe your relationship with each other?

Vance: He’s like my little brother who used to look up to me and now I look up to him.

Despite his success, he has remained down to earth. Do you still have regular contact?

Vance: Yes, of course.

What is it like to work with Ed Sheeran?

Vance: As if you were dealing with a force of nature.

You have already toured with Elton John. How did you experience him backstage?

Vance: It’s hard to meet a more generous, kindhearted, learned, and fun man. He really deserves his status as an icon.

What private and professional plans do you have for this year?

Vance: Professionally, I have a few gigs this year and of course I will continue to write. Personally, I plan to put the vegetable garden in order so I can grow my own food.

What do you wish for your future?

Vance: To be happy.

Help with depression is offered by telephone counseling on the free number: 0800/111 0 111

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