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Foy Vance

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Foy Vance
Vance at theBerlin International Film Festival,2018
Background information
Birth nameFoy Best Vance
Born(1974-11-18)18 November 1974(age 49)
Bangor, County Down,Northern Ireland
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Musician
  • singer-songwriter
Instrument(s)
  • Vocals
  • guitar
  • piano
Years active2006–present
Labels
Websitefoyvance.com

Foy Best Vance(born 18 November 1974)[1][2][3]is an Irish musician and singer-songwriter from Northern Ireland, signed toEd Sheeran'sGingerbread Manrecord label.[4]Vance has toured as a support act to British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran and his music has been featured on numerous TV shows. In August 2013 he released his second full-length album,Joy of Nothing,which was produced by Irish producer and arranger Michael Keeney and was met with critical praise, being called "a gorgeous collection of open, uplifting songs, which showcase [Vance's] magnificent songwriting skills."[5][6]In May 2016, his third studio albumThe Wild Swan,produced and mixed byJacquire King,was released and it was announced that Vance would supportElton Johnon selected tour dates in June andJosh Grobanin July and August.

Music career[edit]

2006–2011: Early career andHope[edit]

Vance's first single, "Gabriel and the Vagabond", was released on 18 December 2006 on Wurdamouth Records. The single'sB-sidewas "Indiscriminate Act of Kindness". The songs "Homebird" and "Gabriel and the Vagabond" were both featured in the second season of the US TV dramaGrey's Anatomy.[7]

"Indiscriminate Act of Kindness" is featured in a TV commercial forGreat Ormond Street Hospital,which was aired in the UK up until Christmas of 2006.[8]Vance had previously released two limited edition EPs on Wurdamouth Records,Live Sessions and the Birth Toilet TourandWatermelon Oranges.[9][10]

On 21 July 2007, Vance's debut album,Hope,was self-released via Wurdamouth Records.[11]The album obtained some critical acclaim within the UK with the album track "Two Shades of Hope", which contains a hidden recording of Vance's daughter, Ella, singing "You Are My Sunshine"at the end.[12]His pianist is London based composerJules Maxwell.[13]

From 2007, Vance performed his contemporary songs at Ireland's largest annual Christian youth festivalSummer Madnessat theKing's Hall, Belfastfor several consecutive years.[14]

In early 2008, Vance was invited to perform at a number of prisons in England, includingNew Hallwomen's prison near Wakefield andFull Suttonmaximum security prison near York.[15]

In 2010, Vance, along withDavid Holmes,composed the music for a short film by directorTerry George,and as a result was offered a part in the director's next feature film,Whole Lotta Sole,as a busker. The short film,The Shore,won a 2012 Academy Award.[citation needed]

2011–2012:The Melrose EP[edit]

On 31 January 2011, Vance went to Los Angeles to finish the recording ofThe Melrose EPwith Holmes. During his trip to L.A., Vance put on a special show for fans.[16]

As part of Belfast Music Week 2011, Vance hosted ahoedownbranded as "Foy Vance and Friends". It featured a spread of Vance's close friends from Belfast who joined him on the stage. The event sold outUlster Hallin the city.[citation needed]

During 2012'sSouth by Southwestfestival in Austin, Texas, Vance was programmed as part of Brooklyn Vegan's tribute event toDaniel Johnston.[17]

On 27 August 2012, Vance releasedThe Melrose EP,onCommunion Records.The EP featured four new tracks which were produced by Holmes. The EP makes up the score ofTerry George'sAcademy Awardwinning filmThe Shoreand the lead track from the EP, "Be the Song" has featured on episodes ofPrivate Practice,House,Arrow,HavenandConstantinein addition to the filmWarm Bodies.[18][19]

Vance performed atBBC'sProms in the Parkin Belfast on 8 September 2012.[20]In late 2012, Vance was one of the support acts for British artistEd Sheeran's UK tour. As well as his support slot on the tour, Vance came on stage during Sheeran's main set to duet on his song "Kiss Me" from Sheeran's album+.[21]Vance went on to support Sheeran on the US-leg of his tour,[22]where the pair again duetted on "Kiss Me".[23]Sheeran has also been known to cover Vance's song "Guiding Light", which often closes Vance's headline sets.[24][25]

2013:Joy of Nothing[edit]

In early 2013, Vance signed withGlassnote Recordsand completed his new album,Joy of Nothing,which was released on 26 August.[26]The album announcement was accompanied by a music video for the song "Joy of Nothing" which featured Vance and his daughter Ella.[27]The album includes vocal features fromBonnie Raittand Ed Sheeran,[5]the latter of whom expressed his excitement for the release.[28]On 10 June 2013, Vance released a 22-minute documentary,Recording Nothing,showing the process of writing and recording the album.[29]

Vance performed atTennent's Vitalon 15 August 2013 along with headlinersSnow Patrol,and also toured with Bonnie Raitt throughout the UK.[30][31]He and Sheeran traded cameos, with Sheeran joining Vance on stage at theBowery Ballroomon 4 November 2013 and Vance joining Sheeran atMadison Square Gardenon 7 November 2013.[citation needed]

On 12 November 2013,Joy of Nothingwon the inauguralNorthern Ireland Music Prizefor best album. Other nominees includedTired Pony,Girls Names,andTwo Door Cinema Club.[32]

2015–2018:The Wild Swan[edit]

In July 2015, Vance appeared at the Barn on the Farm festival at Over Farm,Over,nearGloucester[33]and recorded a number of session for the festival'sYouTubechannel.[34]

In November 2015, Vance signed with Sheeran'sGingerbread Man Records,and on 13 May 2016, he released his third studio album,The Wild Swan.Reviewing the album for theLondon Evening Standard,Andre Paine commented: "[...] after a decade as a jobbing songwriter, Vance deserves a commercial breakthrough."[35]

In May 2016, it was announced that Vance would supportElton Johnin June on selected dates of his Wonderful Crazy Tour in Europe.[36]On 10 September, Vance embarked on his Wild Swan World Tour with a sold-out performance inPerth.After Australia, the tour was scheduled to include dates in North America, the UK and Europe.[37]

Vance co-wrote the song "Pushin' Time" withMiranda LambertandNatalie Hembythat appeared on Lambert's albumThe Weight of These Wings,which was released in November 2016.[38]

In December 2016, Vance released the single "Moonshine", which appeared on the soundtrack for theBen AffleckfilmLive by Night."Moonshine" featuresKacey Musgravesand is meant to pay tribute to "the films strong female characters", whilst telling "the story of a bootlegger running moonshine".[39]In January 2017 a music video was released for "Moonshine" and premiered on Billboard.com.[40]

2019–present:From Muscle ShoalsandTo Memphis[edit]

In June 2019, Vance released a new album,From Muscle Shoals,a collection ofAmericana-inspired songs recorded at FAME Studios inMuscle Shoals, Alabama.

In July 2019, he released the dubstep/future bass song "Blood" in collaboration with the American DJ and producerIllenium.It represents the sixth single from Illenium's studio albumAscend.In September 2019, he released a new album,To Memphis.In September 2021, he released a new album,Signs of Life.[41]

Television[edit]

On 4 June 1994, Vance appeared asAndrew StrongofThe Commitmentson the TV talent showStars in Their Eyes.[42]In 2012, his music was used in several episodes of The CW seriesBeauty and the Beast.[43][citation needed]

In 2007, Vance appeared on RTE'sOther Voices,filmed inDingle,Ireland.[44]Vance took part in theChannel 4series4Thought.tv,where he spoke about how profound he found the hymn, "Amazing Grace",how it impacted him hearing a vagabond atGround Zero,New York, playing this song.[45]A Channel 4 documentary about Vance, covered all aspects of his career from him growing up, playing shows in Ireland, playing a show in New York withPete Townshend,and organically recording his debut albumHope.[46]In September 2011, Vance joined Snow Patrol on the BBC Two'sLater... with Jools Holland,to perform their single, "Fallen Empires".[47] In May 2015, Vance appeared withRudimentalonLater with Jools Holland. Vance presentsNotes from the USAonEuronews.[48]

Discography[edit]

Albums[edit]

  • Hope(Wurdamouth Records, 2007)
  • Joy of Nothing(Glassnote Records, 2013)
  • The Wild Swan(Gingerbread Man, 13 May 2016) No. 28 UK, No. 10 IRE,[49]No. 87 AUS[50]
  • From Muscle Shoals(Gingerbread Man, 28 June 2019)[51]
  • To Memphis(Gingerbread Man, 6 September 2019)
  • Signs of Life(Gingerbread Man, 10 September 2021)

EPs[edit]

  • Blueprints(2000)
  • Live Sessions and the Birth of the Toilet Tour(2005)
  • Watermelon Oranges(2006)
  • Gabriel and the Vagabond(2006)
  • Be with Me Remix by The Free Association(2008)
  • Portraits of the Artist(2009)
  • Time Lays Low(2009)
  • Live with the Ulster Orchestra at the Waterfront Hall Belfast(2009)
  • Melrose(2012)

References[edit]

  1. ^"Foy Best VANCE".Companies House.
  2. ^Donnelly, Dave."Foy Vance: Biography by Dave Donnelly".AllMusic.Retrieved20 May2017.
  3. ^Murphy, Lauren (2 August 2013)."Foy Vance on how the Scottish Highlands saved him".The Irish Times.
  4. ^Bartleet, Larry."Foy Vance becomes second signing to Ed Sheeran's label Gingerbread Man Records".NME.Retrieved12 March2019.
  5. ^abAlex (10 June 2013)."Foy Vance new album: Joy of Nothing (+ documentary) | Folk Radio UK".Folkradio.co.uk.Retrieved22 June2013.
  6. ^Coleman, Maureen."ALBUM REVIEW: Joy of Nothing".Culture Ireland.Archived fromthe originalon 1 April 2014.Retrieved10 August2014.
  7. ^"Music Showcase – Just Added – Foy Vance – I Got Love".BBC. 4 September 2011.Retrieved17 June2013.
  8. ^"Foy Vance: Irish soul music and Indiscriminate Acts Of Kindness".Cross Rhythms. 14 January 2008.Retrieved17 June2013.
  9. ^"Foy Vance | Watermelon Oranges Ep EP Review".Contactmusic.com.Retrieved17 June2013.
  10. ^"One on One with... FOY VANCE!".One on One Music.Retrieved10 August2014.
  11. ^British Broadcasting Corporation (7 February 2007)."Northern Ireland – Across The Line".BBC.Retrieved17 June2013.
  12. ^"Biography".Foy Vance.Glassnote Records. Archived fromthe originalon 12 August 2014.Retrieved10 August2014.
  13. ^Bruce, Taylor (21 April 2008)."Foy Vance: The Homebird's Chorus:: Music:: Features:: Paste".Paste.Retrieved25 June2013.
  14. ^"Summer Madness".last.fm.Retrieved26 June2016.
  15. ^James, Erwin (4 July 2008)."Erwin James reports on the effect musicians visiting prisons may have on the inmates".The Guardian.Retrieved17 June2013.
  16. ^"Introducing Mr. Foy Vance".Thepublicqueue.com.Retrieved17 June2013.
  17. ^"BV Presents Daniel Johnston's 'Space Ducks' SXSW Launch Party w/ Daniel, Built to Spill & many more performing".Brooklynvegan.com.Retrieved17 June2013.
  18. ^"Foy Vance – Melrose EP release – Communion".Communionmusic.co.uk. 19 July 2012. Archived fromthe originalon 6 October 2013.Retrieved17 June2013.
  19. ^Warm Bodies Movie (2013) Soundtrack (1 February 2013)."Warm Bodies Soundtrack List | Warm Bodies Movie (2013)".Songonlyrics.com. Archived fromthe originalon 25 May 2013.Retrieved22 June2013.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  20. ^ATL."Across the Line: Foy Vance releases 'Melrose' EP".BBC.Retrieved17 June2013.
  21. ^Moorin, Callum (14 October 2012)."Ed Sheeran w/ Foy Vance and Passenger".cmoorin.co.uk. Archived fromthe originalon 6 October 2013.Retrieved17 June2013.
  22. ^"Concert review: Foy Vance at Islington Assembly Hall".Theupcoming.co.uk. 14 March 2013.Retrieved17 June2013.
  23. ^"Live Review: Ed Sheeran with Foy Vance and Rizzle Kicks at Rams Head Live, Baltimore, MD – 29th January 2013".Theregoesthefear.com. 26 February 2013. Archived fromthe originalon 4 October 2015.Retrieved17 June2013.
  24. ^AdidasOriginals91 (16 September 2012)."Ed Sheeran – Guiding Light (LIVE beim SWR3 New Pop Festival 2012 in Baden- Baden)".YouTube.Archivedfrom the original on 13 December 2021.Retrieved22 June2013.{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  25. ^"Ed Sheeran & Foy Vance: 'We both love a drink, so there's never".The Independent.8 September 2013.Retrieved9 October2017.
  26. ^Glassnote Records."Joy Of Nothing".Foy Vance.Retrieved17 June2013.
  27. ^LeePL (25 February 2013)."Foy Vance – Joy Of Nothing".YouTube.Archivedfrom the original on 13 December 2021.Retrieved17 June2013.
  28. ^"Twitter / edsheeran: very fortunate to have been given an early copy".Twitter.com.Retrieved22 June2013.
  29. ^"Foy Vance".Recording Nothing. Archived fromthe originalon 13 June 2013.Retrieved22 June2013.
  30. ^Across The Line."Blogs – Across the line – Snow Patrol headline Vital with guests Foy Vance and Kodaline".BBC.Retrieved22 June2013.
  31. ^Xenos, Natalie (13 June 2013)."Joy Of Nothing – Foy Vance".Culturefly.Retrieved22 June2013.
  32. ^Jones, Rhian (13 November 2013)."Foy Vance wins inaugural Northern Ireland Music Prize".Music Week.Intent Media.Retrieved10 August2014.
  33. ^"Barn on the Farm 2015 lineup complete".summerfestivalguide.co.uk.Retrieved26 June2016.
  34. ^Barnonthefarm (30 December 2015)."Foy Vance – Upbeat Feel Good – Barn on the Farm Sessions".YouTube.Archivedfrom the original on 13 December 2021.Retrieved26 June2016.
  35. ^Paine, Andre."Foy Vance – The Wild Swan, review: 'deserves a commercial breakthrough'".Standard.co.uk.Retrieved16 May2016.
  36. ^"Foy to Support Elton John on Tour".Foy Vance.Retrieved16 May2016.
  37. ^"Foy Vance – The Wild Swan World Tour Starts Today".foyvance.com.Retrieved14 February2017.
  38. ^Leahey, Andrew (16 November 2016)."Miranda Lambert's 'The Weight of These Wings': A Track-by-Track Guide".Rolling Stone.Retrieved29 December2016.
  39. ^"Hear Foy Vance, Kacey Musgraves' Stomping New Song 'Moonshine'".rollingstone.com.Retrieved14 February2017.
  40. ^"Foy Vance & Kacey Musgraves Team Up For New Song 'Moonshine': Video Premiere".Billboard.Retrieved14 February2017.
  41. ^Roy, David (17 July 2021)."Foy Vance on new album Signs of Life and why he's cutting out touring - along with codeine..."The Irish News.Retrieved3 September2023.
  42. ^"Stars in their Eyes (1994)".Ftvdb.bfi.org.uk. 16 April 2009. Archived fromthe originalon 7 October 2013.Retrieved17 June2013.
  43. ^"Music from Beauty and the Beast S2E16".Tunefind.Retrieved28 January2018.
  44. ^"Other Voices | Foy Vance".Othervoices.ie.Retrieved17 June2013.
  45. ^"Foy Vance – Why is Amazing Grace so amazing?".4thought.tv.Retrieved17 June2013.
  46. ^foyvancemusic (12 August 2009)."Foy Vance – 4Play".YouTube.Archivedfrom the original on 13 December 2021.Retrieved17 June2013.
  47. ^"Twitter / foyvance: Singing with Snow Patrol on Later with Jools".Twitter.com.Retrieved17 June2013.
  48. ^Getting to know singer-songwriter Foy Vancewww.euronews.com, 15 January 2019
  49. ^"GFK Chart-Track".Chart-track.co.uk.16 June 2016. Archived fromthe originalon 29 June 2013.Retrieved21 June2016.
  50. ^Ryan, Gavin (21 May 2016)."ARIA Albums: Keith Urban Spends Second Week at No 1".Noise11.Retrieved21 May2016.
  51. ^O'Toole, Jason (24 May 2019)."Foy Vance reveals inspiration behind new albums".Irishmirror.ie.Retrieved19 July2020.

External links[edit]

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