Grief's Impact on Foy Vance's Music
When singer-songwriter Foy Vance awoke to the news of his father Hugh's passing, his approach to songwriting was irrevocably changed.
Though he had composed music prior to his father's death, Vance describes that period as relying on "borrowed knowledge."
"Music before my dad died was a vehicle to get me somewhere - to go off and tour. After he died I realised what it actually was - it was a life raft," he says.
"I had no one to look up to anymore but when I engaged with music I could hear his voice very clearly - it was like having a co-writer."
Since 1998, Vance has embarked on a seven-album journey dedicated to his father's memory, culminating in his latest release, the seventh album titled The Wake.
Recognition and Collaborations
Often regarded as an artist's songwriter, Vance counts among his admirers prominent musicians such as Ed Sheeran and Sir Elton John, along with many others.
He made a lasting impression on a young Ed Sheeran when he signed an autograph for the 14-year-old in Norwich. The Daily Telegraph noted last year that Sir Elton "idolises" Vance.
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of Vance's hit song "Guiding Light," Sir Elton John, Ed Sheeran, and Keith Urban collaborated, with Sir Elton describing the track as "the most beautiful song."
Career Highlights and Background
Originally from Bangor, County Down, Vance rose to prominence in 2013 with his critically acclaimed album Joy of Nothing, which earned him the inaugural Northern Ireland Music Prize.
He later signed with Sheeran's record label, Gingerbread Records, and has toured and collaborated extensively with Sheeran. Their partnership also earned them an Emmy for a song written for the Ted Lasso soundtrack.
Vance recently spoke with BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster programme, as well as in a special feature by Ralph McClean.
Is This the Last Album?
Although The Wake is described as the seventh of seven albums, Vance assures fans it is not a farewell or his final album.
Regarding his journey through grief, he shared with the programme,
"It does seem to a certain degree I've put something to bed."
His father, a preacher, was known as a "room lighter" and insisted that his grave read: 'Here lies the late late Hugh Bailie Vance,' a nod to his habitual lateness.
Vance recalls his father as a "massive encouragement" in his career.
"He was like: 'You're really good'. He would enter me into competitions and drive me round to sing Unchain My Heart to win - you know - a spa weekend at La Mon house," Vance says.
"But he didn't know the industry and there was no path laid out for me."
Songwriting Process
On the craft of songwriting, Vance comments that while it is "easy to write a song," creating a quality song is more challenging.
"Getting a song that's worth something or resonates with you is more tricky," he adds.
"If songwriting is hard I believe your ego is in the way and making it something you want it to be."
Listeners can hear Vance's interview on Good Morning Ulster live on Friday morning, as well as on and the Irish Music Icons programme with Ralph McClean, available now on Sounds.
