Urban Vault caught up with London based emcee/spoken word Artist/educator Christian Foley to ask him some questions about his latest project the EX EP & more…

Christian Foley is a Musician, Poet, Writer and Educator. He is one of the only few poets in the world selected to complete a ‘Spoken Word Education Programme’ and Teaching MA at Goldsmiths University, an incentive which was created to transform professional poets into specialised facilitators.

His freestyles have taken him from the school classroom to Oprah’s Television Networks and PMQ’s at Westminster, from the festival circuit to the Premier League. Christian’s improvised performances helped by stars like 50 Cent, have gone viral multiple times and made him a regular on British Television and radio, amassing millions of views. Shortlisted for the Jerwood Poetry Prize and Shortlisted by Sky Arts as being in the ‘top 20’ promising young artists in the UK.

A song from his recent mixtape ‘The Meaning of a Break’ was selected by Huw Stephens for Radio 1’s Best New Music, and he has also caught the eye of Lin Manuel Miranda, the director of Hamilton.

What is your name?

Christian Foley

Where are you from?

Leicester, UK

How old are you?

26

How long have you been making music?

8 years

How many songs albums have you released to date?

No major label albums, two mixtapes: Jumpers for Goalposts and The Meaning of a Break and countless other projects when young that are too many to name.

Can you tell us about your new EX EP, the background, and the inspirations behind it?

EX EP is inspired, somewhat obviously, by a failed relationship, but more so by the actions that led to it – it’s basically me confronting myself through music, and for the first time looking in a mirror, and seeing the kind of man I am. Musically, it’s soulful, it’s drawing inspiration from albums like Here my Dear (Marvin Gaye) and Nas’ Life is Good. But it’s not a breakup album. Essentially, it’s a breakdown album, it’s me breaking down to the core, at my most raw and honest. My mum hates it. She told me so.

How have you ended up in the music industry?

A happy accident.

What did you think of the music industry in 2018?

It’s never been easier to release music. It’s never been harder to be an artist. We live in a time of saturated markets and short attention spans – it’s more about views than perspective. We have an industry where you are judged on how many followers you have, not whether you are a leading creative in your field.

What have you got planned for the rest of 2018?

Two projects, following on from this. Communication. And an LP Excommunication.

What inspires you when you make your music?

The situations I get myself in.

Who have you collaborated with so far in your Career?

On this album. My mother.

Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?

Akala.

What’s your favourite track at the moment?

Frank Ocean – Ivy

What do you do when your not making music?

Write lyrics.

Facebook or Twitter?

Myspace.

In a few words sum up your thoughts about Urban Vault and what we’re trying to do?

Urban Vault has always been a champion of the kind of music that matters, and that’s why in an ever-changing digital age, Urban Vault is still here, still relevant, and still contributing the culture – long may it continue.

Thank you for your time and may you carry on making dope, fresh music…

Christian Foley – EX EP via iTunes/Spotify

www.christianfoley.co.uk
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