Foy Vance releases first installment of 'IF' trilogy ahead of Los Angeles tour dates
The Northern Irish artist handed producer Anderson East 119 unreleased tracks to shape into a new three-part album project.
By Mateo Thompson ·
Foy Vance has released the first part of a new three-act album series titled “IF.” The initial installment, “IF: WE,” arrived on Friday, Oct. 30. This release precedes his upcoming concerts in Los Angeles. Vance will perform at the El Rey Theatre on Nov. 6 and Nov. 7 as part of his 2026 world tour.
The project marks a distinct departure from Vance’s previous recording methods. Instead of entering the studio with a fixed vision, he provided producer Anderson East with a folder containing 119 songs. These tracks span nearly 30 years of Vance’s career. East was granted complete creative control over the selection and arrangement of the material.
Vance stated that the process felt unexpectedly easy. He noted that East frequently selected songs that Vance had not anticipated. Vance admitted that he had forgotten many of the tracks when he originally compiled the folder for East. He listened to each song and included only those that still resonated with him.
The collaboration resulted in 16 new recordings. Several of these tracks were written for Vance’s earliest albums but never saw a formal release. Revisiting these older compositions allowed Vance to view his earlier work with new perspective. He described feeling a sense of tenderness toward the younger songwriter who originally penned the lyrics.
Vance explained that he is often critical of his own writing during the creative process. He frequently deemed early drafts as not strong enough. However, looking back at these songs now, he felt a sense of pride. He described this feeling as being proud of the person who wrote them, without wanting to sound boastful.
The “IF” series is structured around specific themes. The first act, “IF: WE,” focuses on family, community, and belonging. The second act, “IF: YOU,” will explore love, forgiveness, and relationships. The final act, “IF: I,” will turn the focus inward. The title of the project references a Rudyard Kipling poem. Vance’s late father frequently recited this poem to him, using it as a guide for living a balanced life.
Vance is also changing his live performance style for this tour. For the first time in his career, he is using a structured setlist. This approach allows him to revisit different eras of his catalog. One such song is “Feel the Cold,” which he wrote nearly three decades ago. The track addresses returning to Ireland after time spent in the Canary Islands and dealing with personal loss.
Vance noted that while the specific circumstances of his life have changed, the sentiment of the song remains relevant. He expressed enjoyment in performing the track after so many years. He aims for audiences to leave his shows in a better state than when they arrived. He views a performance as successful if it leaves the listener with a fresh perspective.
The Los Angeles shows are part of Vance’s 2026 Foy Vance World Tour. The concerts are scheduled for Nov. 6 and Nov. 7. The release of “IF: WE” serves as the precursor to these events. The remaining two parts of the album series are planned for future release.
