Foy Vance has been writing, performing and putting out music for years. And if you're a fan of shows like Sons of Anarchy, Vampire Diaries and Grey's Anatomy, you've definitely heard his music. However, Foy isn't necessarily the household name that fans always hoped he would be. Then again, with fans that include Ed Sheeran and Elton John, he isn't doing too shabby. Following the release of his 2013 album, Joy of Nothing, Foy is back with The Wild Swan, which drops on May 13 via Gingerbread Man Records/Elektra. Releasing a new album on a new label and working with some good friends, Foy is in a sweet spot. Before the record releases, here are 10 things you should know about this Irish singer-songwriter.

He Strives To Make "Real Music"

"The music just has to be real. You go back to ancient Irish music, or Native American music, or people out on the plains of Africa—those people who are struggling for food, sometimes not eating for weeks on end, and having to hydrate themselves by piercing the neck of a wildebeest," the singer-songwriter explains. "But every single night the drums are out, and they’re singing around the fire. That tells you something about what music actually is. Whereas we’ve turned into a commodity—it’s become something to sell, a vehicle to get money or fame. That’s not what has ever interested me. It’s the music itself that matters. It has to be real."

He Is Signed To Ed's Record Label

In 2015, Foy signed with Ed Sheeran's label, Gingerbread Man Records—something that Foy is really pleased about. "I feel a deep sense of peace signing to an artist led label," he says, "not least of all because the artist in question is our Ed. Every time I've turned around in the last few years he has had my back."

And He's Loving All the Creative Freedom

"Ed has been a blessing, because he didn’t want me to feel any pressure. He wanted me to go and make whatever record I felt I wanted to make, and he would deal with the outcome."

But The Tracks on 'The Wild Swan' Have Been Done For a While

“It’s now been sitting there ready to go, with all the songs done, since October so it’s been a long time coming," he told Stereoboard. "So it’s good that it’s finally coming out. Making it was kind of like all the other ones really. I guess it’s an augmentation, there’s a tip of the hat to some of the stuff I’ve done before I suppose. But they’re all new songs."

Foy and Ed's Connection Goes Deeper Than Business

Ed Sheeran's dad used to bring him to Foy's concerts. “He only told me this after we’d done a couple of gigs together," Foy has mentioned in a statement, "but he’d been to something like 48 gigs of mine before we’d ever met.”

He also Co-Wrote Songs for 'X'

In addition to penning songs for the likes of Sheryl Crow and Rudimental, Foy co-wrote "Tenerife Sea" and "Afire Love" for Ed's 2010 Grammy-nominated album, x.

Elton John Worked on 'The Wild Swan'

Foy was an opener for Elton John in the past and will be rejoining the pop legend on the road again for the UK leg of Elton's Wonderful, Crazy tour. So when he looked for help on this new album, Elton was more than willing to lend a hand. "He’s been a supporter more than anything. He’s been involved since the beginning, listening. I’m sending stuff to him all the time. He’s a very informative guy, quite analytical about it. He knows music inside out," Foy conveys.

The "She Burns" Video Pays Homage to Andy Warhol and Audrey Hepburn

If you felt the vintage vibe from Foy's visual for "She Burns," you're right on the money because the artist explained that he had some old school inspirations for this one. "The whole idea was inspired by the Andy Warhol Portrait films and an old screen test I saw of Audrey Hepburn," he divulges.

Lucy Hale Stars In It

Pretty Little Liars actress and singer Lucy Hale is the star of the "She Burns" video. While PLL fans would probably spot the red carpet regular a mile away, Foy admitted that he didn't know who she was until after filming. "Embarrassingly I had never heard of Lucy before this film (likely because I live in the mountains with no TV), but she was as effortlessly alluring as I had hoped our heroine would be," he explains.

He's Hitting The Road This Summer and Can't Wait

Foy's got a packed 2016 tour schedule. After touring with Elton, Josh Groban and Sarah McLachlan, he'll be kicking off The Wild Swan World Tour this September in Australia. "I love taking the songs that are near and dear to me out to a live audience and seeing their response," he reveals. "Its invigorating."