Ed Sheeran signs Foy Vance to Gingerbread Man Records

Ed Sheeran has signed one of his "all-time favourite" singers Foy Vance to Gingerbread Man Records.

The 'Thinking Out Loud' hitmaker's label - which is a subsidiary of Warner Music UK LTD - is slowly filling its roster with new acts and has drafted its second singer/songwriter in Northern Irish solo artist Foy.

Ed announced on Twitter today (30.11.15): "I've signed my second act to my label. One of my all-time favourite artists and inspirations, get a free track at - http://www.foyvance.com/ (sic)"

The signing may not surprise Ed's fans, since the 'She Burns' singer has joined him on numerous tours since 2012 and his tracks have garnered popularity through airplay on US TV shows 'Grey's Anatomy' and 'Vampire Diaries'.

Foy, 40, is currently touring Australia and plans to put out his third studio album next spring.

But with just 42,000 twitter followers compared to his 24-year-old boss's 15.9 million, the 'Make It Rain' singer should expect a fairly different reception to his music now he's backed by Ed.

Speaking about Foy in 2013, the Ed shared: "I first saw Foy performing at Hay (festival) about six years ago. I was the guitar technician for the band Nizlopi, and I was hanging around with them in a tent where this dude was on stage; I was transfixed by his voice. I asked his crew who he was. Because of their Irish accents, initially I thought they'd said 'Five Ants' so I spent a long time Googling that. Eventually I figured it out and bought his album.

"Every time I see him play I get annoyed that more people don't know about him. You just need the right opportunities and I think it's going to happen now for Foy."