Christian Foley

Victoria College pupil Christian Foley (18) is a poet, writer, artist and musician.

What’s your obsession?
‘I am a poet, spoken word artist and hip hop MC – the three titles are just different descriptions of the stages in the creative process.

When you write, you become a poet; when you perform it, you become a spoken word artist; when you perform a fully fledged song with other musicians – that’s when I would refer to myself as an MC. The majority of my time is spent writing and then I probably record about half of that material, then release a fraction of that.’

What got you into it?
‘It’s a cliché, I know, but I started writing at an early age. When I was about nine or ten years old I started experiencing some local success with my poetry, but I wasn’t published until I was twelve. (In no way evidence that I was particularly talented, but more a reflection that it’s easier to get recognised for poetry as a child.)

Beginning to rap was a natural transition from the poetry in my teenage years and I love the freedom of expression that it brings. I got into it simply for the love – even if no one heard my work I would still do it. Plus, I can’t wait for the day when everyone realises that hip hop is an art form and is not at all the materialistic, misogynistic genre that some ‘artists’ portray it as. That’s why I do it.’

How often do you do it?
‘I write almost daily, record weekly, perform monthly and release an album yearly.’
Where do you do it?

‘Jersey understandably has relatively little to offer hip hop artists. That being said, La Motte Street Studios are way ahead of the field in terms of the facilities they provide for young artists in all genres.

I have spent a lot of time building a studio from home where I do most of my music. I have played gigs at Bar Rock, Pure and Liquid and performed recitals for BBC Radio Jersey. I am most proud of having visited the Drill Hall in London for the National Poetry Slam Championships.’

Is it easy to get into?
‘Anyone can be a poet – it’s not some exclusive club for dusty old men and women who spend their mornings inserting a comma into a line and an afternoon removing it. It is a vibrant scene, more so in the UK than here, where the aforementioned perception still holds sway.’

What skills do you need?
‘To be a spoken word artist requires a good deal of practice. To be a hip hop MC takes years of hard work and should be approached with the mentality that you’re never quite good enough (which of course is true).’

Is it popular in Jersey?
‘Hip hop is very popular in Jersey, but not necessarily the type of hip hop I do.’

What do you like about it?
‘I like having the chance to get creative, the possibilities are endless. I love the sound of my own voice – no, I’m joking, but I do love the feeling of hearing yourself and your art on radio or seeing your name on albums being sold. I’m very proud of what I do.’

What do you need to do it?
Equipment – this can be as simple as one microphone or as complicated as a whole studio set up. Other than that you need to be patient and be prepared to listen to and build from the opinions of others, but never sell out.

• Know anyone with an offbeat passion? Then put them in touch with the jepGO… team