In an exciting new chapter of his career, British hip-hop artist Loyle Carner, known off-stage as Ben Coyle-Larner, has shared his experiences as he ventures into the world of acting. At the launch of the upcoming BBC One crime drama series, *Mint*, set to premiere at the end of April, Carner spoke candidly about the nerves accompanying this bold transition after over a decade in the music industry.
A New Role in a Familiar Landscape
*Mint* revolves around the life of Shannon, portrayed by Emma Laird, who is entangled in a Scottish crime family and yearns for a romantic escape. Coyle-Larner makes his acting debut as Arran, the charming scion of a rival crime family, who becomes Shannon’s love interest in this modern-day Romeo and Juliet narrative.
Reflecting on his feelings about stepping into the role, Carner admitted, “I was just really nervous, you know? I was pretty scared.” His vulnerability resonates, especially given his long-standing career in music, where he has navigated personal themes from mental health to fatherhood through his lyrics.
Finding Confidence Through Collaboration
During a screening of the first two episodes at the British Film Institute (BFI) on 9 April, Carner recounted a pivotal conversation with *Mint* director Charlotte Regan. He expressed his concerns about preparation for acting, to which she advised him to embrace his nerves and excitement. “Honestly, just how you feel now, how nervous you are and how everything is new and exciting to you – just hold onto that because it’s rare,” she told him. This insight encouraged Carner to channel his apprehension into a performance that feels authentic.
At 31, he acknowledged the strangeness of being a novice again after years of honing his music career. Carner’s journey from a scholarship student at the Brit School for Performing Arts to releasing his first EP at 19 has shaped his artistic identity, but acting presents a fresh challenge. He has dabbled in performance before, appearing as a young hunter in the 2008 film *10,000 BC*, an experience he chuckled about, asking the audience not to dwell on it.
The Similarities Between Music and Acting
Despite his initial fears, Carner found parallels between music and acting, noting that both mediums serve as a canvas for storytelling. “It’s kind of the same, but different,” he remarked. “Both are a space to create – this was just like trying to learn how to use a different part of me to do the same thing, to tell a story.”
Moreover, he expressed relief in relinquishing control during the filming process. “I’m used to being too much in control of what I release and what I share,” he admitted, adding with a laugh that acting allowed him a break from the stress of perfectionism. This newfound freedom not only enriched his experience but also invigorated the atmosphere on set, as he brought a sense of novelty to the production.
Anticipation for ‘Mint’
Fans of Carner can look forward to the series debut, which will be available on BBC iPlayer starting at 6 am on Monday, 20 April, and will subsequently air on BBC One at 9 pm the same day. His growing fanbase is eager to see how the artist translates his creative energy from music to the screen, and early hints suggest that *Mint* could be a significant milestone in his evolving career.
Why it Matters
Loyle Carner’s venture into acting not only broadens his artistic repertoire but also highlights the fluidity between different forms of creative expression. His journey from music to acting serves as an encouraging reminder that it’s never too late to explore new avenues and embrace change. As he navigates this new terrain, Carner’s experience could inspire others to take risks and pursue their passions, regardless of age or stage in life. In a world where the boundaries of art continually shift, his story reinforces the importance of adaptability and the joy of storytelling across various platforms.
