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How Ed Sheeran Became One of the Greatest Songwriters in the World

And The Writer Is...

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Today's guest is quite literally one of the greatest songwriters of all time.
He also happens to be one of the biggest artists of all time. Imagine that.
This legend needs no introduction...

And the writer is... Ed Sheeran!

Presented by our friends at NMPA.
A huge thank you to our sponsors.

NMPA fights for songwriters' rights, ensuring fair pay and protection.
Check them out at NMPA.org and follow them on social media at ⁨@NMPAorg⁩

Splice is the industry’s top sample library—royalty-free for all. It empowers creators with its incredible library and ethical AI tools, supporting original artists every step of the way.
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Chapters:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:02:05 - Ed and Ross Reconnect
00:04:41 - From Rap Battles to Shaping His Songwriting
00:07:07 - Painting as Creative Outlet
00:09:13 - Emotional Ties to Songs, Writing Honest Songs for Himself and Others
00:12:05 - Childhood Music: Beatles, Dylan, and Irish Trad Influences
00:15:07 - Fatherhood’s Impact: Balancing Music and Family
00:16:26 - Ed Sings His First Song!
00:18:30 - Ed Sings, Ross Tests His Song Memory
00:20:27 - The Key to Confidence Starts With....
00:22:10 - Advice: Navigating the Music Industry’s Challenges
00:24:20 - Where Ed Gets His 'Buzz' From Music
00:25:50 - The Thing That Made His Songwriting 'Stick'
00:28:35 - No Plan B: Why He Never Gave Up
00:30:04 - Discovery by Jamie Foxx: Breaking into the Scene
00:36:14 - Mid-Roll Ad: NMPA Fighting for Songwriters
00:36:52 - Mid-Roll Ad: Splice Supporting Creators with AI
00:44:11 - First Cuts: Writing for Olly Murs and One Direction
00:46:58 - Creative Process
00:52:12 - The Lawsuit That Changed Everything
00:55:49 - Protecting Songwriters: Why No Union Exists
01:05:57 - Making "Perfect" to Prove Himself After the Lawsuit
01:12:49 - Advice to Young Songwriters...
01:14:03 - Legacy Songs: What Ed Wants His Grandkids to Hear
01:15:23 - Family Over Fame: Being a Present Dad
01:18:00 - Messi Story
01:20:38 - Songs Ed and Ross are Jealous Of
01:21:34 - 'We Didn't Know if Love Yourself Was Any Good"
01:23:46 - Closing: Ed’s Gratitude and Future Plans

And The Writer Is...
is hosted by Ross Golan
and executive produced by Joe London and Jad Saad
Watercolor by Michael White
Follow us on socials at ‪@andthewriteris‬

20 Comments

@andthewriteris Creator 11 months ago Pinned

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Every week we go deep with the hottest creatives and most venerable legends in music to break down the walls of writing songs and show you what really goes on at the highest level, the stories of what it took to get there, and the best advice for everyone trying to follow suit.

On our socials we break down clips of the best moments from each episode, so you never miss a thing.
Follow us there, too. @andthewriteris

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@davecreates 9 months ago

love how ed mentions the importance of just writing songs, knowing that not every one is going to be elite but the more you write, eventually the quality will increase.

@officialjohnwhite 1 year ago

It is embarrassing. Especially when our main goal is to connect with people through our songs. Not feed an algorithm’s algorithm. Thank you Ed, Ross, for lifting the veil and showing us deep down we all have the same insecurities.

@epressos 11 months ago

It's a nice interview but I think it's a bit of a missed opportunity to really delve deep. You can tell that Ed wants to talk about the process, his songs and so on but the questions are just not helping him and it's a shame. I hope there will be a part 2

@nniiaa111 4 months ago

this was one of the best interviews. thank you ross and big thanks to Ed. i found him so articulate & inspirational

@wally_sounds 11 months ago

What an impressive guy. Amazing how normal and cool he is through quite unfathomable amounts of success.

@nenohweblessings 2 months ago

Thanks man,Ed sheeran is the greatest song writer of this generation .

@katie_grass 1 year ago

Dare to suck, and keep going cuz you love it… a theme between all my favorite songwriter! Ed is the best, so genuine. Loved hearing about his songwriting journey

@Maximoltz 1 year ago

The most underrated podcast!

@sylvieballu34 1 month ago

C’est magnifique et Ed , est comme toujours Sublime ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

@zachscohan 1 year ago

Really cool to hear ed talk about song making and songwriting never heard this side of him before, inspiring to say the least to hear his resilience and perseverance

@patrickgarrity5529 1 year ago

1:06:24 Ed has; Perfect and Thinking out loud. 🤦 damn. Socially 2 of the biggest songs ever. What more do you need. He can retire now and be happy but I think his best days are still ahead of him. Still very young.

@GenieBeats 1 year ago

Also has writing credits on the Beetles “Hey Dude” record 😂

@ammaleslie509 1 month ago

I knew he would have proper appreciation for Sir Paul the Melodymaster!!!

@JasmineSandler1 4 months ago

As a songwriter this interview is very refreshing . I believe great songwriters go beyond the music and is what lives on in a way and it’s important to shine the light on this important art form —- also in that I didn’t know Ed Sheeran his maturity is wonderful

@logan-venderlic 8 months ago

This is quickly becoming my favorite podcast. Great work, Ross 👏👏👏

@HawthornRecords 1 year ago

Ed deeply Loves music and art, not many true artist like him. Knows himself and his passion, not for the business or money but his purpose and Love! Amazing conversation

@scottymack 10 months ago

I am learning so much from this interview, as a songwriter myself. The gold that this interview is dropping, the free gold, has transformed the way I think about my career, writing music, collaborating with other people, and so much more. Lessons learn from someone who has done the hard yards and worked his arse off to get to where they are in the Music industry. This interview alone could help so many young aspiring musicians and seasoned musos alike. I am so appreciative of Ed Sheeran's humility. I'm a fan of the man and his music.