Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” has been streamed nearly 3 billion times since its release in 2017. Now at age 30, the English music sensation is ready to explore new territory.
During a live stream hosted by Pandora and Sirius XM on July 14, Sheeran told reporters that he was ready to give up music.
“I felt like I achieved everything I wanted to or could have at a young age,” he said.
Sheeran responded to that emptiness by working on physical art. He also emphasized the important role his wife Cherry and their newborn daughter Lyra play in his life. He cited that he wanted to work on music after the birth of their daughter, so he would not feel like he built up everything Lyra would get to experience before she was born.
“Cherry is able to work remotely,” said Sheeran. “We are able to bring the whole family unit on the road, so it isn’t unfair to anyone.”
He is also scheduling his working time from 9-5 so he can spend time focusing on his personal life. That idea was inspired by rapper Eminem.
“You’ve got to have structure,” Sheeran said.
The singer and songwriter found he writes better tunes when he records voice memos and writes down ideas. Then he goes to the studio to compile them all together.
When a reporter claimed that “Perfect” was perhaps the best love song ever written, he discussed how much easier it was to create that particular track than an upbeat one. Now he is trying to challenge himself.
He noted that he is trying to work outside of his usual spectrum. When a reporter claimed that “Perfect” was perhaps the best love song ever written, he discussed how much easier it was to create that particular track than an upbeat one. Now he is trying to challenge himself by stepping outside his comfort zone. That may explain his recent thoughts about wanting to record a heavy metal album.
Sheeran performed a track during the live stream that has caught audience’s attention for that very reason.
When “Bad Habits” was released in June, fans were shocked to see Sheeran awake from a two-year hiatus dressed as a glam rock vampire. It did not matter though, the song shot to number five on the Billboard Hot 100. Last night he performed the track dressed as his usual self and showed the great skill that listeners originally fell in love with.
Sheeran played crowd favorites in the six-track set, such as “Castle on the Hill,” “Thinking out Loud,” “Visiting Hours” and “Perfect,” before ending with “Shape of You.”
The performance gave fans some more unique looks than other live streams. There was an option to join Sheeran “backstage,” which was a link to Sheeran hosting a radio set for Sirius XM where he streamed and discussed his favorite songs right now.
Fans could also join voice chat rooms or type away in a larger chat where corporations such as Wendy’s made an appearance.
Anyone who missed the live stream can tune in for its re-airing on July 15 at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT.
Ed Sheeran is back and his comments have provided more clarity on the reason behind the new look and sound. He is among the most popular voices of this generation – and as he finds what works for him as an artist, ears will continue to listen.
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