Ep. 222: Ed Sheeran: The Price of Greatness

Video Description

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. Download Splice today and follow them on social media at ⁨@splice⁩ 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