English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran recently appeared on Conan O'Brien's talk show, "Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend," where he discussed the inspiration behind his latest album. As the interview unfolded, Sheeran revealed the dedication and hard work he put into his musical journey, which ultimately led to his success.
During the conversation, O'Brien reflected on Sheeran's rise to fame, acknowledging that unlike other artists who were discovered, Sheeran took matters into his own hands. Sheeran shared how he tirelessly performed in various venues, promoted his music on YouTube, and tirelessly hustled to make a name for himself in the industry. It wasn't a slick, polished act that catapulted him to success, but rather his raw talent and relentless pursuit of his dreams.
When asked about his work ethic, Sheeran attributed it to his upbringing and his father's emphasis on hard work. Growing up, Sheeran wasn't particularly interested in subjects like math or science, but when he discovered music, he knew that was his calling. He wholeheartedly embraced it, taking his father's advice to heart: choose someone you admire and work harder than them. In Sheeran's case, his hero was singer-songwriter James Blunt, and he made a pact with himself to go above and beyond Blunt's achievements.
Sheeran's dedication to his craft is apparent even today. He spends the majority of his time in the studio, honing his skills and creating new music. Although he performs live gigs on weekends, his passion lies in the process of making music. He immerses himself in the studio from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekday, allowing him to maintain a balanced routine with his family.
When it comes to songwriting, Sheeran admitted that not every day produces a masterpiece. He believes in the concept of quantity leading to quality. He shared that if he could create one good song a month, he would consider it a success, as it would amount to a full album in a year. Sheeran recognizes that sometimes writers have to write numerous songs to find the gems that truly resonate with audiences.
During the interview, Sheeran also discussed his latest album, which was inspired by the concept of variations. Originally, he and his collaborator, Aaron, planned to create an album with variations based on different seasons. However, life intervened, and circumstances led Sheeran to write songs about personal hardships such as the loss of a friend and his wife's health issues. Thus, his album took a different turn and became an introspective collection focused on the autumn season.
Sheeran elaborated on the inspiration behind his album, sharing that autumn in England is vastly different from the romanticized notion of fall in America. In England, autumn represents a stark shift in weather, shorter days, and a somber atmosphere. Sheeran found it fascinating to observe how people's lives changed during this time, whether it was new relationships, the birth of children, or the introspection that occurs before the new year.
The interview with Sheeran showcased his passion for music and his drive to constantly improve. He approaches each album as if it were his debut, pouring his heart and soul into the creative process. Through sheer dedication and hard work, Sheeran has become a household name in the music industry, and his latest album is another testament to his talent and perseverance.
In conclusion, Ed Sheeran's appearance on Conan O'Brien's talk show gave fans and viewers a glimpse into the artist's journey, work ethic, and the inspiration behind his latest album. Sheeran's dedication to his craft, combined with his raw talent and relentless pursuit of his dreams, has undoubtedly secured his place in the music industry. As he continues to create music, fans eagerly await his next masterpiece.
