Ed Sheeran was supposed to headline Tempe’s Marquee Theatre in February, but it sold out so quickly the local promoter bumped it to the 4,950-seat Mesa Amphitheatre.

Now, the English singer-songwriter is back in the Valley to open two Taylor Swift concerts at Jobing.com Arena, where the fact that he appears on “Everything Has Changed,” a song he co-wrote with Swift on her new album, “Red,” is sure be a big hit with the audience.

Of course, he also has “The A Team” in his corner. The heartbreaking portrait of a crack-addicted prostitute, “The A Team” gave Sheeran an unlikely U.S. breakthrough when it peaked at No. 16 on the BillboardHot 100. It also earned the 22-year-old a song-of-the-year nomination at the Grammys, where he memorably shared a stage with Elton John, dueting on “The A Team.”

We caught up with Sheeran to talk about “The A Team,” his debut album, “+,” the Swift tour and the co-writing session with Swift, which as it turns out, happened in Phoenix.

Question: You were through town earlier this year on a headlining tour. How does doing these dates with Taylor Swift compare to that experience?

Answer: It’s definitely a new experience, having such a big crowd, finally. So yeah, it’s good. I’m having a lot of fun with it.

Q: Does it feel like a pretty compatible fit to you, playing with her?

A: Um, I guess so. With those huge arena tours, you could really have any sort of an opening act and make it work. But I’m glad I got to do it.

Q: You’re also on her album on a song you co-wrote. How did you hook up?

A: We both kind of reached out to one another at the same time to do some songwriting. And I was on tour myself at the time and she came to Phoenix to come and write.

Q: Wait. She came where?

A: Well, I was gigging with Snow Patrol in Phoenix and she flew in and we wrote a song in our hotel room. That was the first time we met.

Q: How did it feel to be nominated for song of the year at the Grammys?

A: Yeah, that was nice. It was a brilliant thing to happen, and getting to perform as well and be part of that whole thing was excellent. I really enjoyed it.

Q: How big a deal was it to share the stage with Elton John at the Grammys?

A: A pretty big deal, yeah. It really doesn’t get any bigger than that.

Q: You’re a fan, then?

A: Yeah, I think most people grew up with Elton, listening to him.

Q: Who were your biggest inspirations growing up?

A: I listened to a lot of Bob Dylan with my dad. And a lot of Van Morrison. Then, I got into Eminem and Damien Rice and lots of different acts.

Q: What do you think it is about “The A Team” that people are responding to?

A: I’m not sure, man, because it’s not exactly a song that people can relate to. So I don’t know. But people connected to it, which is good.

Q: Do you think there might be a segment of the audience that doesn’t necessarily know what the song is about?

A: I think it definitely starts off like that, but I think once people do a bit of research, watch the video and read interviews, they find out what it’s about.

Q: Did something in particular inspired the writing of that song?

A: Yeah, it was written about a homeless woman I met called Angel in a shelter. I wrote the songs about her.

Q: Have you done much writing since the release of “+”?

A: Yeah. That’s all I have been doing. A lot writing. I’ve been working on the second record for quite awhile now.

Q: You’ve already started recording it?

A: Yeah, I’ve already started recording it. It’s pretty much there.

Q: How do you feel the new material compares with “+”?

A: I have more tools at my fingertips now, so it’s definitely sounding a lot better, but it’s the same kind of songwriting that I’ve been doing.

 

- AZCentral.com

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BILLBOARD.COM INTERVIEW #1

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FLASH REQUIRED. WATCH VIDEO ON MOBILE/TABLET HERE

As his singles from his debut album, ‘+,’ continue to impact the U.S. charts, Ed Sheeran has finished writing his sophomore album.

“I turned it in today,” he told Billboard while on the Billboard Music Awards’ blue carpet yesterday (May 19).

“It’s early next year,” Sheeran continued to say about the slated release date. “It was going to be this year but I don’t finish touring till October and then there’s no time to get a plan together. I’m going to spend October, November, December planning and then just smash it out next year.”

The singer isn’t pressed on the next steps of the creative process for the songs “are written [and] good” which he says the most important thing. “All the songs are written. I’m going in to record them in August. The direction will take shape then. The songs are good, which is the main thing. I think you can have good songs and then you can put any sort of production behind it but as long as the songs are good,” he said.

Ed Sheeran took the stage at last night’s award show to perform his “+” hit, “Lego House.” The song is climbing its way up the Hot 100 (No. 72 this week).

During rehearsals, Ed Sheeran joked with Billboard that he was attending as Taylor Swift’s plus-one. Sitting front row next to his tour-mate, Ed Sheeran popped up on the telecast several times. Taylor Swift won eight awards.

Source: Billboard

FLASH REQUIRED TO VIEW VIDEO. WATCH ON MOBILE HERE

“Don’t expect much from the performance — I don’t have any dancers, or a backing band. But I do have some Christmas lights around my feet, so that’s exciting.”

Ed Sheeran is kidding. You should get excited about his performance of “Lego House” at the Billboard Music Awards tomorrow (May 19), airing live on ABC from Las Vegas.

His performance aside, there’s a chance you might be seeing a lot of the U.K. singer-songwriter during the actual telecast — his tour-mate Taylor Swift is a finalist in a whopping 11 categories, including Top Artist prize.

“I think I’m her plus-one, so it’s going to be quite weird sitting in the front row,” he said.

It’s been a whirlwind year for Sheeran, whose breakout single “The A Team” peaked at No. 16 on the Hot 100. When his album “+” debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 chart last year, it was the highest debut for a British male artist’s first album since 2006.

With “Lego House” climbing its way up the Hot 100 (No. 72 this week) and the Taylor tour going well, Sheeran said he’s seen some definite changes in his life.

“I don’t worry so much,” he admitted. “Which is kind of a bad thing. You get to a point where everyone does everything for you without you having to ask them.”

Source: Billboard

With the 2013 Billboard Music Awards rapidly approaching, we caught up with BBMA performer Ed Sheeran to help recount the incredible high points, new discoveries and memorable moments that caught his ears during the past 12 months.

The U.K. singer’s breakout single “The A Team” peaked at No. 16 on the Hot 100 in 2012. When his album “+” debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 chart last year, it was the highest debut for a British male artist’s first album since 2006.

Watch the 2013 Billboard Music Awards Sunday, May 19th at 8|7c on ABC live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas as host Tracy Morgan welcomes the biggest names in music to the stage.

What song really made an impact on you this year?

Ed Sheeran: The Lumineers’ “Ho Hey” was definitely one of the most impactful songs for me, for good reason. When that song popped, it just changed the whole setting in terms of radio airplay. It was all EDM for a while and then suddenly more bands like that were getting played. It was definitely hard to get “The A Team” on the radio when [it first came out] because radio can only play a certain amount of slower tunes, but “Ho Hey” paved the way for artists like me to get played.

What new talent emerged or came into his or her own this year that blew you away?

An artist called Passenger. He’s an amazing singer/songwriter. I had him on tour with me for a long time and now he’s No. 1 in almost every country around the world, apart from America. He’s going to be coming here soon.

What was your favorite music-related meme or viral video this year?

There was a parody video of someone who did a version of “The A Team” that’s quite funny. “Gangnam Style” is great. I loved how everyone went nuts when it came out.

Was there a surprising sound or music trend that pricked up your ears?

I don’t know what’s happening in America, but definitely in the U.K., more guitar-driven bands are coming back. That’s nice to see. Trap music seems to be getting big at the moment—very minimal beats and slow rap. I was interested to see it get so big commercially.

What are the biggest challenges facing touring artists today?

I think it’s so flooded nowadays with talent, I guess the only challenge is finding different ways to make yourself heard and try different methods. Don’t use the same ways that other artists are trying. The way I got started was instead of playing acoustic shows I played hip-hop, soul, comedy nights. I’d be the only white person there and stand out like a sore thumb, and therefore be more notable. Just try and find a way to stick out. I guess making a record on the road if you are on tour a lot is hard. You just have to find the time.

How do you live like a high roller when you’re in Las Vegas?

I like blackjack, but try to avoid it. I was very lucky the first time I played. I got a $100 chip from my friend and won $3,000, so every time I go back I’m trying to do the same thing.

Source: Billboard

GRAMMY®-Nominated Tunesmith Unveils Packed Schedule, With Wide Range of Live TV Performances Including Billboard Music Awards 2013, the Ellen Degeneres Show, and NBC’S TODAY; “Lego House” Ascending at Hot AC and CHR/TOP 40; British Singer/Songwriter Traveling Now as Special Guest on Taylor Swift’s Epic “Red” Tour; Arena and Stadium Dates Continue Through September

NEW YORK, NY–(Marketwired – May 16, 2013) – Elektra recording artist Ed Sheeran is poised for an exceedingly eventful spring and summer, with a wide array of TV appearances slated for the coming months.

The GRAMMY®-nominated singer/songwriter will first be seen performing “Lego House,” on the upcoming Billboard Music Awards 2013, airing live on ABC from Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Arena, this Sunday, May 19(th) at 8 p.m. ET (check local listings). Sheeran will then make a return visit to the nationally syndicated Ellen DeGeneres Show, set for Tuesday, May 21st. On Friday, July 12(th) , the British troubadour will hit New York City’s famed Rockefeller Plaza for NBC’s TODAY, presented as part of the annual Toyota Concert Series.

Last, but most certainly not least, Sheeran’s breathtaking installment of Live From The Artists Den will begin airing on public television stations nationwide in late July. An exclusive preview of the intimate concert — filmed last month at the historic New York Society for Ethical Culture — can be seen now exclusively at http://theartistsden.com/edsheeran.

The upcoming schedule continues Sheeran’s ever-increasing string of nationally televised performances, following prior appearances on CBS’ Late Show with David Letterman and CBS This Morning, ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live, NBC’s TODAY, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, and Last Call with Carson Daly, TBS’ Conan, CNN’s Piers Morgan Live, and the nationally syndicated Ellen DeGeneres Show, LIVE with Kelly & Michael, and Katie. In addition, the talented tunesmith stole the show at this year’s 55(th) Annual GRAMMY Awards, performing his GRAMMY(R)-nominated international smash, “The A Team,” accompanied on piano by Sir Elton John.

Sheeran’s busy itinerary comes as “Lego House” — the latest single from his RIAA gold certified debut album, “+” — begins to explode at multi-format radio outlets across the country. The track is currently climbing towards the top 10 at Hot AC while also ascending to the top 25 at CHR/Pop outlets nationwide.

Furthermore, the “Lego House” companion video is now receiving heavy rotation at MTV, VH1, and FUSE, while simultaneously blowing up the internet with a stunning 48.5 million views at Sheeran’s official YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/edsheeran. As if that weren’t enough, a remarkable “Lego Version” of the clip recreating the video entirely in Lego is streaming now at www.youtube.com/watch?v=NEqY0eY1_vQ.

Sheeran is currently traveling North America as special guest on Taylor Swift’s epic “Red Tour,” hitting arenas and stadiums across the continent through mid-September. “Everything Has Changed (Feat. Ed Sheeran)” — co-written by Swift and Sheeran, and featured on Swift’s blockbuster “RED,” — proved an immediate sensation, debuting at #1 on the iTunes “Top Singles” chart upon its initial release late last year. The prolific Sheeran has also contributed a number of his distinctive songs to fellow British exports One Direction, including “Moments” (found on 2012′s worldwide #1 debut, “UP ALL NIGHT”) as well as two top tracks — “Over Again” and the U.K. #1 hit, “Little Things” — on the million-selling, chart-topping “TAKE ME HOME.”

The “Red Tour” comes hot on the heels of Sheeran’s own recent headline trek, a hugely successful run which featured sold out dates at such renowned venues as New York’s world famous Radio City Music Hall, Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, and Los Angeles’ Hollywood Palladium. For up-to-the-minute news and ticket information regarding all live dates, please see http://edsheeran.com/live.htm.

Masterfully blending soulful vocals with organic folk introspection and irresistible hip-hop hooks, Sheeran is a genuine phenomenon. Inspired by such diverse artists as James Morrison, Damien Rice, and Jay-Z, the gifted tunesmith’s major label debut single, “The A Team,” proved an unqualified sensation upon its 2011 arrival, entering among the top 3 on the U.K. Singles Chart. The track spent 11 consecutive weeks in the U.K. Top 10, making history as 2011′s highest charting, biggest selling debut single. Sheeran’s full-length debut, “+,” soon followed, entering the U.K. Albums Chart at #1 with the highest opening sales figures for a debut male solo artist ever and is now certified 5x platinum.

In addition to their popular success, Sheeran and “+” received extensive acclaim, including the prestigious “Breakthrough Artist” trophy at the Q Awards 2011. Even greater accolades came in early 2012 as Sheeran emerged victorious with a pair of top 2011 Brit Awards — including “Best Male Artist” and “Best Breakthrough Artist” — after having led the field with a remarkable four total nods. Furthermore, “The A Team” received the high honor of a 2012 Ivor Novello Award in the “Best Song Musically and Lyrically” category.

By now a full-fledged U.K. superstar, Sheeran was among the top artists performing at last year’s Royal Diamond Jubilee Concert, where he celebrated the 60(th) anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign by sharing the stage with such rock royalty as Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John, and Sir Tom Jones. After maintaining a virtually non-stop touring schedule that included countless main stage festival appearances around the globe, Sheeran closed his incredible summer with a memorable performance of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” (alongside Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason, Genesis’ Mike Rutherford, and Richard Jones of The Feeling) at the London 2012 Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony.

Here in the United States, “+”entered the SoundScan/Billboard 200 at #5 upon its release in June 2012, scoring the highest debut for a British solo artist’s first full-length album since 2009. “The A Team” soon catapulted the gifted Sheeran to the forefront of modern pop, earning him a prestigious “Song of the Year” nomination for the 55(th) Annual GRAMMY Awards. The critically acclaimed, platinum certified single ultimately reached the top 10 at CHR/Top 40 and Hot AC radio outlets across the country, while also rising to the top 20 on Billboard’s all-encompassing “Hot 100.”

Along with its multi-format radio success, “The A Team” proved equally popular at MTV and VH1, where it earlier reached #1 on the network’s Top 20 Countdown. The latter channel also named Sheeran as one of their “You Oughta Know” artists — a list that has previously elevated such top stars as Bruno Mars, Adele, and Mumford & Sons — followed by his headlining last fall’s sold out “VH1 You Oughta Know” U.S. tour. What’s more, “The A Team” companion video clip was a true internet blockbuster, drawing close to 60 million individual views at Sheeran’s official YouTube channel, www.YouTube.com/EdSheeran.

By year’s end, Sheeran had officially taken North America by storm. Every date on his first-ever North American headline tour sold out, with many shows upgraded to larger venues in order to accommodate an increasingly fervent fanbase. Rolling Stone applauded the 21-year-old singer/songwriter in their coverage of Z100′s annual Jingle Ball extravaganza at New York’s Madison Square Garden, writing that his “imprint was felt throughout the night… Screams greeted every mention of his name; his time on stage was accompanied by much yelling as well.” USA Today and People both heralded Sheeran as one of the new year’s brightest lights, while Billboard officially declared him to be “the breakout star of 2013,” noting that “his distinct live shows… have helped him build a loyal audience — not to mention earn screams loud enough to rival Bieber’s and One Direction’s.”

Source: WSJ

It’s been more than a month since Ed Sheeran triumphed over Thirty Seconds To Mars in MTV’s Musical March Madness tournament, and since then, he’s celebrated his championship on an epic victory tour across North America (a.k.a. “opening for Taylor Swift.”)

But what have we been doing? Why, forging his MMM trophy, of course. And after a month of toiling away in the foundry, on Thursday (May 2), we finally presented Sheeran with his hardware: a 10-pound muscle man, mid-flex, that makes all other championship trophies seem puny by comparison. And, understandably, Ed was pumped to receive it

Ed Sheeran, Music News

“This is what I used to look like before I discovered burgers,” he laughed, eyeing the bulging, bronzed pectoral muscles of his trophy. “It’s the biggest award I’ve ever got!”
Of course, he owes his MMM victory to the fanatical support of his Sheerios, who guided him through the tournament, past 63 other acts, and helped shatter records for voting. So, ever the humble champ, he took a moment to thank them for helping him take home the title.

“Even though they’ve given the award to me, I didn’t do all the voting, so thank you for voting and taking up so much of your time; I know it was quite intense, but this is all worth it,” he laughed. “But I’m disappointed you kept his underwear on, he doesn’t look like he’s packing anything.”

We’ll admit, he’s right: our trophy is big all over, just not in the pants (we suspect this is a side-effect of too much bodybuilding). But Sheeran’s not ashamed; if anything, he can’t wait to take his MMM trophy out on tour.

“This is going to come out on the road … I’ll put it on the bus,” he said. “Our bus driver cooks barbecue, and we have a tub of pork belly, but we’ve left it a bit too long, so the fat’s turned white and it’s a bit disgusting, so I’ll stick this by it.”

Who knows, he might even bring the MMM trophy onstage … anything to make his tourmate Taylor jealous.
“I’m sure her seven Grammys are going to look really tiny next to this,” he laughed.

Source: MTV News