Ed Sheeran and Stars Discuss Songwriting Secrets in LA Roundtable
UPDATE: In a captivating songwriter roundtable held on November 4, 2023 at The Sun Rose in West Hollywood, music legends including Ed Sheeran, Hayley Williams, and EJAE gathered to share insights into their creative processes. This event comes just four months after EJAE’s hit “Golden” took the world by storm, topping charts for eight weeks and amassing over one billion streams.
EJAE, reflecting on her meteoric rise, expressed disbelief at her current status among musical heavyweights. She described the gathering as a “happy accident,” emphasizing the surreal nature of being in the spotlight again. The roundtable featured notable artists like Shaboozey, Raphael Saadiq, and Michelle Zauner, who collectively explored the pressures of songwriting and the components of a potential hit.
The conversation turned to the complexities of creating music for films, with Sheeran discussing his collaborations for projects like “F1: The Movie” and “Zootopia 2.” He remarked, “Most of the songs I’m proud of, but I never know what will truly resonate.” This unpredictability was highlighted by a surprising success: a song for Pokémon that was initially overlooked but later became a fan favorite in Central Europe.
As the discussion progressed, the artists shared personal anecdotes about their breakthroughs and the pressures that accompany them. “There’s so much pressure for the follow-up hit,” EJAE admitted, noting her ambition to reach the top of the Hot 100. “My goal has always been to get there and the pressure is intense.”
The group delved into the mystical elements of songwriting, with EJAE recounting an eerie experience in a New York recording studio, claiming, “I saw a ghost there while recording ‘Golden.’” This moment sparked laughter and speculation among the artists, reinforcing the idea that creativity often thrives under strange circumstances.
In an emotional exchange, Williams discussed the importance of stepping out of her comfort zone. “I need to go to the pressure a little bit more,” she stated, revealing her desire to grow as an artist post-COVID. Shaboozey echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the joy of trusting one’s instincts in the creative process, stating, “You just have to have fun.”
As the roundtable unfolded, the artists reflected on the impact of their work and the emotional weight of expectations. They acknowledged that while creating a hit can feel daunting, the joy of music often outweighs the pressure. “I think everything I write is going to be a hit,” Zauner quipped, evoking laughter and agreement from her peers.
With the music industry constantly evolving, the insights shared during this roundtable highlight the ongoing challenges and triumphs faced by songwriters. As their careers progress, these artists continue to navigate the fine line between creativity and commercial success, leaving fans eager for what’s next.
Stay tuned for more updates on these artists and their upcoming projects as they continue to shape the music landscape.
