Ed Sheeran Opens Up About Overcoming Trauma, Fatherhood, His Musical Evolution
Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic Reading Time: 2 minutes
Ed Sheeran has become a household name, known for his elastic voice, catchy hooks, and ability to seamlessly blend genres. In a recent interview, Sheeran spoke candidly about his personal and professional journey, including his transition into fatherhood and his experience with trauma.
Ed Sheeran Opens Up About His Personal, Professional Journey
The 32-year-old singer-songwriter has remained steadfast in his love for music and creativity, pushing himself to new heights with each album release. Despite the challenges he has faced, Sheeran has continued to evolve as a musician and expand his musical horizons.
His upcoming album, titled – (pronounced Subtract), features stripped-down and emotional songwriting paired with inventive production by Aaron Dessner of The National. Sheeran admits that he is nervous about how critics will receive the album, as his biggest hits have often been met with harsh criticism.
Throughout his career, Sheeran has remained true to himself and his love for music, even if it means embracing his “nerdy” interests like Lord of the Rings, Pokemon, and Lego. He has even collaborated on a signature acoustic guitar with Lowden Guitars, a brand he dreamed of playing as a child.
Sheeran’s dedication to his craft and his willingness to push himself creatively have earned him a place among the top artists in the music industry.
Becoming a Father Changed Him, The Trauma of Losing a Friend
During the same interview, Sheeran explained that becoming a dad to his two daughters, Lyra and Jupiter, has transformed him and led him to let go of his former “party boy” lifestyle. However, Sheeran also revealed that he faced a personal tragedy that forced him to confront his inner demons and seek therapy.
When taking a break from his stadium shows Sheeran spends time in his renovated hundred-year-old frame house in an upscale suburban block in New Zealand. He is accompanied by his wife of four years, Cherry Seaborn, and their two daughters, Lyra and Jupiter.
Sheeran also opened up about his struggles with depression and the traumatic events that led him to seek help. He revealed that the sudden death of his best friend Jamal Edwards, a prominent music entrepreneur, was the worst month of his life.
The loss of Edwards was especially devastating for Sheeran, who said he found himself in his latest bout of depression. He recalled that he had been struggling with depression since elementary school, where he was bullied for being different.
In the wake of Edwards’ death and that of another friend, Australian cricket star Shane Warne, Sheeran started experiencing thoughts of not wanting to live anymore. It was Seaborn who helped him recognize he needed help and encouraged him to seek therapy.
