After joining Sheeran’s label, his 2015 album ‘Jamie Lawson’ hit No.
1 on the U.K. charts.
Brand newGrammy winnerEd Sheeranlaunched his own record label, Gingerbread Man Records, last August.
Credit: Pip
Not long after, he found his first signee another English singer-songwriter with shaggy red hair, Jamie Lawson.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: How did you link up with Ed Sheeran?
Lawson: We met five years ago in London.
We were doing an acoustic show together and got on pretty well.
Then he got signed and took off phenomenally.
We lost touch straight away.
He remembered you after all those years?
He was like, I remember that guy!
What made you want to sign with him?
It seemed like a no-brainer.
I described it and he said, Well, that will be perfect.
He didnt get involved in that sense, he supported me, instead.
Can you describe what you wanted it to sound like?
1970s Van Morrisson is huge for me.
Theres a real sense of space and warmth.
It doesnt ever oppress you, in anyway.
I find music today a bit oppressive.
I dont know if I got that but that was my aim.
I think your self-titled album (released last October) accomplishes that.
Is there anyone else putting stuff out right now that you really like?
I like hearing Hozier and Elbow on the radio.
Things have been pretty vapid for a while, I like hearing what they say.
They make me want to get better.
Listeners had a similar reaction when your song, Wasnt Expecting That took off.
It sounded fresh and different from much of the Top 40 fare.
I feel a bit out of place.
When I hear my song on the radio, I feel like it doesnt quite fit.
Is the size of Ed Sheerans career your aspiration?
There is a level of fame that I wouldnt wish for, or on anyone.
I dont know how its balanced.
But yes, I would love to sell music and reach a lot of people.
You were ahead of him for a minute there last fall when your album went No.
1 in the UK.
He was right behind you withxat No.
I was just shocked [laughs].
And Ed was so excited.
So I went and saw it on a wall in a music shop.
So when I saw it and Ed was No.
2 it was like thats pretty sweet.
Youre outon tour with Vance Joythis spring.
What are you most looking forward to?
