E512 Ed Sheeran
In this episode of This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von, comedian Theo Von and musician Ed Sheeran share stories about overcoming challenges in their early careers and striving to push themselves creatively. They touch on cultural differences between the UK and US, particularly around drinking and societal attitudes toward the arts.
Sheeran, focused on improving access to music education, opens up about his philanthropic work in this area as well as his unique experiences being part of the British royal family's inner circle. Their discussion also explores the role of music and ceremony in dealing with grief and loss, underscoring the communal aspects of these rituals.
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1-Page Summary
Theo Von and Ed Sheeran's careers and artistic journeys
Theo Von and Ed Sheeran discuss overcoming challenges in their early careers. Von recounts being booed at comedy shows and finding ways to stand out. Sheeran built a fanbase through persistent live performances in unconventional venues.
Both emphasize avoiding complacency by continuously pushing themselves and drawing inspiration from diverse experiences. Von strives to keep his comedy routine fresh while Sheeran, who views each album as chronicling his personal growth, seeks out varied creative outlets like the film industry.
Cultural differences between the UK and US, especially around drinking and the arts
Sheeran notes contrasting drinking cultures - the UK's casual approach of moderation versus American binge drinking norms. In the UK, alcohol consumption is more socially accepted and introduced at a young age.
Sheeran highlights Ireland's recognition of the arts' cultural and economic value, implying a difference in the UK government's lack of funding for creative programs.
Ed Sheeran's philanthropic work in music education
Concerned by declining arts funding in UK schools, Sheeran has provided instruments, recording equipment, and resources to reignite music education. His efforts have inspired greater student involvement in music.
The unique experiences and challenges of being part of the British royal family
Sheeran reveals royals face restricted emotional expression, constant public scrutiny, and lack of privacy - exemplified by mandatory vacation photoshoots. He acknowledges the significance of royal events while acknowledging debate around the monarchy's relevance.
The role of music and ceremony in grieving and funerals
Sheeran's song "Supermarket Flowers" and Irish folk farewell songs like "The Parting Glass" provide communal grieving experiences through music at funerals. These rituals aid in processing loss by facilitating shared mourning.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While Theo Von and Ed Sheeran's persistence is commendable, not all artists have the same opportunities or support systems to overcome challenges in their careers.
- Continuous self-improvement is important, but it's also necessary to acknowledge and address systemic barriers that may prevent some artists from advancing.
- Ed Sheeran's approach to documenting personal growth in albums is one method, but other artists may find that growth is not linear and cannot always be neatly chronicled.
- The UK's drinking culture is not universally moderate; there are issues with binge drinking and alcoholism in the UK as well.
- While Ed Sheeran's philanthropic work is beneficial, it could be argued that systemic changes in government policy might be more effective in supporting music education long-term.
- The portrayal of the British royal family's experiences might lack nuance and fail to consider the benefits and privileges that come with their position.
- The role of music in grieving and funerals can vary greatly among different cultures and individuals, and not everyone may find communal grieving through music helpful.
Actionables
- You can foster your persistence by setting a daily challenge related to your passion or career goals, such as writing a song every day or performing a new comedy set weekly. This practice not only builds resilience but also helps you to stand out by amassing a unique portfolio of work that showcases your dedication and creativity.
- Enhance your self-improvement by keeping a 'growth journal' where you document new experiences, skills learned, and feedback received. Regularly review your entries to identify patterns and areas for improvement, ensuring that your personal and professional development is continuous and well-documented, much like an artist's album chronicles their growth.
- Create a personal playlist for processing emotions, with songs that resonate with different moods and experiences. This can be a therapeutic tool for dealing with grief or other intense emotions, allowing you to connect with music in a way that supports your emotional well-being and provides a sense of communal experience, even in private moments.
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Theo Von and Ed Sheeran's careers and artistic journeys
Theo Von and Ed Sheeran discuss their careers, the challenges they've faced, and the evolution of their creative processes in casual conversation.
Theo Von's early comedy experiences and challenges
Theo Von, who recently announced new tour dates, shares tales from his early days in comedy. He speaks candidly about being booed off stage at a school's battle of the bands event where he had to appear multiple times and was booed each time. Von also admits that his first realization of comedy as a viable career path dawned during a live comedy show in college, which was a turning point for him.
Bombing at comedy shows and facing audience rejection
Dealing with rejection was part of Von's journey. He details how performances, particularly at predominantly black shows, could either go brilliantly or end disastrously, describing the latter as a profound, historical pain. Those brutal rejections however, fueled him to find ways to stand out and refine his craft.
Overcoming setbacks and finding ways to stand out
Theo reflects on his determination to surmount obstacles in the comedy scene. Von admits to sometimes going on autopilot while on stage and the importance of refocusing to ensure his acts feel fresh—to himself and his audience alike.
Ed Sheeran's non-traditional path to musical success
Ed Sheeran, whom Theo describes as one of the biggest musicians in the world, reflects on his somewhat unconventional rise to fame - a path marked by persistence and the constant search for varied creative outlets.
Starting out playing at open mics and hip-hop shows
Sheeran recounts his early days gigging around without pay and struggling to find his niche in a cliquey acoustic scene. His breakthrough came from standing out, intentionally playing at hip-hop nights, and grime nights, showcasing his acoustic music on a YouTube channel primarily focused on rap.
Building a fanbase through persistence and versatility
Ed's persistence and versatility won him a fanbase. Performances at unexpected venues and the support and confidence from his music teacher, father, and friends spurred him on even though his early material was rudimentary. His hard work paid dividends when his first single and accompanying music video became a success.
The evolution of their creative processes
Both Theo and Ed discuss the intellectual and emotional demands of their respective crafts, pinpointing the importance of pushing themselves and drawing from varied experiences to fuel their artistic output.
Avoiding complacency and continuously pushing themselves
To avoid complacency, Sheeran suggests sometimes it's beneficial to completely change one's performance. For instance, he ponders doing something child-oriented now that he's a parent. Similarly, Von talks about reinv ...
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Theo Von and Ed Sheeran's careers and artistic journeys
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While Theo Von and Ed Sheeran's experiences highlight the value of resilience, not all artists may find that facing rejection directly contributes to their success; some may find that it hinders their confidence and creativity.
- The idea that a non-traditional path is a key to success, as suggested by Ed Sheeran's journey, might not be applicable to all musicians; some may achieve success through more conventional routes and find that structure and traditional support systems are beneficial.
- Overcoming setbacks and finding ways to stand out are emphasized, but this narrative might overlook the role of luck, timing, and privilege in an artist's success.
- The discussion on the evolution of their creative processes and avoiding complacency may not acknowledge that some artists find consistency and sticking to a proven formula to be more successful for their careers.
- Drawing inspiration from diverse sources is valuable, but it could also be argued that some artists excel by deeply exploring a single genre or th ...
Actionables
- Embrace a 'challenge-a-day' routine to build resilience by doing something that pushes you out of your comfort zone daily, like striking up a conversation with a stranger or trying a new food. This practice will help you become more adaptable and less fearful of rejection or failure, much like an artist faces when stepping onto a new stage.
- Create a 'mash-up' hobby by combining two unrelated interests to foster creativity, such as writing poetry about your gardening experiences or making a playlist to accompany your workout routine. This can lead to unique personal projects that stand out, mirroring how artists blend influences to create fresh work.
- Star ...
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Cultural differences between the UK and US, especially around drinking and the arts
Ed Sheeran’s insights and personal anecdotes offer a glimpse into the differences and similarities between cultural norms in the UK and the US, particularly in regards to alcohol consumption and value placed on the arts.
Contrasting attitudes toward alcohol consumption
Sheeran speaks to the contrasting drinking cultures of the UK and the US. He notes that while Americans often start learning their limits with alcohol when they go to college, the UK has a more ingrained culture of casual drinking.
UK's more casual, social drinking culture vs US binge drinking norms
Sheeran describes how, in the UK, it is common to have a few pints after work as a normal part of life. The drinking culture is portrayed as more social and less about the necessity to become extremely inebriated. On the other hand, American drinking culture, as witnessed by Sheeran at a frat party, seems to align more with the stereotypes of binge drinking, which contrasts with his laid-back social scenarios in the UK where people "drink what they want" in a relaxed environment.
Acceptance of moderate, everyday drinking in the UK
In the UK, alcohol consumption is casual and socially normalized. Sheeran implies that UK and French children learn to manage and respect alcohol from a young age, with moderate drinking being an accepted and normalized practice. For example, Sheeran himself had his first beer as a young teenager, and in France, it’s customary to give children a small amount of wine.
Differing value placed on arts and creative pursuits
Whi ...
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Cultural differences between the UK and US, especially around drinking and the arts
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The perception of the UK as having a casual drinking culture may overlook issues with alcohol abuse and ignore the fact that binge drinking is also a problem in the UK.
- The idea that the US primarily has a binge drinking culture may not account for the diversity of drinking practices across the country, including regions with more moderate drinking habits.
- The notion that children in the UK and France are taught to manage alcohol from a young age could be challenged by public health advocates who argue that early exposure to alcohol can lead to harmful drinking behaviors later in life.
- While Sheeran praises Ireland for valuing the arts, it's important to recognize that there are individuals and organizations in the UK that also highly value and supp ...
Actionables
- Explore cultural drinking norms firsthand by visiting a variety of pubs and bars in your area on different days of the week, observing the atmosphere and interactions. This can give you a sense of how social drinking varies by setting and time, similar to the differences noted between the UK and US. For example, compare a weekday happy hour with a Saturday night out to see if there's a distinction in drinking behaviors.
- Create a personal arts fund where you set aside a small amount of money each month to support local artists or arts programs. This could involve buying artwork, attending performances, or donating to arts education initiatives. By doing this, you're directly contributing to the value placed on the arts in your community, much like the appreciati ...
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Ed Sheeran's philanthropic work in music education
Ed Sheeran has taken a stand to bolster music education in UK schools, confronting the challenges posed by cuts in funding for the arts.
Witnessing the decline of arts programs in UK schools
Funding and resources being cut for music, drama, and arts
Ed Sheeran was alarmed when his music teacher informed him that the government at the time did not value the arts, resulting in reduced funding for arts programs in comprehensive high schools. This decline has stripped many children of the opportunity to engage in creative outlets that are crucial for their development.
Recognizing the importance of creative outlets for youth
Understanding the importance of the arts in schools, Sheeran has taken significant steps to ensure that young students can still access these vital programs.
Establishing music education initiatives in schools
Providing access to quality instruments and recording equipment
Sheeran has directly contributed to his local high school by funding the arts, building a recording studio, and providing high-quality instruments. This investment aims to reverse the negative trend caused by funding cuts and restore arts education to a respectable standard. Additionally, Sheeran highlights the importance of having the right equipment in schools, such as cameras and podcast setups, to help students explore and realize their potential ...
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Ed Sheeran's philanthropic work in music education
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While Ed Sheeran's contributions are commendable, relying on individual philanthropy for educational programs can be seen as a stopgap rather than a sustainable solution to systemic funding issues.
- There may be concerns about equity, as Sheeran's initiatives might benefit certain schools or areas more than others, potentially leading to unequal access to resources in music education.
- Some might argue that while music and arts are important, schools also need to focus on core academic subjects, especially in times of limited resources, to ensure students meet essential educational standards.
- There is a possibility that celebrity involvement in education could overshadow the needs and voices of professional educators and experts in the field of arts education.
- The focus on high-quality instruments and recording equipment might not address other fundamental issues in music education, such as the need for qualified teachers and comprehensive curricula.
- The emphasis on music production and songwriting could be seen as too narrow, potentially neglecting other aspects of mu ...
Actionables
- You can support local music education by donating old instruments to nearby schools, ensuring students have access to the tools they need to explore their musical interests. Instead of letting an unused guitar or keyboard collect dust at home, reach out to schools in your area to see if they have a music program that could benefit from your instrument. This not only recycles your unused items but also provides a direct way to foster musical talent in your community.
- Encourage creativity in young people by volunteering your time to mentor in after-school arts programs. Even if you're not a professional musician, sharing your enthusiasm for music and the arts can be incredibly motivating for students. Offer to assist in music classes, drama clubs, or art sessions at your local school or community center, providing guidance and support to help nurture the next generation of artists.
- Create a playlist o ...
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The unique experiences and challenges of being part of the British royal family
Ed Sheeran offers insights into the private world of the British royal family, conveying the complexities and pressures they face.
Rigidity and restrictions of royal life
Inability to freely express emotions and individuality
Sheeran notes that members of the royal family are expected to maintain composure and are unable to show emotions publicly, even at funerals. This expectation extends to daily life where emotional expression and individuality are often under tight wraps due to the roles they must fulfill.
Constant public scrutiny and lack of privacy
The singer also points out that royals are subject to constant public scrutiny, implying they have a significant lack of privacy. This is illustrated by the requirement for royals to engage in press shoots even while on holiday, indicating that every aspect of their lives is continually photographed and monitored by both media and the public.
The role of tradition and ceremony
Significance of royal events and funerals for the nation
Reflecting on the queen's funeral, Sheeran describes it as highly impressive and a spectacle that showcases England to the world. These events encapsulate the significance of royal ceremonies, which are steeped in tradition and observed by the nation and the inte ...
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The unique experiences and challenges of being part of the British royal family
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Counterarguments
- While Ed Sheeran may offer insights into the royal family, his perspective is that of an outsider and may not fully capture the nuances of royal life.
- The expectation for royals to maintain composure in public is a traditional aspect of their role, but there have been instances where royals have shown emotion, suggesting that there is some flexibility in this expectation.
- The royal family does have private moments and spaces that are respected by the press, and they do exercise some control over their public image.
- Not every aspect of the royals' lives is monitored; there are private events and aspects of their daily lives that are not covered by the media.
- While royal events are significant, not everyone may find them impressive or of interest, and some may view them as outdated or unnecessary.
- The traditions observed by the royal family are valued by many, but others may see them as symbolic rather than substantive contributions to the nation or international community.
- The debate around the monarchy's relevance is complex, and there are many who strongl ...
Actionables
- You can explore the impact of public scrutiny on personal privacy by keeping a journal for a week, noting every instance where you feel your privacy is compromised, whether it's through social media, in public, or at work. This will help you empathize with the royal family's lack of privacy and understand the boundaries of your own.
- Develop a greater appreciation for tradition by attending a local ceremony or event that's rich in history, like a town anniversary or a cultural festival. Observe the rituals, ask participants about the significance, and reflect on how these traditions contribute to community identity, similar to how royal ceremonies play a role in national identity.
- Engage in a constructive debate with friends or family on a current topic, such ...
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The role of music and ceremony in grieving and funerals
Music and ceremony play a pivotal role in the process of grieving, providing solace and a structured way for communities to mark significant life changes like the passing of a loved one.
Marking important life events through music
Ed Sheeran's song "Supermarket Flowers" as a funeral staple
Ed Sheeran's "Supermarket Flowers," a song he wrote about his grandmother, has found a place in the hearts of many as a funeral staple. Its deep and personal message resonates with those mourning, offering them a musical expression of loss and remembrance.
Traditional Irish folk songs as farewell rituals
Theo Von and Ed Sheeran discuss the stark cultural differences between Ireland and Britain, highlighting the importance of recognizing and respecting these distinctions in all aspects of life, including music and ceremonies. Ed Sheeran brings up "The Parting Glass," an Irish folk song which is traditionally sung at the end of a gathering. Seen as a poignant goodbye, the song, with its themes of parting and reflection, has become a tender choice for farewells, including funerals, capturing the essence of the Irish ritual of bidding farewell to the deceased.
The healing power of shared mourning rituals
Providing closure and a sense of community
Th ...
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The role of music and ceremony in grieving and funerals
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While music and ceremony can provide solace for many, some individuals may find these rituals do not align with their personal coping mechanisms or cultural practices, and may prefer more private or non-traditional forms of grieving.
- The popularity of songs like Ed Sheeran's "Supermarket Flowers" at funerals could be seen as a trend that may not hold the same significance for everyone, and some may argue for a more personalized selection of music that is meaningful to the deceased and their family.
- The use of traditional songs like "The Parting Glass" in funerals, while poignant, may not resonate with those who do not share the cultural background or who prefer contemporary or alternative music even in traditional settings.
- Emphasizing the importance of cultural differences in ceremonies can sometimes overshadow individual preferences within those cultures, as there is a wide range of personal beliefs and values within any given cultural group.
- Th ...
Actionables
- Create a personalized playlist of songs that evoke memories of loved ones for moments of reflection. By selecting music that has personal significance, you can create a private ceremony to honor those you've lost, allowing you to grieve and remember in your own space and time. For example, if a particular song reminds you of times spent with a grandparent, include it in your playlist and listen to it when you wish to feel connected to their memory.
- Explore music from different cultures to broaden your understanding of mourning rituals. Take time to listen to traditional songs from various cultures, such as keening from Ireland or the Mexican 'Día de los Muertos' music, to appreciate the diverse ways in which communities express grief and celebrate life. This can be as simple as using a music streaming service to search for funeral songs from around the world and creating a diverse playlist that resonates with you.
- Start a conversation with friends or family ...
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1-Page Summary- Theo Von and Ed Sheeran's careers and artistic journeys
- Cultural differences between the UK and US, especially around drinking and the arts
- Ed Sheeran's philanthropic work in music education
- The unique experiences and challenges of being part of the British royal family
- The role of music and ceremony in grieving and funerals
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