Benny Blanco Praises Ed Sheeran’s ‘Average Joe’ Quality as ‘Relatable’: ‘I’m in a Similar Spot’

Benny Blanco, the renowned producer, has recently shared his admiration for Ed Sheeran’s down-to-earth quality, describing it as “relatable.” Blanco, who has a long-standing collaboration with Sheeran, highlighted the unique ability of the pop star to craft lyrics that resonate with everyday life experiences. In a cover story for TIME100, Blanco expressed how Sheeran’s music captures common sentiments articulated in a way that is both familiar and refreshing to listeners. The producer acknowledged the shared sense of being “average Joes” who have defied odds to achieve success, attributing it to their humility and insecurities.

Blanco also marvelled at Sheeran’s prolific songwriting skills, remarking on the speed and efficiency with which the singer-songwriter creates music. While Blanco typically takes around a week to write a single song, Sheeran has been known to churn out multiple tracks in a day. The rapid pace at which Sheeran works has impressed Blanco, who cited an instance where Sheeran penned eight songs in a single day, including the popular hit “Eastside,” a collaboration involving Halsey and Khalid. Sheeran firmly believes that the best songs are often conceived within a three-hour timeframe, showcasing his creative prowess and dedication to his craft.

In a recent appearance on The Tonight Show, Sheeran demonstrated his penchant for disguises by joining host Jimmy Fallon for busking in a New York City subway. Adopting the alter ego “Frat Poison,” the duo surprised passersby with a rendition of Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club,” showcasing their playful and spontaneous side. Sheeran, known for his ability to blend in unnoticed, engaged in the impromptu performance before revealing his true identity to the delighted crowd. The duo then treated onlookers to a performance of Sheeran’s new single “Azizam,” enhancing the underground concert experience.

During the same interview on The Tonight Show, Sheeran revealed plans for his upcoming albums, unveiling a thematic progression in their titles. Starting with “Plus” and “Multiply,” Sheeran shared a glimpse into his creative vision with albums named after mathematical operations like “Divide” and “Subtract.” Embracing a cohesive narrative, his next album is set to be titled “Play,” aligning with his earlier conceptualisation of a series of interconnected album titles. This strategic approach to storytelling underscores Sheeran’s commitment to offering audiences a cohesive and immersive musical journey.

Sheeran’s ability to surprise and engage audiences was further showcased in his recent subway busking escapade, where he seamlessly transitioned from incognito performance to a spirited rendition of his own music. The spontaneity and authenticity of these interactions underscore Sheeran’s dedication to connecting with his fans on a personal level, transcending traditional performance boundaries. As Sheeran continues to push creative boundaries and experiment with new musical expressions, his collaborative spirit and genuine approach to songwriting cement his status as a beloved and relatable figure in the music industry.

In conclusion, Benny Blanco’s admiration for Ed Sheeran’s relatable qualities sheds light on the enduring appeal of the pop superstar. Through their shared experiences as “average Joes” navigating the complexities of success, Sheeran and Blanco have forged a creative partnership that resonates with audiences worldwide. As Sheeran continues to innovate and surprise with his music, his ability to connect with fans on a profound level reinforces his position as a genuine and impactful artist in the industry.