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jbhifi.co.nz
24
MARCH
2017
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stack.net.nzMUSIC
FEATURE
Ahead of the release of Ed Sheeran's hugely anticipated third album
÷
(divide)
, we get a special insight into the singer-songwriter's rise courtesy
of Tony Harlow, the music executive behind the talent.
Words
Zoë Radas
STACK
:
Ed Sheeran’s story is one of such
self-motivation, to me; tiny independent
releases, small gigs and lots of
collaborations paved his way.When did
you first see him live?
TONY HARLOW:
Honestly, I went to
see Ed at UEA [the University of East
Anglia] because a friend who was Product
Managing asked me to. It was
impossible not to believe, as he was so
compelling. He owned rooms he had no
right to even play in, and never projected
a need to be cool over a need to speak
to an audience. But we also share some
personal history along the way that has
strengthened our bond!
He seems a rather tranquil, self-
assured person – what were your first
impressions?
There is drive and confidence, and he
demands to be accepted on his own terms
and not compromise. That’s why it’s still just
him and a guitar on stage in stadiums. But
the real trick was the ability to communicate