Ed Sheeran: I was ginger and chubby and so struggled to get a record deal
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Chart-topping singer Ed Sheeran said he initially struggled to get a record deal because he was "ginger and chubby".
The flame-haired 22-year-old, whose hits include "The A Team" and "Lego House", said self-belief and perseverance helped him make it in the record industry, despite knock-backs on his appearance.
Sheeran, previously romantically - but erroneously, he said - linked with fellow pop star Taylor Swift, revealed he once had to perform in an empty concert venue to just a sound engineer after nobody turned up, but he continued to have faith in his guitar-based sound.
Speaking to online youth television channel SB.TV in association with the National Citizen Service (NCS), Sheeran said: "I thought to myself this seriously isn't going to work.
"I felt every gig I played, fewer and fewer people would attend and this was going nowhere. Every single label I had gone to at the time had told me this song wasn't a hit, this song wouldn't work, and the fact that I was slightly chubby and ginger wasn't a good 'marketing tool' for them. So yeah it did definitely feel like it wasn't going to happen.
"The way I maintained self-belief is that I knew I wasn't good at anything else so what else was I going to do, and secondly with the whole look and songs that the labels rejected I knew it was really important you stay true to yourself. Being an individual makes you stand out from the crowd."
Sheeran has gone on to win Brit Awards off the strength of his debut long-player, the five-times platinum +. His video on SB.TV is one of a number from the likes of singer Rita Ora and rapper Wrench 32 to share how self-belief made a difference to their lives and encourage young people to believe in themselves and make the right decisions.
Sheeran added: "It's like if you want something so badly go out there and grab, just keep on doing it - because there are people out there who do want it just as much as you do and there are people out there if given the opportunity to take my place will, so it's just as important to keep pushing yourself and working at it."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments