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It's so cool to see he's just taking all the 'risks' he used to take performing on the streets! All the little mistakes, the lack of autotune, the realness, openness and the energy...still just raw talent and both feet on the ground after massive success; respect :D
@mandyguimaraes783never been, so wouldn't know. Tiny Desk always really emphasizes the feeling and vibe though; more than a large stadium show, I guess.
It's not raw talent Ed has said that himself. He got a vocal coach and put a lot of time and work into singing well and understanding the technology. It takes work, respect the grind.
@ultraalvafa4962I believe those are the sound engineers/producers that work for NPR. My comment is related to more so he’s up there by himself no band or background singers
The loop pedal is such a big part of who Ed is as a performer. It’s a shame so many places haven’t let him use it. I’m glad he gets to use it here. He’s a master of the loop pedal.
@OnceUponATimeLori Watch the video at 14:48 where Ed explains that most of the time when he does American media appearances they won’t let him use the loop pedal. They usually insist he play with a band.
@coreybingham8299 the same thing ruined the ability for the group SONOS to perform on the Sing Off. Apparently the people in charge think the people watching aren't capable of understanding what pedals are for.
I was looking through the comments to see if anyone had any insight into this. Like, why?? The loop pedal performing is INCREDIBLE. Anyway, I’ve seen Reggie Watts use loop pedal on televised performances. What’s the deal???
@sammyhind3151 That's not what they said at all. To add; some people get fame for no reason other than luck/knowing the right person/buying their way there. They're talentless and their public persona isn't nice.
I remember a long time ago that some people accused him of doing playback and he didn’t like it, i think that’s why he explains it every time for people who might not know
I think Ed Sheeran is so underrated. Yes, he has a lot of monthly listeners, and has had multiple #1 songs on Billboard, but people often don't take him very seriously. IMO, he's one of the best artists of the 2000s/2010s. He can make catchy songs, but also beautifully written and scored pieces that genuinely make me emotional!
Definitely, people lump him in sometimes with a lot of just ordinary pop stars but he’s just not that, he’s mega talented and driven. I got that realization and respect for him when i first saw his earlier live stuff with a loop pedal
Ed Sheeran is not underrated, his albums sales are always high. he's shows in top avenues always sold out. he doesn't dress or look like a superstar, but he is, on every levels.
@how47635 Depends on the point of view. From one perspective you might be right (and actually why not when you have developed your own looper pedal), from the other perspective I, as a musician, always love to look on the looper pedal to see how the person is using it - that's why I also made a recording of my own song, where the looper work is shown (you can check it on my chanel if you want 😊). I was checking his pedal when I was upgrading mine and realised there are some really good things, but for my use is too expensive and doesn't fullfil all my needs.
The first time I watched him do the loop pedal and build a song was when he was promoting 2 Step and did some recorded live concerts and I was so impressed!! He has such a supreme talent. I don’t really go to concerts anymore due to the crazy prices, but he’s the one artist I would consider paying high prices for because of his skill with building songs on the loop pedal. There’s something really special about watching a song come together this way, as if the audience is part of the creation process.
You know what? Ed is always Ed and no one can copy him. Maybe other artist loop, but not like Ed. Maybe others sing, but never can fight with Ed's storytelling voice!! Agree??? 💯
Howie Day was doing it in early early 2000s. Check out bunnies or ghost live. Howie may not be as successful these days but the looping is top notch too
I would even argue that there are many artists who loop way better than him :D No hate, but it is fairly easy especially due to the fact that his songs are very simple pop songs...
I love how he says that using the loop and then erasing it every performance makes it unique and every session is one of a kind. It must keep it fresh and fun for him as well as the audience, never knowing exactly how it will turn out, even though he is good enough to pretty much nail it every time. Ed is really very much dancing to his own tune.
Ed was the reason I became a musician. I remember when he first released The A Team on RUclips and being so inspired by it. Watching this performance reminded me so much of that era. Thanks NPR for making it happen.
When 1st heard Ed Sheeran A team & Adele Chasing pavements i didn't think they'be pop superstars. They were both very talented but they didn't have the looks of the commercial pop stars, likely their talent shone through.
I saw this guy perform in the Biddle Brothers pub in Hackney, London around 2009 maybe. He performed the exact same way. This is before he became world famous. Lovely to see him using that loooing pedal again! About time!
I know that slapping the strings at the end of a song is a small sign of nervousness. The fact he still gets nervous means he still cares as much as he ever has. This man is a legend.
I think Ed is just like this in general. No understanding required because this is what he appears to do. Watch his other live performances that aren't a concert. Eg. Search for "Ed Sheeran Sheffield"
Love the fact that he takes the hard road. Going back to his roots, showing that the stripped down (sans band) is his sweet spot. Such a magnetic performer, its in his blood.
After all those huge hits, it’s so refreshing to see Ed going back to the roots of his work: acoustic versions, the loop pedal, and pure talent. He’s such a complete artist. I recently saw that he’s been struggling with eating disorders. I hope that returning to his “raw” work helps him heal and allows his art to remain open to healing others as well. Music is such a powerful tool, and we’re here for it. Stay strong, Ed :)
this is my first time watching a live concert of Ed (no idea why it took me so long) and I can’t believe it’s always been just him behind all his music. all my respect 🙏🏼
This is supreme skill. Hitting the guitar riff followed by the piano riff on Azizam required insane precision to loop properly over the vocal harmony and background guitar. Absolutely nuts to be able to do that on the first try in front of an audience no less. Ed is goated
Hahaha yep I actually admired that! I see it as a seasoned performer doing what's most convenient for the show to turn out the way he needs it to, without the hubris of needing to play it all 100% live. If a sample does it and takes off weight off the performance, so be it---the samples are just musical background, whereas most of the performing is done live.
Dude, Azizam was so good! The fact that you're the one handling everything from the singing to the backing vocals, the piano, the guitar, the beats, it's amazing. You're THE HARDEST WORKING SINGER I'VE EVER SEEN. 👏🏻🔥🙇🏻♂️💯🙏🏻
Amazing performance ! As a musicien I know how hard is to control a loop station and sing in the same time. You said you messed up the first song, but a lot of people would love to mess up like you! You're a great artist, authentic, and we love you for that. Thanks for everything you and your team give us
To be able to have the audacity to tell Ed Sheeran no he can't perform his art the way he wants to, literally HOW DARE YOU! One of the greats for sure! Doesn't get enough recognition in my opinion. You are an incredible musician, person, just wonderful well rounded, beyond talented, man. ❤😊 This was one of my fave Tiny Desk performances!
He is so connected to being true to himself and his music. Every platform ive seen him perform or even interview on he brings the energy that appropriate for that platform. All while be true to himself. So authentic. So grounded.
I'm not the biggest fan of ES, but you've got to respect the musician, his talent and his integrity, willing to be put at risk without anybody else to save him. I couldn't hear much overdub or this kind of trickery, maybe just a little help starting the right loop at the right time, but this is perfectly understandable. Thank you NPR for making this possible.
I got to interview him at a radio station I worked at when the only song available in America was "The A Team." Obviously I didn't know what was ahead for him, but he seems like the same nice kid I met way back when and I love that about him.
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right now 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣💜👌
Mamalon...👍👌🔊
I love Tiny Desk giving a platform for up-and-coming artists, he’s got potential, this one
He just needs to keep at it. They will discover him eventually
Yup.... real talent... I hope he makes it in the music industry... Real potential
😂😂😂
Too funny...up coming yeah bud
Are you kidding me??? He s been famous and doing tours for like a decade
It's so cool to see he's just taking all the 'risks' he used to take performing on the streets! All the little mistakes, the lack of autotune, the realness, openness and the energy...still just raw talent and both feet on the ground after massive success; respect :D
Ha wat tof om jouw comment hier bovenaan te zien :D
@PelleKuipershey Pelle! 👋🏼
Humm.. He does that on every live show/tour.
@mandyguimaraes783never been, so wouldn't know. Tiny Desk always really emphasizes the feeling and vibe though; more than a large stadium show, I guess.
It's not raw talent Ed has said that himself. He got a vocal coach and put a lot of time and work into singing well and understanding the technology. It takes work, respect the grind.
Of course Ed would do his tiny desk alone. He's such a talent
He's not alone; watch at 1:40 ☺
@ultraalvafa4962I believe those are the sound engineers/producers that work for NPR. My comment is related to more so he’s up there by himself no band or background singers
@DoJoStanwell said
@ultraalvafa4962Haven't you seen him play stadiums and arenas solo ?... At 1:40 is the show production.
we need him man he doesn't need other people
The loop pedal is such a big part of who Ed is as a performer. It’s a shame so many places haven’t let him use it. I’m glad he gets to use it here. He’s a master of the loop pedal.
Don't let him use it? He's the artist....
@OnceUponATimeLori Watch the video at 14:48 where Ed explains that most of the time when he does American media appearances they won’t let him use the loop pedal. They usually insist he play with a band.
@coreybingham8299 why though? That's shrinking how great music can be. Let people perform in all the ways performers do.
@coreybingham8299 the same thing ruined the ability for the group SONOS to perform on the Sing Off. Apparently the people in charge think the people watching aren't capable of understanding what pedals are for.
I was looking through the comments to see if anyone had any insight into this. Like, why?? The loop pedal performing is INCREDIBLE. Anyway, I’ve seen Reggie Watts use loop pedal on televised performances. What’s the deal???
the fact that he’s the only person behind the desk is so amazing. ed is so skilled.
He's not alone; watch at 1:39 ☺
Takes time for the song to start. Kinda boring
LOOOOOOL
Wants every dime for himself, using technology to put session musicians out of work.
There’s musicians who can play different parts of a song all at once without using a looper
I feel like Ed's music always sounds so much better live than the studio recordings
so true
I really like Azizam better like this.
Everyone does
@21AEJones Ed doesn’t need a loop pedal. It’s better without the recording.
Well his songs are mixed like pop songs and sound very processed and over mixed so here its very natural sounding since tiny desk uses no processing
I feel like this guy's got exactly as much fame as he deserved.
Are you saying fame is a good thing?🤔
@sammyhind3151Fame, like many things, is not good nor bad. Its how a person deals with the fame, and their platform, that matters. Imho
@sammyhind3151 That's not what they said at all.
To add; some people get fame for no reason other than luck/knowing the right person/buying their way there. They're talentless and their public persona isn't nice.
He's way cooler than I fully realized.
Ed explaining the Function of Looping for the 100th time in 2025 D:
Not gonna lie. I was blown away the first 99 times
He attracts new fans like myself that have not seen him explain it before.
So there’s that.
I remember when he did that on his first U.S. tour
still obsessed!!
I remember a long time ago that some people accused him of doing playback and he didn’t like it, i think that’s why he explains it every time for people who might not know
The acoustic song Camera morphing into the rendition of Photograph is peak iconic behavior Ed Sheeran!!! I thank you....
Right? He’s amazing ❤
Literally the best little mix of songs ❤️
0:43 Sapphire
5:28 A little More
9:48 Camera
12:30 Photograph
15:20 Azizam
He sang Photogragh too
@bbergin45 Photograph 12:30
Thank you
I wish he would sing open or heaven ❤
@no-pn7ypagreed!
I like when he close his eyes to sing, truly feeling living the music
We're so privileged to get to watch. He's such a beautiful talent. 🥹
FINALLY! The acoustic loop pedal Ed Sheeran performance I've been waiting for! So excited for PLAY era. Feels like I'm back to 2012 PLUS version 2.0!
Yes this is so cool to see what he can do solo. So much talent and skill!
@ZAPOWproductions100% was/is called Plus. It wasn’t called Multiplication, Division etc.
Yeees! I feel like 17 again, seeing him on a small festival stage in 2012!!
Thats how I felt about autumn variations too!
His veryyy best era!! He is superior at this !
I think Ed Sheeran is so underrated. Yes, he has a lot of monthly listeners, and has had multiple #1 songs on Billboard, but people often don't take him very seriously. IMO, he's one of the best artists of the 2000s/2010s. He can make catchy songs, but also beautifully written and scored pieces that genuinely make me emotional!
Definitely, people lump him in sometimes with a lot of just ordinary pop stars but he’s just not that, he’s mega talented and driven.
I got that realization and respect for him when i first saw his earlier live stuff with a loop pedal
I don't think he's as lumped in as you think
Yeah super underrated. Like all big stars want to work with him, sells out stadiums, many many nr 1 songs. People sleep on him!
Ed Sheeran is not underrated, his albums sales are always high. he's shows in top avenues always sold out. he doesn't dress or look like a superstar, but he is, on every levels.
He’s not just a performer, he is a producer and it’s nice to see that part shine ✨
I love that they setup a foot cam.
They did it so he could advertise. My boy is selling equipment
@how47635 Depends on the point of view. From one perspective you might be right (and actually why not when you have developed your own looper pedal), from the other perspective I, as a musician, always love to look on the looper pedal to see how the person is using it - that's why I also made a recording of my own song, where the looper work is shown (you can check it on my chanel if you want 😊). I was checking his pedal when I was upgrading mine and realised there are some really good things, but for my use is too expensive and doesn't fullfil all my needs.
Almost broke my neck looking back to my laptop when I heard "Loving can hurt" 😭😭
Sameee😭😭😭
bro doesn't need a band. he IS the band 🔥
Azizam has the best buildup on the loop pedals👌🏻❤️🔥
There's actually no better way to hear Ed Sheeran than to watch him build an entire song himself! It's true artistry!!!
The first time I watched him do the loop pedal and build a song was when he was promoting 2 Step and did some recorded live concerts and I was so impressed!! He has such a supreme talent. I don’t really go to concerts anymore due to the crazy prices, but he’s the one artist I would consider paying high prices for because of his skill with building songs on the loop pedal. There’s something really special about watching a song come together this way, as if the audience is part of the creation process.
You know what? Ed is always Ed and no one can copy him. Maybe other artist loop, but not like Ed. Maybe others sing, but never can fight with Ed's storytelling voice!! Agree??? 💯
Howie Day was doing it in early early 2000s. Check out bunnies or ghost live. Howie may not be as successful these days but the looping is top notch too
Fred Again, on this very tiny desk.
😂 agreed....
I would even argue that there are many artists who loop way better than him :D No hate, but it is fairly easy especially due to the fact that his songs are very simple pop songs...
FKJ
I love how he says that using the loop and then erasing it every performance makes it unique and every session is one of a kind. It must keep it fresh and fun for him as well as the audience, never knowing exactly how it will turn out, even though he is good enough to pretty much nail it every time. Ed is really very much dancing to his own tune.
Legendary, what a blessing for this crummy week.
To live in the same earth with an Ed Sheeran is a pure blessing.
Such a nice thing to say
Ed’s unique. That’s why he’s my favourite
Ed was the reason I became a musician. I remember when he first released The A Team on RUclips and being so inspired by it. Watching this performance reminded me so much of that era. Thanks NPR for making it happen.
When 1st heard Ed Sheeran A team & Adele Chasing pavements i didn't think they'be pop superstars.
They were both very talented but they didn't have the looks of the commercial pop stars, likely their talent shone through.
I saw this guy perform in the Biddle Brothers pub in Hackney, London around 2009 maybe. He performed the exact same way. This is before he became world famous. Lovely to see him using that loooing pedal again! About time!
He has always performed alone and with a loop pedal until recently, including his record-setting stadium tour in 2017-2019.
@KuzinaElizabeth Was about to say that lol
And also now, he does the majority of Songs without band and with the loop pedal
He's been using it all this time...
I know that slapping the strings at the end of a song is a small sign of nervousness. The fact he still gets nervous means he still cares as much as he ever has. This man is a legend.
Oh man ! You're right, I do it every time lol and I never realize it was cause I'm a bit nervous. Ah ah ^^
It's nice to see when a massive artist understands the jist of a Tiny Desk show. Ed really knows the true vibe to bring into that space.
I think Ed is just like this in general. No understanding required because this is what he appears to do.
Watch his other live performances that aren't a concert. Eg. Search for "Ed Sheeran Sheffield"
I knew Ed Sheeran was talented but this blew my mind. The whole music looping situation is insane. Everybody needs to watch this!
Love the fact that he takes the hard road. Going back to his roots, showing that the stripped down (sans band) is his sweet spot. Such a magnetic performer, its in his blood.
Acoustic "Camera" just hits different 😮
so good. thanks Ed for coming on and letting yourself be seen.
He closes his eyes when singing, always singing from the heart, great singer, composer, artist.
After all those huge hits, it’s so refreshing to see Ed going back to the roots of his work: acoustic versions, the loop pedal, and pure talent. He’s such a complete artist. I recently saw that he’s been struggling with eating disorders. I hope that returning to his “raw” work helps him heal and allows his art to remain open to healing others as well. Music is such a powerful tool, and we’re here for it. Stay strong, Ed :)
He's never lost those roots
enjoy the man while he is here!
we are fortunate to have lived in the age of ed
💐
this is my first time watching a live concert of Ed (no idea why it took me so long) and I can’t believe it’s always been just him behind all his music. all my respect 🙏🏼
We have been missing alot. go to his concert and see
@yasoo6344 hope I get to see him live one day!
You’ve got to watch him play his song Bloodstream live with a loop pedal!!
Bloodstream and You need me I don't need you
Iconic songs live
Search for "Ed Sheeran Sheffield". You shouldn't be disappointed
Such a cool, talented, unassuming guy. Love Ed Sheeran!
The desk may be tiny, but Ed sure makes full use of it!
i love when NPR gives niche artists their big break
😂😂
Ed Sheeran ain’t exactly a niche artist
@Sabouma28It's clearly a joke.
His voice. Seriously...it's beautiful.
The Loop peddle is back!!! 😊😊😊
most looper players really abuse the box. this guy is a real inspiration to a solo guy (oldtimer who nobody cares to listen or jam with) thanks Ed! ✌🧡
i had forgotten how effortless his singing sounds. such a piercingly good voice
I am glad he evolved naturally and seems happy!
No wonder he was nervous everyone just standing there with their arms crossed 🤪come on people it’s freakin Ed Sheeran!
Maybe they were shocked that it was actually him live. He is a mega superstar. It's everyday people get an intimate performance from A list like him.
Was thinking the same thing. Tough crowd. I would have at least been swaying in place.
Brilliant to let him use the loop pedal! Thank you Ed & NPR! 🫶🏻
This is supreme skill. Hitting the guitar riff followed by the piano riff on Azizam required insane precision to loop properly over the vocal harmony and background guitar. Absolutely nuts to be able to do that on the first try in front of an audience no less. Ed is goated
I had to rewind to that part multiple times. Crazy skill and musicianship 🔥
Ed is a gem.
Ed Sheeran is pure magic ❤🫶🏽
NPR and Tiny Desk are the best!
Ed Sheeran has more talent in his toes working the loop station than I have in my entire body. What a great performance
Ed makes me proud to play guitar as a singer songwriter
Ed’s got such good rhythm and is a natural musician. Great tiny desk concert!
“Everything is live” proceeds to turn on sample.
All jokes aside this is great
Hahaha yep
I actually admired that! I see it as a seasoned performer doing what's most convenient for the show to turn out the way he needs it to, without the hubris of needing to play it all 100% live. If a sample does it and takes off weight off the performance, so be it---the samples are just musical background, whereas most of the performing is done live.
@SirDukeSebjust funny how totally contradictory it is
@lucasreid4443 haha yeah. The Azizam synth sequence cracked me up, that's exactly when I found your comment and was like "yeah..."
@SirDukeSebat least Ed makes it look like he's playing it for real 😅
haha, yes I had the same thought. guess you could rationalize many keyboards are just sampled pianos now.
3:29 never been more proud. Ed made the Indians proud by using our language to one of his pre singles
Bro didn't want to hire anyone for this gig, playing everything on his own, the loop machine of his own, even the guitar is of his own name. Genius!
I went to a concert of his ten years ago and he was doing it even then
I see he’s using his namesake loop pedal. Good for you, Ed!
This is amazing and Ed Sheeran deserves all the love and respect!
This is here to remind us what a world class artist Ed is
I love how he always sounds exactly like the recorded versions!!🩷🩷
Who doesn't love Ed Sheeran - gift to all ages!
I saw Ed live just shy of a month ago. He is just as incredible here as he was in an arena 🥳
Absolute genius.
For people that say there's no more talented musicians, watch this.
I really feel lucky to listen to Ed. He's still sticking to his roots giving that raw and originality in this digital world.
Dude, Azizam was so good! The fact that you're the one handling everything from the singing to the backing vocals, the piano, the guitar, the beats, it's amazing. You're THE HARDEST WORKING SINGER I'VE EVER SEEN. 👏🏻🔥🙇🏻♂️💯🙏🏻
He didn't really handle the piano, he cheated
4:29 that sky needed some air. But he still proved why his one of the best
Really respect such a big artist coming on and doing such a stripped back set without autotune and bells and whistles etc. very raw. 👏
The Camera / Photograph mash up ENDED ME 😭
12:30 Lovely transition
Thank you Ed Sheeran and NPR u guys always brighten up my days
omg camera→photograph🥹 waiting this moment. beautiful.
i love ed he just gives off such authentic vibes
This artist has potential, and I hope he will get the recognition he deserves.
Ed is this 61 year old grandmas’ (with a brain injury causing sound sensitivity) #1 bucket list entry! His music is there for me always!
@Edsheeran💥💥💯
Azizam ❤
That Azizam performance one of the greatest Tiny desk single song performances of all time
Amazing performance ! As a musicien I know how hard is to control a loop station and sing in the same time. You said you messed up the first song, but a lot of people would love to mess up like you! You're a great artist, authentic, and we love you for that. Thanks for everything you and your team give us
nothing can cheer me up on a monday morning like seeing Ed singing Azizam in a pink shirt :))))
Azizam was so good
To be able to have the audacity to tell Ed Sheeran no he can't perform his art the way he wants to, literally HOW DARE YOU! One of the greats for sure! Doesn't get enough recognition in my opinion. You are an incredible musician, person, just wonderful well rounded, beyond talented, man. ❤😊 This was one of my fave Tiny Desk performances!
14:00 Goosebumps and tears ❤
Such a beautiful voice.
What magic is this?!?!?!
Amazing stuff!!!
🇿🇦
Ed Sheeran is the most beautiful human being!!! Come to Ottawa Ed!!!
The confidence this man has. This is so easy to mess up and he’s not a tiny bit afraid. Amazing artist and great format. Thanks to everyone involved!
He is so connected to being true to himself and his music. Every platform ive seen him perform or even interview on he brings the energy that appropriate for that platform. All while be true to himself. So authentic. So grounded.
Ed is by far one of the most talented artists you will see in a lifetime 💯🍻🍻
9:46 my fav 💓
0:35 Shappire
5:15 A Little More
9:35 Camera
12:32 Photograph
15:15 Azizam
You have a beautiful name❤
Azizam rocked!! Congrats Ed! ❤🎉
One man army. Impressive af
The way he used the looper to essentially create Azizam production and beat on the spot is so cool. Ed is so talented
I'm not the biggest fan of ES, but you've got to respect the musician, his talent and his integrity, willing to be put at risk without anybody else to save him. I couldn't hear much overdub or this kind of trickery, maybe just a little help starting the right loop at the right time, but this is perfectly understandable. Thank you NPR for making this possible.
Our Ed just came to NPR to busk, huh? 😃❤️
I got to interview him at a radio station I worked at when the only song available in America was "The A Team." Obviously I didn't know what was ahead for him, but he seems like the same nice kid I met way back when and I love that about him.
Me on Monday,
discovering Ed has new vid on tiny desk.
ah, what a happy week start for me. ♥
Adore Ed so muuuuuuuuuch