‘Songwriter’: Watch Ed Sheeran Create His Most Personal Album

This documentary is 'perfect.'

By Morgan Rojas|April 25, 2018

Ed Sheeran fans rejoice: the English singer-songwriter is getting candid by inviting viewers to take an intimate look into his artistic process in the documentary, Songwriter.

Directed by his cousin, Murray Cummings, the documentary follows Sheeran throughout the creation of his chart-topping album “÷” (divide) which, after just one week on sale, became the biggest-selling album of 2017. From early jam sessions in his tour van to brainstorming lyrics and chords with friends in Malibu, Songwriter is the ultimate film for Sheeran groupies, music fans, and anyone pursuing a creative passion.

Ed Sheeran is more than just a talented singer – that we know. His songs have found their way on to multiple “Best of” lists and his last record, “x” (multiply), earned him his first No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200. But what sets him apart from others in the industry– besides his shaggy red hair and colorful tattoos– is the authenticity in his music and his poetic way with words. Sheeran is involved in writing all of his own songs, a process that is taxing yet ultimately rewarding and is fascinating to see play out on the big screen.

The phrase “it takes a village” is at the core of Sheeran’s success, and the film does a fantastic job of showing how much he values and depends on collaboration and input from his creative team, which includes musician Foy Vance, producer Benny Blanco, and his brother Matthew, among other singer-songwriters. Seeing (and hearing) their ideas bouncing around the room gives off a vibe of infectious happiness and an “anything is possible” attitude. Much like the Showtime documentary, Lost Songs: The Basement Tapes ContinuedSongwriter is an equally powerful look into the writing and recording process that is neither as glamorous nor as easy as one may think.

Sheeran is involved in writing all of his own songs, a process that is taxing yet ultimately rewarding and is fascinating to see play out on the big screen.

Director Murray Cummings incorporates archival footage from Ed’s younger days that show just how far back his passion for music goes. We see him learning how to play multiple instruments, get a glimpse into his family home life, and revisit his high school days. Seeing Sheeran’s determination and grit to get to where he is today will only gain him more respect as an artist.

Songwriter plays also like a private acoustic concert for an hour and a half. Sheeran’s talent is undeniable– even when dressed in a green t-shirt, blue plaid pajama pants, and fuzzy moccasins– his soothing and uplifting voice is always on point, a juxtaposition that makes for some (perhaps unintentionally) funny moments.

I personally will never tire of music documentaries, and Songwriter is a beautifully composed and inspiring addition to this genre. Fun fact: at one point Sheeran admits that this is the first time he has ever written a song on camera, an act that typically leaves him feeling self-conscious. Songwriter made its North American premiere in the Documentary Spotlight category at the Tribeca Film Festival, and just before the screening, was acquired by Apple in a seven-figure deal for worldwide distribution. Above all else, Sheeran shows that his story is just getting started, which should excite fans everywhere.

‘Songwriter’ is 84 minutes.

Morgan Rojas

Certified fresh. For disclosure purposes, Morgan currently runs PR at PRETTYBIRD and Ventureland.