"I Believe Every Song I Write Will Be a Success": Ed Sheeran, Shaboozey, and EJAE Discuss Songwriting

Just months after the meteoric rise of "Golden" and the global success of KPop Demon Hunterswhich topped charts for eight weeks and amassed over a billion streamsEJAE, the songs creator and lead vocalist, is still adjusting to sharing a table with some of todays most celebrated songwriters. This feels like a happy accident, she remarks, recalling her journey from aspiring K-pop idol to international sensation. Flanked by Hayley Williams and Shaboozey, EJAE reflects on the unexpected spotlight shes found herself in this year.

EJAE participated in The Hollywood Reporters annual Songwriters Roundtable, joining Oscar contenders Ed Sheeran, Williams, Raphael Saadiq, Shaboozey, and Michelle Zauner from Japanese Breakfast. Over a rainy November afternoon at The Sun Rose in West Hollywood, the group discussed their first songwriting experiences, the pressures of following up a hit, crafting memorable childrens songs, and even the mysterious presence at a famed New York studio that may have influenced one of the years biggest tracks.

On Creating Hits

Ed Sheeran: Its roughly 50/50 for me. I enjoy most of what I put out and sometimes think it could be a hit, but I cant be sure. Sheeran shared the story of a Pokmon song he recorded four years ago, which unexpectedly became a hit in Central Europe, despite never having been released as a single.

Michelle Zauner: I always assume my songs will be hits, so its disappointing when they arent.

Collaborations and Inspirations

Sheeran spoke about working with John Mayer on "Drive" for F1: The Movie and Shakira on a reimagined version of Hips Dont Lie for Zootopia 2 (known as Zootropolis in the U.K.). EJAE, discussing Golden, highlighted the challenge of crafting a song that both fit a unique film and showcased her co-star Rumis vocal abilities. She recalled composing the melody spontaneously on the way to the dentist, emphasizing how inspiration can strike unexpectedly.

Shaboozey revealed that she sometimes dreams entire songs, recording them immediately upon waking to capture the fleeting inspiration. Sheeran added that legendary producer Max Martin experienced similar bursts of creativity, citing Hit Me Baby One More Time as an example.

Studio Magic and Ghostly Encounters

EJAE recounted seeing a ghost while recording Golden at Power Station in Korea, which aligns with a local belief that paranormal occurrences during recording can indicate a hit song. The roundtable members reflected on how studio energy and environment influence creativity, with Saadiq noting, The pressure makes diamonds.

The Pressure of the Second Hit

For artists who have already achieved major success, the challenge often shifts from creating a first hit to sustaining momentum. EJAE described the immense pressure to reach number one on the Hot 100, while Shaboozey emphasized trusting instincts and enjoying the process. Sheeran pointed out that a catalog naturally balances hits, medium successes, and lesser-known songs, while Zauner advised focusing on creating from a genuine, uninfluenced place.

Storytelling Through Music

The group discussed composing for films and unique projects. Zauner explained the process of writing My Baby (Got Nothing at All) for Materialists, aiming for simple, heartfelt lyrics. Williams shared her experience collaborating with David Byrne on Open the Door for The Twits, emphasizing the thrill of working with an idol while stepping out of her comfort zone.

Shaboozey described the challenge of writing Took a Walk for The Long Walk, finding hope within a dark narrative inspired by Stephen Kings work. The artists collectively reflected on how pursuing childhood dreamswhether meeting a hero or achieving global recognitioncontinues to fuel their passion.

Reflections on Growth and Inspiration

Williams noted that stepping into challenging situations helps her grow as a songwriter, while Shaboozey highlighted the manifestation of childhood aspirations. EJAEs journey from K-pop beginnings to international acclaim exemplifies this, underscoring the blend of talent, opportunity, and persistence required to reach the top of the music industry.

Author: Benjamin Carter