MUSIC
Jerritt Clark/Courtesy of Amazon Music

By Jordan Edwards

Last night in Los Angeles, Ed Sheeran kicked off the new season of Amazon Music Live, and we were there to see it. The superstar played a mix of hits and new tracks from his upcoming album Autumn Variations. While a full band accompanied him throughout the night, much of the show featured the singer-songwriter alone on stage.

After being introduced by 2 Chainz, Sheeran started the set with fan favorite "Castle on the Hill," followed by hits "Shivers" and "The A Team." He then transitioned into material from Autumn Variations, due out Sept. 29. The new songs received a positive reaction from the crowd, particularly "American Town."

Ed Sheeran on Amazon Music LiveEd Sheeran on Amazon Music LiveJerritt Clark/Courtesy of Amazon Music

The lighting and video displays were impressive (as they should have been). Above Sheeran, a giant softbox shaped like the Prime Video logo tilted and changed colors to match the mood of each song. The animations behind him added to the experience without being distracting.

Of course, the real highlight was Sheeran himself. Despite all the fancy effects, the performance felt organic and spontaneous. When musicians joined him, it was a full band with live percussion, not just a couple guitar players playing to a drum track. Purists just wanting to see and hear a straight Ed Sheeran show got their wish. It was refreshing to attend a TV concert that catered to the live audience in attendance.

Sheeran closed the 13-song set with two of his biggest hits. "Shape of You," performed solo with simple lighting, was a great opportunity to see him work his famous looping station. "Bad Habits" served a giant sing-along and a perfect way to end the night.

Ed Sheeran and 2 Chainz on Amazon Music LiveEd Sheeran with Amazon Music Live host 2 ChainzJerritt Clark/Courtesy of Amazon Music

The concert series, which follows Thursday Night Football on Prime Video, continues next week with Feid. Prime members can stream live after the game, or watch the full concert the next day.



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Echosmith has evolved since their breakout hit “Cool Kids” a decade ago. While they still produce atmospheric, catchy pop songs, they take more risks.

Their self titled new album is their most experimental release yet. It may also be their best. One standout track, "Sucks 2 Be Us," is built on psychedelic keyboards. "Hang Around" and "Gelato" include fuzzy guitars and booming percussion that will sound great live.

The trio has matured personally as well. The lead single, "Sour," was inspired by a sixth-month period in which vocalist Sydney Sierota lived three time zones away from her husband. The band has smoothly transitioned into grown adults who sing about adult things.

Watch Jordan Edwards and Demi Ramos talk to Sydney and brother Noah Sierota about recording the new album, their sibling bond, and upcoming European tour.

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The See You Tonight Tour Dates
12 November – Berlin, Germany @ FRAANZ Club
13 November – Hamburg, Germany @ KNUST
14 November – Belgium, Brussels @ Botanique- The Rotonde
16 November – Cologne, Germany @ Luxor
17 November – Utrecht, Netherlands @ TivoliVrendenburg - Pandora
18 November – Paris, France @ La Boule Noire
20 November – London, UK @ Lafayette
21 November – Manchester, UK @ The Deaf Institute
22 November – Glasgow, UK @ King Tut’s

For more from Echosmith, follow them on Instagram and TikTok.

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