Snow Patrol frontman Johnny McDaid described music star Ed Sheeran as “like a brother” while talking about a copyright dispute the two won earlier this year.
cDaid (45) co-wrote the 2017 single, form of youwith Sheeran, 31, but the duo have faced accusations of tearing down the 2015 track oh why by Sami Chokri and Ross O’Donoghue.
However, a judge concluded in April that the couple had copied a phrase “neither intentionally nor unconsciously” from oh why when they write their global tune – which has garnered more than five billion views on YouTube.
Reflecting on the long order, McDaid said: “In terms of the case, it beats with infrastructure and the way things are set up.
“For a long time I did not make a living writing songs, but writing songs.
“I think we should look at the systems and ask if things are fair? Are the voices of songwriters heard, and can we do anything to make the old system more viable?
“Just because there are more songs and more access to the songs, does not mean that more of the result is distributed to songwriters, and I believe we need to talk about it.”
Regarding his close relationship with Sheeran, Derry’s native said: “He’s like a brother to me. We lived together and I spent more time with Ed than anyone, and I mean anyone, and I have five siblings.
“We have a very unique way of communicating.”
Looking back on how they first met, the musician added: “He opened for us, and when Snow Patrol leaves, I bring a studio and put it in the dressing room where I work on music.
“Ed found out about this, and he came to me on the first day of the tour and said, ‘I have this idea for a song. Do you want to hear it? ‘
“When he walked into the room, I knew I was extraordinary in someone’s orbit,” McDaid said.
video of the day
Despite dividing his time between London and Los Angeles – the musician did not forget his roots, admitting he was an avid viewer of Derry Girls.
“I’m a fan of the show, and my sister was actually an extra in the last episode – I love it,” he said.
Asked if he was disappointed that he could not make an appearance as well, he said, “Well, a friend of mine did a cameo in the program, and he did a little trick for me. He did. his character Sean Oh called what my name is in Irish, so I think I got a wink there.He was a musician.
“I never say for some things, but acting is not one of them,” he said.
The star lived largely in London, while his significant other former Friends actress, Courteney Cox (58), was based in LA.
The couple have been dating since 2013, and while discussing their forced time away from each other, he said: ‘Yes, we were separate as many people were from their families and loved ones during the pandemic, but we could stay as connected as we could, and both of us dived to be creative.
“She made her show and a new product range, and I made Bad habits with Ed, so we could stay really productive, even if it was hard to break up – and it was hard. ”