Jamie Lawson: He really wasn't expecting that

Ed Sheeran has taken Jamie Lawson, above, under his wing - and signed him up to his new record label, Gingerbread. Photo / Supplied

Jamie Lawson’s popularity is sky-rocketing, writes Paula Yeoman

British singer-songwriter Jamie Lawson was practically unknown when he arrived in New Zealand a few weeks ago. But by the time he flew out last Monday, he had performed to around 40,000 people and had a potential smash hit under his belt, after seeing his single Wasn't Expecting That added to mainstream radio and break into the top five of the iTunes chart.

It's a dream run for a little-known artist. But when you have a superstar like Ed Sheeran on your side, anything is possible.

Lawson was the first signing Sheeran made on his newly established record label, Gingerbread. And the simple act of Sheeran including him as the support on his latest Australasian tour has sent Lawson's profile soaring into the stratosphere.

"It's incredible to have that happen in a week. I can't really take that in. It's just like, the song is number 15, oh it's number 10, oh it's number six, oh now it's number three."

Lawson isn't new to music, though. Wasn't Expecting That was a No1 hit in Ireland in 2011. He was also signed to a major label, but things didn't work out and it wasn't until he got a surprise message from Sheeran's team that his luck began to change. "I did a gig with Ed about five years ago, before he took off, because we were on the same [touring] circuit. After we were talking and he said, 'I really like your stuff' but then he went on and became hugely successful and I was still on that circuit," explains Lawson.

"But last year I got a text out of the blue saying Ed was doing a small gig in Dublin and they'd asked him who he wanted to open for him, and he said me. I flew over - it cost me quite a bit of money, which I didn't have - but you're not going to say no, are you?" he laughs.

Lawson and Sheeran spent the night jamming and talking and Lawson was heartened by his genuine support. "He couldn't believe the song hadn't made it out of Ireland ... He was like, 'That should happen, I think I can help'."

But Lawson is listening closely to his new boss at the label, Mr Sheeran, as he prepares to head into the studio to work on his next album.

"It's very conversational. It's not like he says we're going to do this and this, and I want it to sound like this.

It's like, 'You go and make your record. The only person that can make a great Jamie Lawson record is Jamie Lawson. Go and do it.' "

Jamie Lawson's single Wasn't Expecting That is available on iTunes now.