British singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran just celebrated the U.S. release of his debut album, +  which went straight to number one on iTunes after it’s midnight release earlier this summer.

Due to the expense of putting out an album in the U.S., the U.K. has rules on how many copies must be sold before an album can even be considered for release across the pond. Ed told Fresh 102.7/New York he never expected to have the success he’s had in the U.K., let alone be able to release his album in the States.

“There were lots of acts in the U.K. that are my friends that have sold a reasonable amount but will never release over here until they sell a lot,” he said. “I didn’t ever expect to release an album in the U.S., so it’s great to be able to do that and tour it and it’s nice that it’s number one. It’s good.”

Ed has played shows as big as Wembley Stadium in England, but he said his big goal is to play Madison Square Garden someday.

“My dad said, ‘When you play Madison Square Garden, that’s when you’ve made it,’” he said.

+ embodies songs about being hopelessly in love and dealing with heartache. As for his personal taste, Ed said he enjoys Snow Patrol‘s album Fallen Empire for any mood he’s in, but when he’s going through a rough patch in his love life, he listens to Eminem’s first two albums on repeat.

Ed continues to tour in support of his latest album and has several dates scheduled abroad over the next few weeks. U.S. fans can expect to hear new music from the songwriter in the form of another popular artist: Taylor Swift. Though he wouldn’t go into too much detail about the project, Ed said he spent some time writing with Taylor Swift for her next album which is due for release later this year.

-Sarah Scroggins, Fresh 102.7/New York