Ed Sheeran Releases New Single ‘Old Phone’; Highly Anticipated Album ‘Play’ to Drop in September
Johannesburg – Following the conclusion of his Mathematics series, Ed Sheeran is confidently stepping into a new chapter for 2025.
As a continually evolving artist, Sheeran’s latest album, “Play,” highlights his journey into uncharted musical realms through collaborations with producers and musicians from around the globe, while also diving deeper into the timeless sounds and themes that have established him as a cherished figure in pop music.
Partially inspired by his interactions with Indian and Persian musical traditions and their surprising connections to the Irish folk heritage he grew up with, this borderless musical expression is evident in the album, lending it a unique and fresh vibe.
Staying within familiar boundaries, Sheeran reaffirms his status as the most influential singer-songwriter of his generation by presenting a series of stunning ballads and acoustic-driven pieces.
The end result is a collection that contrasts the familiar with the innovative, crafting a bold, pop-infused sound that only Ed Sheeran can produce – a vibrant display of his artistry that feels both exhilarating and transformative, promising to be one of the standout albums of the year.
Ed shared: “Play was born out of the darkest period of my life.
“Emerging from all of that, I wanted to create joy and vibrancy, while exploring the cultures of the countries I visited.
“I shaped this record around the globe, culminating in Goa, India, where I experienced some of the most enjoyable and exploratory creative moments of my life.
“It’s a genuine rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish, encapsulating everything I love about music, its joy, and reflecting my current life as a human, partner, and father.
“As I embarked on this album campaign, I promised myself, ‘I want everything I do to be fun and playful’ – which is why we are building pubs for folk jams, hosting gigs on open-top buses, and singing in pink cowboy hats at bars.
“The older I become, the more I yearn to enjoy experiences and savor the crazy, chaotic moments.
“You can preorder ‘Play’ now, with many more playful surprises to come before its release.”
After the release of his global, euphoric, technicolor pop hit “Azizam,” Sheeran fondly reflects on his new single “Old Phone,” describing the disorienting experience of reconnecting with his past.
By powering up an old phone that has been inactive since 2015, he uncovers messages from a lost friend, a conflict with an ex, and distant family, illustrating how time and separation reshape identity.
Blending nostalgic acoustic melodies with raw emotion, the song revisits Ed’s early songwriting roots while considering growth and memory, capturing an artist molded and transformed by his past.
“Old Phone” was produced by Blake Slatkin & Ilya Salmanzadeh.
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