Global Superstar Ed Sheeran Announces New Album ‘Play’ Set for September 2025, Unveils Single ‘Old Phone’

London, UK – May 1, 2025 – Multiple-GRAMMY winning, Diamond-certified global superstar Ed Sheeran has officially announced his highly-anticipated new album, Play, slated for release on September 12, 2025. The announcement arrived concurrently with the release of a new single, titled “Old Phone,” which became available on May 1, 2025.

Play, set to be released through Gingerbread Man Records/Atlantic Records, is now available for pre-order, offering fans an early opportunity to secure the next major work from the acclaimed musician.

A New Musical Chapter: The Vision Behind ‘Play’

The upcoming album marks a significant evolution for Sheeran, signaling a new phase in his artistic journey. Sources close to the project indicate that Play delves into uncharted musical territory, characterized by extensive collaborations with an array of international producers and musicians. While exploring these new soundscapes, the album is also said to revisit timeless sonic elements and thematic concerns that have resonated throughout Sheeran’s career.

A notable aspect of the album’s creative inspiration is its engagement with diverse cultural traditions. Play is partly inspired by the rich musical cultures of India and Persia, exploring their intriguing links and parallels with traditional Irish folk music – a genre deeply embedded in Sheeran’s heritage. This cross-cultural fusion aims to forge a distinct, bold, and ultimately pop-driven sound that pushes the boundaries of his previous work.

Creative Inspiration and Process

Sheeran himself has offered insight into the genesis of Play. He revealed that the album was conceived as a direct artistic response to a challenging period in his life. The creative impulse behind the record was rooted in a desire to “create joy and technicolour” – a vivid expression of transforming difficult experiences into vibrant artistic output. This period also coincided with his extensive global tours, during which he actively sought to explore different cultures, an experience that profoundly influenced the album’s direction and international flavor.

The recording and completion of Play culminated in Goa, India, a location that evidently played a pivotal role in shaping the final sound and feel of the record. Sheeran described the creative process surrounding the album as his “most fun, explorative creative days,” highlighting a sense of liberation and discovery in the studio.

Reflecting on the emotional breadth of the project, Sheeran characterized Play as a “real rollercoaster of emotions.” This suggests an album that navigates a complex emotional landscape, balancing the stated intention to create joy with potentially deeper, more introspective themes arising from the period of its creation. He further added that the album embodies “everything he loves,” indicating a deeply personal connection to the music and its diverse influences.

The Lead Single: “Old Phone”

The release of “Old Phone” on May 1, 2025, serves as the first tangible offering from the Play era. The single provides listeners with an initial glimpse into the sonic direction and thematic content that the full album promises to explore. Its simultaneous release with the album announcement strategically positions it as the lead track introducing this new phase of Sheeran’s career.

While specific details about the musical style of “Old Phone” were not immediately available alongside the announcement, its title alone invites speculation about themes of nostalgia, connection, or perhaps disconnection – themes that could align with an album born from a period of personal reflection and cultural exploration.

Anticipation Builds for September Release

Ed Sheeran’s status as a Multiple-GRAMMY winning and Diamond-certified artist underscores the significant anticipation surrounding any new release. His consistent ability to blend heartfelt songwriting with global pop sensibilities has cemented his position as one of the world’s foremost musical artists.

The announcement of Play, coupled with the immediate availability of “Old Phone,” initiates the countdown to September 12, 2025. The details provided – the fusion of global musical traditions, the collaborative spirit, and the deeply personal motivation behind the project – suggest that Play is poised to be a significant and perhaps stylistically surprising addition to Ed Sheeran’s already distinguished discography. Fans worldwide will be keenly awaiting the full album to experience the culmination of this explorative and joy-focused creative journey.