Ed Sheeran’s next chapter begins with “Play”, arriving Sept. 12, and the heartfelt track “Old Phone”.
Ed Sheeran is stepping into a vibrant new phase with the announcement of his new album Play, arriving September 12 via Gingerbread Man Records/Atlantic Records. To launch the era, Sheeran has shared “Old Phone,” a raw, acoustic-driven single that marks a return to his songwriting roots.
Described by Sheeran as “a response to the darkest period of my life,” Play is filled with joy, color, and cultural exploration. Completed in Goa, India, the project features cross-border influences from Persian and Indian music, seamlessly blended with Sheeran’s familiar folk-pop sound.
“Old Phone” tells the story of revisiting forgotten messages from a phone he hadn’t touched since 2015. The lyrics reflect themes of memory, loss, and identity, produced by Blake Slatkin and Ilya Salmanzadeh with a delicate acoustic backdrop.
Fans can follow along at @teddysoldphone on Instagram, where Ed is sharing photos pulled from the device that inspired the track.
Play is now available for pre-order.
