Announcement and Concept

Ed Sheeran recently unveiled his upcoming album, titled Play, describing it as a “direct response” to what he considers “the darkest period of my life.” The album is set to be released on September 12, following weeks of anticipation from fans.

This album will conclude his ‘Mathematics’ series, which included previous albums named after mathematical symbols—Plus, Multiply, Divide, Subtract, and Equals. The new project is rooted in an idea Sheeran conceived at age 18, envisioning it as a fresh chapter encapsulating themes of ‘Play’, ‘Pause’, ‘Fast Forward’, ‘Rewind’, and ‘Stop’.

Creative Process and Inspirations

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Sheeran elaborated on the inspiration behind Play: “Coming out of all of that I just wanted to create joy and technicolour, and explore cultures in the countries I was touring.” He reported that much of the album was crafted globally, with the final touches completed in Goa, India, where he experienced some of the most enjoyable and creative days of his life.

“It’s a real rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish, it encapsulates everything that I love about music, and the fun in it.”

Sheeran stressed the importance of enjoyment in his life as he focuses on his roles as a human, partner, and father. He aims to make the album’s promotional activities fun and engaging, planning unique events such as folk jam pubs and performances on open-top buses.

Dealing with Personal Struggles

Sheeran has openly discussed his mental health challenges, particularly following the passing of close friends like DJ Jamal Edwards and cricketer Shane Warne. Reflecting on these times, he shared, “I felt like I didn’t want to live anymore,” emphasizing the accompanying feelings of shame and guilt.

He highlighted a cultural hesitance in England around discussing mental health, stating, “People think it’s weird getting a therapist… [But] I think it’s very helpful to be able to speak with someone and just vent.”

Recent Life Events Influencing Music

Sheeran’s previous album, –, also emerged from a turbulent period in his life, marked by significant stressors, including health complications for his wife and the loss of his best friend. He described this experience as one that left him “spiraling through fear, depression and anxiety.” The themes of struggle and resilience find echo in his latest work, particularly in the track “Old Phone,” where he reconnects with past memories through messages on an old device.

Upcoming Performances

Looking ahead, Sheeran has planned a series of European shows from May to September 2025, concluding the year with concerts in Bhutan, India, Qatar, and Bahrain. Tickets for these events are available through his official website.