Ed Sheeran Announces New Album Play With India in its heart

Global sounds, local soul — Ed Sheeran’s next album has India in its heart. Ed Sheeran is entering a bold new chapter, and India played a starring role in shaping it. The four-time Grammy-winning artist has announced his upcoming album Play will be released on September 12 — and as a taste of what’s to come, he’s dropped the deeply personal second single, “Old Phone.”

In an Instagram post, Sheeran revealed that this album was born from a difficult time in his life — and his healing came through travel, culture, and connection.

“I made this record all over the world, finished it in Goa, India, and had some of the most fun, explorative creative days of my life,” he shared.

Play is more than an album — it’s a musical passport, shaped by Sheeran’s experiences on tour and his desire to find light after darkness.

“It’s a rollercoaster of emotions that captures everything I love about music, but also where I am in life — as a human, a partner, and a father,” he added.

The album follows last month’s release of “Azizam”, a genre-blending single inspired by Persian culture and produced by Ilya Salmanzadeh (Ariana Grande, Charli XCX). Like “Old Phone,” it hints at the global fusion that defines this 13-track, feature-free project.

While Sheeran has always had a knack for intimate storytelling, Play reflects a broader journey — and his time in Goa, India, was a key part of that evolution. The album merges emotional depth with a colorful, cross-cultural vibe that’s already resonating with fans worldwide.

Don’t miss this global sound with an Indian heartbeat — Play drops September 12. Until then, stream “Old Phone” and step into Sheeran’s most adventurous era yet.

With Play, Ed Sheeran isn’t just dropping an album — he’s sharing a journey. From the sun-soaked shores of Goa, India, to the pulse of global rhythms and personal reflections, this record promises to be his most vibrant and vulnerable yet. As “Old Phone” tugs at heartstrings.One thing’s clear: Ed’s new era is here — and it’s bursting with soul, colour, and the spirit of exploration.