Last May 1, Ed Sheeran came out with his latest single entitled “Old Phone,” which is building up to his recently announced upcoming album, Play. The full-length feature is scheduled for release on September 12, 2025, and will open a new chapter for the singer-songwriter, following his Mathematics album series.
On his upcoming album, the folk/pop hitmaker delves into a blend of old and new, bringing in his newer inspirations from his exposure to Indian and Persian musical cultures. In an official statement, Sheeran states, ”Play was an album that was made as a direct response to the darkest period of my life. Coming out of all of that I just wanted to create joy and technicolour, and explore cultures in the countries I was touring.”
“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. It’s a real rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish, it encapsulates everything that I love about music, and the fun in it, but also where I am in life as a human, a partner, a father,” he adds.
“Old Phone” marks the second pre-release single from Play, following “Azizam,” which premiered on April 4, 2025. While “Azizam” offered vibrant pop sounds, “Old Phone” takes a more folk-inspired approach, serving as an introspective piece where the artist explores themes of nostalgia and regret.
In anticipation of Play, listen to “Old Phone” here: