Ed Sheeran announces “Play”, his new global album, and drops lead single “Old Phone”.
Ed Sheeran has officially announced his next studio album Play, which will arrive September 12 via Gingerbread Man Records/Atlantic Records. The album’s first single, “Old Phone,” is out now and marks Sheeran’s first new music since concluding his Mathematics album cycle.
Play sees the global superstar exploring musical traditions from around the world, including Indian, Persian, and Irish folk influences, creating a globally conscious pop record. “It’s a real rollercoaster of emotions,” Sheeran shared. “It encapsulates everything that I love about music.”
The lead single “Old Phone” was inspired by Sheeran powering up a long-forgotten mobile device from 2015 and stumbling across old texts. Produced by Blake Slatkin and Ilya Salmanzadeh, the track blends acoustic familiarity with emotional depth—reminding listeners of Sheeran’s early roots. 
Sheeran teased the track via a new Instagram account, @teddysoldphone, posting previously unseen photos directly from the device. He’s also been performing the song live in unexpected places, including a Nashville duet with Noah Kahan and a spontaneous version on The Tonight Show.
Pre-orders for Play are live now.
