Ed Sheeran’s Anticipated New Album ‘Play’ Set to Release this Friday with a Surprise Album ‘Rewind’ in the Works
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The highly anticipated eighth studio album by Grammy winner Ed Sheeran, titled ‘Play’, is scheduled to hit the shelves on Friday, September 12. But in an exclusive interview with iHeartRadio Canada, Sheeran dropped exciting news for his fans – he revealed that his next album, ‘Rewind’, is nearly completed and just awaiting its release.
In his interview, Sheeran disclosed, “I made Play and Rewind simultaneously. We finished Play first because it felt like the most exciting one. So, Rewind is… I’d say two months off being totally locked and loaded and ready to go. And I guess at some point in the next 18 months, it will come out.”
The talented artist elaborated on the unique aspects of the two albums, stating, “But yeah, they’re very much like twin albums, I guess. One leaned more into Indian culture and one leaned more into nostalgia. So, they kind of veered off in different directions.”
In a recent conversation with Condé Nast Traveler, Sheeran shared insights into his creative process, revealing that he found inspiration for ‘Play’ during his time in Goa, India. The vibrant and welcoming culture of India influenced the direction of the album. Sheeran expressed, “Everyone I met on my travels in India was so kind, welcoming and joyful, and that energy influenced a lot of the album’s direction. I wanted to create joy and technicolor in the music I was making and explore cultures in the countries I was touring in.”
Regarding the concept behind ‘Play’ and the albums to follow, Sheeran explained on The Tonight Show earlier in April, “When I was like 18, I had an idea for like 10 albums. It’s Plus, Multiply, Divide, Subtract, Equals, and then Play, Pause, Fast Forward, Rewind and Stop.”
Furthermore, the musician hinted at a posthumous album project, envisioning a compilation that encapsulates the different phases of his life. He humorously shared, “Imagine if when [Paul] McCartney passes away and there’s a record that he’s made that has a song from he’s 16, there’s a song from when he’s 20, there’s a song from when he’s 30. It’d be fascinating.”
Sheeran’s innovative approach to music and his dedication to exploring diverse influences continue to captivate audiences worldwide. With ‘Play’ on the brink of release, fans eagerly anticipate what surprises his next album, ‘Rewind’, will bring.
Whether it’s his soulful ballads or energetic hits, Ed Sheeran’s ability to craft timeless music resonates with listeners of all ages, making him a standout in the music industry. Stay tuned for the unveiling of ‘Play’ this Friday and keep an eye out for the forthcoming album ‘Rewind’ in the near future. The talented artist’s passion for storytelling through music promises an exciting musical journey for fans around the globe.