In the intricate tapestry of modern music, where artistry converges with technology and culture, musicians often find themselves on a continuous journey of exploration. Ed Sheeran, the global pop sensation, epitomizes this journey. During his recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on March 26, 2025, he captivated audiences not only by revealing the title of his upcoming album, Play, but also by lifting the veil on his creative process, which includes global musical influences and his aspiration to write for icon Rihanna. As she and other artists influence the pop landscape, Sheeran’s humble demeanor and relentless creativity continue to resonate with fans and fellow musicians alike.
Sheeran’s Play marks a significant milestone following his Mathematics album series, which spanned five albums from 2011 to 2023. Each record—labeled with a symbol from mathematics—reflected a distinct phase of his career, culminating in this new artistic chapter that draws inspiration from both his teenage ambitions and multiple global musical traditions.
“Play is a culmination of everything I’ve experienced since I started,” Sheeran explained. His original idea, concocted at the age of 18, projected an ambitious trajectory aimed at ten albums with evocative titles like Pause, Rewind, Fast-Forward, and ultimately Stop. This reflects Sheeran’s admiration for filmmakers, particularly Quentin Tarantino, noted for his distinct ten-film vision.
The conversation on Fallon’s show meandered through various topics, with Sheeran emphasizing how his travels and cultural interactions have shaped his songwriting. One noteworthy single showcased during the performance was "Azizam," which translates to “my dear” in Farsi. This piece marks a collaboration with producer Illya Salmanzadeh and incorporates elements from Persian musical traditions, an initiative inspired by Sheeran's experience recording across diverse cultures.
“Listening to traditional Irish music in my youth prepared me to realize the rhythmic parallels between cultures,” he remarked. This European foundation underpins his collaborative style, evident as he recalled recording variations of "Azizam" with musicians from China and India. “Music is a universal language, even if it is all in a different language,” he said, illustrating his belief that creativity knows no boundaries.
Perhaps the most engaging moment of the show was when Sheeran showcased his loop pedal skills, constructing a live version of his hit "Shape of You" piece by piece. He demonstrated how he builds songs from multiple layers, ultimately creating a complex live performance from simple chords. Fallon assisted with vocal harmonies, underscoring the intimate yet vibrant nature of Sheeran's performances.
“I was inspired by Gary Dunne, an Irish singer I messaged on MySpace to learn how to loop the pedal,” Sheeran shared. This anecdote not only highlights his humble beginnings but also serves as a testament to the power of mentorship and connection in the music industry.
During the show, Sheeran also performed "Old Phone," a new song which inspired a unique two-day pop-up pub event in Ipswich, Massachusetts, commencing on March 28. This initiative invites fans to partake by sending a video or message related to their experiences with old phones, thus creating a collective nostalgia that will be projected inside the venue during the music video shoot.
This innovative blend of live performance and audience engagement embodies Sheeran’s approach to music. By involving fans in the creative process, he transforms a straightforward pub visit into a profound communal celebration of music and storytelling.
Among the lighthearted elements of the evening, Sheeran discussed his relentless pursuit of securing a song on Rihanna's elusive upcoming album. Revered in the industry for her discerning taste, he often writes songs with the hope that she might select them for her repertoire. Notably, the widely recognized song "Shape of You" was originally intended for her, further highlighting his admiration for her artistry.
“Rihanna has the best taste out of anyone,” Sheeran stated, as he humorously acknowledged his aim to constantly craft pieces she might connect with. With past successes in songwriting for others, including Justin Bieber's hit "Love Yourself" originally penned for Rihanna, Sheeran's approach remains steadfast—an artist unafraid to reach out to the industry's pinnacle.
Throughout his tenure in the music world, Sheeran has seamlessly blended his love for music with community-building efforts. His latest projects are a testament to his belief that music must connect, reflect, and echo the experiences of those it reaches. Whether through intimate performances in bar settings or grand stadium tours, the core of his artistry remains centered around creating shared experiences.
As the excitement builds around the release of Play, Sheeran's journey exemplifies the evolving landscape of music and highlights the intricate dance between creativity, culture, and community engagement.
Ed Sheeran's upcoming album is titled Play.
As of now, the exact release date for Play has not been announced.
"Azizam" translates to "my dear" in Farsi, reflecting the influence of Persian culture on the song.
The song "Azizam" was produced by Illya Salmanzadeh, who inspired Sheeran to explore Persian musical traditions.
A loop pedal allows musicians to record audio in real-time, layering various sounds and vocals to create a fuller sound during live performances. Sheeran frequently uses this technology to build his songs live, adding texture to his music.
Sheeran is hosting a pop-up pub where fans can share meaningful videos or messages linked to old phones, which will be projected during the filming of a music video for his song "Old Phone."
Sheeran often writes songs with specific artists in mind, particularly Rihanna, indicating that he aims to produce tracks that match their styles and preferences.
Ed Sheeran believes music is a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries. He incorporates diverse musical influences from his travels into his songwriting process, enhancing the richness of his work.
By engaging audiences through thoughtful lyrics, cultural influences, and innovative events, Ed Sheeran continues to solidify his standing as a transformative figure in the music industry, inspiring future generations of artists and fans alike.