Ed Sheeran’s upcoming sixth album, “Play,” takes an unexpected turn, with one of the songs drawing inspiration from a recent plagiarism court case, per musicradar.com. The singer was compelled to submit his old phone as evidence, an experience that triggered a wave of memories and ultimately led to his new single, “Old Phone.”
Sheeran, who hasn’t used a smartphone since 2015 to distance himself from social pressures, found himself revisiting old texts from a deceased friend, an ex-girlfriend, and a family member he hadn’t spoken to in a decade. This experience, as he describes it, “spun him out” but also served as a poignant reminder to live in the present moment. Sheeran’s “Play” album is focusing on “fun, connection, and bringing people together.”
Sheeran’s experience with plagiarism claims, which led him to film every writing session to prove his originality, has influenced his current perspective. He now prioritises his enjoyment of music over commercial success. This shift in focus is evident in “Old Phone,” a deeply personal track born from a unique and challenging situation.
Sheeran’s first five albums were inspired by mathematical symbols, and his next five, including “Play,” will be based on music playback buttons.
The release date for “Play” is yet to be announced.
