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In late March, Ed Sheeran embarked on a unique journey by launching a new Instagram account, @TeddysOldPhone. The account features a collection of nostalgic photos, including snapshots from his first live performance, alongside various text message and email screenshots from his past.
Initially drawing a modest following among dedicated fans, Sheeran brought the account into the spotlight on April 29. He shared that the images are from a phone he retired in 2015, opting instead for email as his primary communication method. The motivation to revisit this old device arose during the legal proceedings for the “Thinking Out Loud” copyright case, a lawsuit he ultimately triumphed in 2023.
In a heartfelt note, Sheeran recounted that reactivating his old phone led him to discover messages from those he had lost, including a poignant text from his late friend Jamal Edwards, who passed away in 2022, as well as notes from an ex-girlfriend and a family member with whom he is estranged.
He described the experience as akin to opening a time capsule from 2015, reflecting on the emotional weight of the messages and conversations. “I found myself scrolling messages and conversations with people who are no longer here. I found myself crying at messages to friends who are now dead, who I won’t get to speak to again,” he expressed. “The whole experience was such an emotional journey.”
This exploration of his past inspired Sheeran to compose a new song titled “Old Phone,” scheduled for release on Thursday, May 1. He shared that he wrote the song at 2 a.m. while dealing with jet lag in India, shortly before recording it.
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Sheeran reflected on the song’s significance, noting, “It feels like a song that should’ve been on my debut album, but also a song I couldn’t have written until I experienced real life things happening to me. It makes me emotional to sing, I hope it finds some emotion in you too.” He added, “Maybe it makes you switch on your old phone and have a look at where you were a decade ago too. Whatever it does, I’m glad I wrote it.”
“Old Phone” marks Sheeran’s second single of the year, following the earlier release of “Azizam.” Both tracks are anticipated to be featured in his forthcoming album, Play. Although a release date has yet to be announced, this album will be his first release since last year’s dual offerings, – (Subtract) and Autumn Variations.
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www.rollingstone.com