Ed Sheeran has returned with a brand-new single called ‘Azizam’ – you can listen to it below.
The uplifting track marks the first official preview of the singer-songwriter’s upcoming album ‘Play’ – details of which will be revealed soon. Its title is a Persian term of endearment that translates to “my dear” or “my beloved”.
‘Azizam’ began in the studio with Swedish/Iranian producer Ilya Salmanzadeh (Ariana Grande, Charli XCX, Ellie Goudling, Sam Smith). He and Sheeran soon realised how much Persian and Irish folk music have in common, and how the latter could set those influences in a pop context.
“Azizam/ Meet me on the floor tonight/ Show me how to move like the water/ In between the dancing lights/ Be mine, be mine/ Azizam,” sings Sheeran on the hedonistic, technicolour single.
“Even though it’s completely different to anything that I’ve ever done before, ‘Azizam’ feels familiar to me,” the star explained. “I wanted to create a party atmosphere in a song and Ilya Salmanzadeh, who I worked with on the track, helped bring that to life. He was so inspiring to work with.”
Writing on social media, Sheeran said: “I wrote ‘Azizam’ after [Salmanzadeh] suggested trying out making music inspired by his Persian heritage and culture. I love learning about music and different cultures the more I travel and connect with people. It was like opening a door to a completely new and exciting world.
“I loved how a lot of rhythms, scales, melodies and instruments were different but similar to the Irish trad music I had grown up with. It was showing to me music connects us all, and really is a universal language.”
He went on to describe the forthcoming ‘Play’ as “playful, explorative, and celebratory”. Sheeran then thanked his ‘Azizam’ co-producers/co-writers Savan Kotecha, and Snow Patrol‘s Johnny McDaid.
The accompanying ‘Azizam’ video follows Sheeran as he embarks on a joyful journey across the US and UK with a pink, heart-shaped balloon. It includes a visit to his beloved Ipswich Town FC, and footage of his recent surprise street performance in New Orleans. Watch above.
According to a press release, Sheeran is “stepping boldly into a fresh new phase for 2025”, having collaborated with producers and writers from across the globe on his upcoming album. ‘Play’ will follow 2023’s ‘Subtract’ and ‘Autumn Variations’.
Sheeran confirmed that his new album was “done” last month. He later debuted a new song called ‘Old Phone’ during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. As part of an interview on the US chart show, the musician revealed the titles of his next five studio records, and teased plans for a posthumous album.
“I wanted to do 10 [albums],” he explained. “I’m kind of a bit obsessed with [Quentin] Tarantino, and I heard he was doing 10 films, and he’s got his side projects like Grindhouse. I wanna do my 10 and then every now and then do a side project.”
Elsewhere, Sheeran confirmed that a new track called ‘Sapphire’ would be released in the coming months.
The singer-songwriter is due to play a run of European shows from May to September 2025 before finishing up the year with performances in Bhutan, India, Qatar and Bahrain.
