Ed Sheeran, a renowned English singer, announced a new album titled Subtract, set to release on May 5. The project delves into themes of fear, depression, and anxiety that accompanied him through a difficult period in 2022 as he faced a cascade of personal challenges.
The vocalist shared the news on social media, accompanied by a striking photograph from a shoot by American photographer Annie Leibovitz and two diary pages that offer a glimpse into the inspiration behind the music.
Sheeran described the process of Subtract as a decade long pursuit to craft a pristine acoustic album. He explained that he spent years writing and recording hundreds of songs with a clear, singular vision in mind, aiming to shape the perfect embodiment of his artistry.
During early 2022, a sequence of life events profoundly affected him, reshaping his perspective on music, art, and self. Those experiences prompted a creative shift toward material that captures his deepest and darkest reflections.
Reports indicate that soon after, a pregnancy complication affected his wife, who faced a tumor diagnosis that required postpartum treatment. This period also brought the sudden loss of a close friend, alongside a high profile legal matter related to plagiarism that was resolved in his favor.
In his own words, Sheeran described descending into a spiral of fear, depression, and anxiety. He felt as though his thoughts were sinking beneath the surface while his gaze remained upward, struggling to find air amid the emotional storm.
Subtract is presented as part of a broader series distributed by Atlantic Records, with Sheeran calling the project a doorway into his soul. He emphasizes that the music was created not to please the public, but to honestly reflect where he stood in his adult life and how he navigates personal growth through creative expression.