Ed Sheeran Is Already Planning a Posthumous Album
Ed Sheeran is one of the biggest musicians on the planet. The English singer has sold millions of albums and toured in stadiums all over the world. He's been recognized for his efforts and artistry by some of the most prestigious institutions in the world.
Recently, Sheeran released "Play," the eighth studio album of his career. Sheeran has said that "Play" is meant to be the first album in a five-album series, but he also is already thinking about how his legacy and music will be received after he passes away.
During an interview with Apple Music's Zane Lowe, Sheeran discussed his new album - and his own mortality.
Sheeran told Lowe that he intends to release a posthumous album called "Eject," and that he's asked a very special person in his life to put the album together.
The Singer's Plans Include Family Members
"It's actually in my will, and [Sheeran's wife] Cherry gets to pick the tracks for it," Sheeran said.
"My will of wishes is to make a record out of all the songs from the age of 18, so when I pass away, choose the 10 best. And it's like imagine if Paul McCarney dies and there's early 16-year-old Beatles recordings and then right up to it, the 10 best of his entire career."
Sheeran said that his decision may not be popular with some of his fans, but that some may find the idea "super interesting."
The singer believes that having his wife work on the album will set it apart from other posthumous releases. "You know how posthumous albums come out, but they're sort of unplanned," he said.
"And I don't want to go and someone just to jumble up stuff and put it out. I want it to be planned."
The posthumous album will be called "Eject," and it will come after Sheeran's planned release for a set of five albums with titles based on media control symbols. "Play" was the first release in the series, with "Pause," "Fast Forward," "Rewind" and "Stop" coming later.
The concept is similar to the earlier works of his career, which were all based around mathematical symbols.
Sheeran's Career Vision is Nearly Complete
"I want to slowly make this album that is quote-unquote 'perfect' for the rest of my life, adding songs here and there," Sheeran told Rolling Stone back in 2023 about his plans for a posthumous album.
"And just have it in my will that after I die, it comes out."
Sheeran initially said that he wanted to release ten albums over his career, much like Quentin Tarantino has pledged to do in his directorial efforts. He'll pass that number if all five of the albums in his upcoming series are released, but his efforts to maintain quality control are certainly respectable.
Fans can look forward to more music from Sheeran for several years to come, even after he's no longer with us.