Ed Sheeran recently shared some surprising news about his latest album, ‘Autumn Variations’. In an appearance on CBS Mornings, the singer-songwriter revealed that there will be no singles or music videos accompanying his new album. This decision breaks from his usual promotional strategy and marks a significant departure for the artist.
‘Autumn Variations’ is Sheeran’s second album release this year, following his sixth studio album ‘−’ (pronounced ‘subtract’) in May. It is also his first independent release on Gingerbread Man Records, a label that he himself founded. Sheeran emphasized the importance of going the independent route, as it allowed him to step away from the pressures of being a big-budget pop star.
The ‘Perfect’ singer explained, “I wanna put out an independent record… I’ve had 12, 13 years of being a pop star and having the pressure of it has to sell this week one, you have to have this hit single, you have to have this. And part of me goes, ‘Why?'”
Dropping the album independently has also helped Sheeran shed some of the pressure and stress that comes from working with major labels. He mentioned that everything always needs to be the biggest and best, and there is an expectation to constantly outdo oneself. The independent path allows him to escape these expectations and to focus on creating music without any external pressures.
Announcing ‘Autumn Variations’ in August, Sheeran shared the inspiration behind the album. He wrote on Instagram, “Last autumn, I found that my friends and I were going through so many life changes. After the heat of the summer, everything either calmed, settled, fell apart, came to a head or imploded.”
He continued, “When I went through a difficult time at the start of last year, writing songs helped me understand my feelings and come to terms with what was going on, and when I learned about my friend’s different situations, I wrote songs, some from their perspectives, some from mine, to capture how they and I viewed the world at that time. There were highs of falling in love and new friendships among lows of heartbreak, depression, loneliness, and confusion.”
While it may be unconventional for an artist of Sheeran’s stature to release an album without singles or music videos, it is a testament to his desire for artistic freedom and his willingness to challenge industry norms. ‘Autumn Variations’ promises to be a raw and personal collection of songs that delve into the various emotions and experiences of both Sheeran and his friends. As fans eagerly listen to the album, they will have the opportunity to connect with Sheeran’s music on a deeper level, free from the influence of promotional singles and visual distractions.
