Celebrated global musician Ed Sheeran is stepping into a new era of his music journey. His latest release, “Autumn Variations,” is not just another album for him; it’s a declaration of his musical autonomy, released under his label, Gingerbread Man Records.
Sheeran’s decision to release independently was driven by his desire to move away from the relentless industry pressure of churning out chart-toppers, one after the other. In an intimate conversation with Gayle King on CBS Mornings, he candidly shared, “One can’t always be on an uphill journey. Sometimes, you need to take the road you genuinely feel for, regardless of where it leads.”
Drawing parallels with iconic artists like Elton John, Sheeran emphasized that not every album needs to break records. “The constant race to outdo oneself isn’t what music is about,” he mused.
“Autumn Variations” is an ode to the cherished moments with his wife, Cherry Seaborn. Crafted in collaboration with the prodigious Aaron Dessner, the album is a warm tapestry of stories and feelings. Sheeran reminisced, “Cherry and I have these moments cooking together, listening to timeless albums. I wanted to create a record that resonated the same mood – a singular vibe echoing tales of dear friends.”
Tracks like “American Town” artfully weave the essence of Sheeran’s relationship with Cherry, encapsulating the melange of English and American nuances. While “Magical,” his self-proclaimed favorite, aims to sprinkle a touch of enchantment on its listeners.
This album is a follow-up to Sheeran’s spring release, “Subtract,” accompanied by a docuseries. The series provided a candid glance into the challenges he faced, including his wife’s cancer diagnosis during her pregnancy and the tragic passing of his close friend, Jamal Edwards. Turning pain into art, Sheeran revealed, “The songs that tug at my heart the most are the ones born from discomfort.”
Music isn’t just Sheeran’s career; it’s his calling. While many have hobbies to retreat to, for Sheeran, the stage and his music have always been his sanctuaries. Embracing the ‘pop star’ title wholeheartedly, he recalls his fondness for the classics of pop culture, cheekily adding, “Who can resist singing along when ‘I Want It That Way’ plays in a bar?