In a recent interview, Ed Sheeran shared an emotional story about a difficult period in his life, revealing that his wife, Cherry Seaborn, was diagnosed with a tumor during her pregnancy. This unsettling moment, which took place while they were expecting their second child, deeply affected Sheeran and became a significant theme in his new music.
Ed Sheeran’s latest album, Subtract, set for release on May 5, marks a major milestone for the artist, as it dives into his most personal experiences. In a statement, Sheeran explained that the album was born out of a tumultuous period in his life, beginning in early 2022. The singer had initially been working on Subtract for nearly a decade, focusing on crafting a perfect acoustic album. However, life took an unexpected turn, reshaping his approach to both his music and his personal life.
Among the challenges Sheeran faced, the health scare involving his wife, Cherry, stands out. The singer recalled how, just a month before their second child was born, Cherry was diagnosed with a tumor. However, due to her pregnancy, there was no immediate treatment available until after the birth. This news, alongside the loss of his close friend Jamal Edwards and his ongoing legal battles, left Sheeran feeling overwhelmed with fear, depression, and anxiety.
Despite these challenges, Sheeran found solace in his music. He shared that songwriting had always been his “therapy,” helping him make sense of his emotions. For Subtract, Sheeran rewrote the album, replacing years of work with raw, emotional songs that reflected his darkest thoughts during that time. He explained that he didn’t aim to create an album that people would necessarily enjoy but rather one that was true to his feelings.
This project is different from anything Sheeran has done before. He described it as an honest reflection of where he was in his life, adding, “It’s opening the trapdoor into my soul.” Sheeran emphasized that this album was his way of processing his personal experiences and making sense of them.
Subtract will also be the final chapter of Sheeran’s mathematical album series, which started in 2011 with + (Plus) and continued with x (Multiply), ÷ (Divide), and = (Equals). The new album, produced by Aaron Dessner of The National, includes tracks such as “Boat,” “Salt Water,” “Eyes Closed,” and “Life Goes On,” among others.
As Sheeran prepares to release Subtract this week, it is clear that the album will be a deeply personal and vulnerable offering from one of the biggest names in contemporary music.