Ed Sheeran Departs Warner Music After 15 Years, Citing Need for Change

Ed Sheeran has left Warner Music after 15 years. Find all the details below.

- READ MORE: Ed Sheeran – ‘Play’ review: a hasty retreat to the genre-spanning of old

The singer made the announcement in his newsletter on Friday (May 22), writing that it “isn’t a ‘disgruntled artist leaves record label’ type situation,” and that he remains on good terms with the team.

“This is a boy who started as a teenager on the company with different priorities, to the father of 2 man who exists now, who feels like he needs a shift and change in the way he does things professionally,” he wrote.

Sheeran was signed to the Warner subsidiary Asylum Records in the UK, with his albums being released through Warner’s Atlantic label in the US. He released his first album, ‘ + ‘, with them in 2011, before later sharing ‘x’, ‘ ÷ ‘, ‘ – ‘, ‘ = ‘, and his new series starter ‘ Play ‘.

While his earlier albums are owned by Warner, the rights to his more recent releases, including 2023’s ‘ Autumn Variations ‘, are held by his own Gingerbread Man label and licensed to Warner.

“Over the last 15 years, I’ve put out so much music, and had so much success with that company. We’ve built something amazing together, and enjoyed such life changing stuff happening to us,” Sheeran wrote.

“My life is hugely different now to what it was when I was a teenager, and I’ve been feeling in my gut for a long time that a lot of things in my professional life need to change. I am, underneath it all, a singer songwriter who plays pub gigs. And I’ve sorta morphed into this pop star who plays stadiums over 15 years, it’s a super amazing thing to have happened but also a lot to get your head around.”

> Ed Sheeran left Warner Music after 15 years: “My life is hugely different now to what it was when I was a teenager, and I’ve been feeling in my gut for a long time that a lot of things in my professional life need to change. I am, underneath it all, a singer songwriter who plays… pic.twitter.com/5ydRzLbk4A — Buzzing Pop (@BuzzingPop) May 22, 2026

Sheeran began working with Warner after a chance meeting with Ed Howard, formerly head of A&R for Asylum at a show in Notting Hill. “I was 18 and I ended up crashing at his and his now wife’s house. Whilst there I played him a bunch of music, and just chatted about life and what I wanted to do,” he said. “I honestly didn’t know at the time he worked at a record label, I thought he was just someone cool who was letting me crash on his sofa. But the next day I found out who he was, and we started chatting.”

Howard supported Sheeran by coming to the “tiny tiny pub gigs no one came to,” alongside Ben Cook, who previously helmed Asylum. “When [his debut EP] ‘No. 5 Collaborations’ came out, and I was offered a deal, I signed instantly. I love those guys so much,” Sheeran said, adding: “I love Ed Howard forever, I love Asylum forever, and the door is always open for the future. Thank you everyone across Warner worldwide who has worked on my projects over the last 15 years, it’s been an incredible journey. Excited to see where the next 15 years takes me.”

Warner Music Group said in a statement they were “proud” to have supported Sheeran through his “remarkable rise over the past 15 years”.

Per Music Week , they continued: “As we steward his iconic catalogue into the future, we’ll ensure that his music will touch hearts and move feet around the world for generations to come. Everyone in the Warner Music family wishes Ed the very best as he embarks on the next chapter of his extraordinary artistic journey.”

Ed Howard added: “From the sofa-surfing teenager I met in 2009 to the global music icon he is today, Ed has spent the last 15 years showing the world what happens when unmatched talent meets unwavering integrity.

“Being able to play a part in his extraordinary musical journey has been a privilege and I’ve learnt so much from him.

“Beyond the music, the example he sets as a mentor to other artists, a champion for education, a father, a friend and simply as a human being is truly special. I feel incredibly grateful to have him in my life. Big love brother.

“On behalf of the wonderful Warner Music teams around the world that championed him over the years, I know we all stand squarely in his corner as Ed steps into his next chapter.”

In other news, Sheeran was recently named among the wealthiest names in British music , alongside Noel  and  Liam Gallagher ,  Paul McCartney  and  the Eavis family .

Elsewhere, back in January, he was asking fans to “text in song recommendations” for him to play on his 2026 ‘Loop Tour’ .

The post Ed Sheeran leaves Warner Music after 15 years, tells fans decision was not “a disgruntled artist situation” appeared first on NME .

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