Ed Sheeran departs from Warner Music After 15 Years

After 15 years and eight studio albums, global superstar Ed Sheeran has officially parted ways with Warner Music Group, confirming long-standing industry rumors. The news was shared directly with fans through Sheeran’s personal newsletter and later confirmed by the label.

Sheeran originally signed with Warner’s Asylum Records in the UK, while his music was released in the United States through Atlantic Records. Although his earlier catalog will remain under Warner ownership, newer projects released through his Gingerbread Man label will continue under a long-term distribution partnership with the company.

In his statement, Sheeran emphasized that the split was amicable and rooted in personal and professional growth rather than conflict.

“I decided to leave Asylum/Warner last month,” Sheeran shared. “I leave the company with so much love and gratitude for everything we’ve achieved together. This isn’t a disgruntled artist leaving a label situation. It’s more about evolving priorities and needing a fresh direction professionally.”

Reflecting on his career journey, Sheeran explained how dramatically his life has changed since first signing as a teenager.

“Over the last 15 years, I’ve released so much music and experienced incredible success with the company,” he wrote. “But my life is very different now, and for a long time I’ve felt that several aspects of my professional life needed a change.”

The singer also opened up about the contrast between his roots as a pub-performing singer-songwriter and the global pop superstar he eventually became.

“At my core, I’m still a singer-songwriter who plays pub gigs,” he said. “Over time, I evolved into a stadium-filling pop artist. It’s been an amazing journey, but also a huge thing to process.”

The departure comes after several major executives Sheeran worked closely with also exited Warner in recent years, including former Atlantic Music Group CEO Julie Greenwald and former Warner recorded music chief Max Lousada.

Asylum Records executive Ed Howard praised Sheeran’s impact in an emotional statement, calling his journey from “a sofa-surfing teenager” to a global icon inspiring both professionally and personally.

Meanwhile, Warner Music Group expressed gratitude for its long-standing partnership with the artist, stating the company remains committed to preserving and promoting his iconic catalog for future generations.

Industry speculation is already building around Sheeran’s next move, with reports suggesting he may be in discussions with Universal Music Group for a potentially lucrative new deal. However, no official confirmation has been made at this time.