Kuala Lumpur lit up in shades of pink as Warner Music Malaysia hosted the “Play” Pre-Release Album Party, celebrating Ed Sheeran’s upcoming eighth studio album. The event took place on the scenic rooftop of Luuma Dining, Menara Sentral Vista, welcoming over 80 fans for an evening filled with music, excitement, and exclusive experiences.
The rooftop venue was transformed into a pink-themed haven, with décor, ambience, and guests’ outfits perfectly matching the vibrant theme inspired by Sheeran’s latest album. Hosted by FLY FM announcer Rika Adrina, the night featured interactive stage games, merchandise giveaways, and high-energy sets from DJ Alicia Fireheart, providing countless photo-worthy moments against the backdrop of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline. Guests were also treated to light refreshments and the rare opportunity to hear tracks from “Play” before its official release.
“Play” marks a creative departure from Sheeran’s acclaimed “Mathematics” series. The album was born out of one of the darkest periods of the singer’s life, as he explained: “Coming out of all of that, I just wanted to create joy and technicolour, and explore the cultures I encountered while touring.” Staying true to his signature ballads, Sheeran explores new sounds and global influences from India, Persia, and beyond, delivering a fresh and borderless musical experience.
The 13-track album features singles including “Sapphire,” “Old Phone,” “Azizam,” and the focus track “Camera.” The official video for “Camera,” starring Bridgerton’s Phoebe Dynevor, was directed by longtime collaborator Emil Nava and filmed entirely on iPhone to capture the early stages of love from the characters’ perspectives. Co-produced by ILYA, Andrew Watt, and Louis Bell, the song was written as a heartfelt tribute to Sheeran’s wife, Cherry, showcasing his lyrical depth and mastery of balladry.
Organised by Warner Music Malaysia in collaboration with Luuma Dining as the official venue partner and Fly FM as the official radio partner, the event successfully engaged fans and created an unforgettable pre-release launch.
Ahead of the album’s global launch, Sheeran also took over NPR’s Tiny Desk for its first large-scale livestream performance, featuring new tracks on his loop station. Fans worldwide were treated to Spotify listening parties and pop-ups in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Manila, further celebrating the arrival of “Play.”
With this latest release, Ed Sheeran continues to cement his position as one of the most influential singer-songwriters of his generation, inviting fans to press play and celebrate life, love, and joy through music. Fans can follow Warner Music Malaysia on social media for updates using the hashtags #EdSheeranMY and #PLAYListeningParty.
