Ed Sheeran brings “party atmosphere” on “celebratory” new single ‘Azizam’

nme.com:

Ed Sheeran has returned with a brand-new single called ‘Azizam’ – you can listen to it below.The uplifting track marks the first official preview of the singer-songwriter’s upcoming album ‘Play’ – details of which will be revealed soon.

Its title is a Persian term of endearment that translates to “my dear” or “my beloved”.‘Azizam’ began in the studio with Swedish/Iranian producer Ilya Salmanzadeh (Ariana Grande, Charli XCX, Ellie Goudling, Sam Smith).

He and Sheeran soon realised how much Persian and Irish folk music have in common, and how the latter could set those influences in a pop context.“Azizam/ Meet me on the floor tonight/ Show me how to move like the water/ In between the dancing lights/ Be mine, be mine/ Azizam,” sings Sheeran on the hedonistic, technicolour single.“Even though it’s completely different to anything that I’ve ever done before, ‘Azizam’ feels familiar to me,” the star explained. “I wanted to create a party atmosphere in a song and Ilya Salmanzadeh, who I worked with on the track, helped bring that to life.

He was so inspiring to work with.”Writing on social media, Sheeran said: “I wrote ‘Azizam’ after [Salmanzadeh] suggested trying out making music inspired by his Persian heritage and culture.