Ed Sheeran Set to Sign With Interscope Records After Warner Exit

Ed Sheeran is set to begin the next chapter of his recording career, with reports confirming the global superstar is close to signing a long-term deal with Interscope Records after ending his 15-year relationship with Warner Music Group.

Per Rolling Stone, the move will see the British singer-songwriter join the Universal Music Group roster after spending his entire recording career with Warner, where he released eight studio albums and established himself as one of the biggest-selling artists of the past decade. His Warner deal officially came to an end earlier this year.

While financial terms have not been disclosed, the agreement is expected to be a long-term partnership. A representative for Sheeran has not commented publicly on the reports.

Sheeran signed to Warner's Asylum and Atlantic labels in the UK in 2011, launching a run that included blockbuster albums + (Plus), x (Multiply),÷ (Divide), = (Equals), and − (Subtract), No.6 Collaborations Project, Autumn Variations and most recently Play. Along the way, he scored global hits including "The A Team", "Thinking Out Loud", "Perfect" and "Shape of You", becoming one of the defining commercial artists of the streaming era.

Although his recent releases haven't matched the commercial heights of his earlier catalogue, Sheeran remains one of music's biggest touring and recording stars. Play reached No. 5 on the Billboard 200, while his catalogue continues to rank among the most-streamed in the world.

When announcing his departure from Warner in May, Sheeran stressed the split was amicable rather than the result of any dispute. 

“This isn't a 'disgruntled artist leaves record label' type situation,” he said. "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."

Warner Music Group also paid tribute to its longtime artist. In a statement, the label said: "Warner Music Group is proud to have supported Ed through his discovery and remarkable rise over the past 15 years and grateful for his continued partnership. 

"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."