In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Ed Sheeran revealed plans for his final project–an album to be released after his death.

“I want to slowly make this album that is quote-unquote ‘perfect’ for the rest of my life,” he said to the publication from the backyard of a rented bungalow in Auckland, New Zealand. “Just have it in my will that after I die, it comes out.”

The posthumous record seeks to be a collection that spans the performers career, a continuing work in progress. The news arrived after the announcement of Sheeran's fifth studio album Subtract, with new single 'Eyes Closed' set to be released this Friday (March 24th).

Eyes Closed. 24.03.23. Preview on TikTok now: https://t.co/PHkrSI4LCn pic.twitter.com/vFElAdP2xB

— Ed Sheeran HQ (@edsheeran) March 9, 2023

"It’s opening the trapdoor into my soul," said Sheeran in a recent post to his social media. The upcoming record, set for release May 5th, details the 'Shape of You' singer's recent struggles with depression.

“I felt like I didn’t want to live anymore,” Sheeran told Rolling Stone from Auckland. “Those thoughts were bad enough, but shame arrived as their companion. They seemed selfish, especially as a father. I feel really embarrassed about it.”

Sheeran had a difficult year, facing the death of two of his closest friends music entrepreneur Jamal Edwards and Australian cricketer Shane Warne. His wife, Cherry Seaborn, also struggled with a tumour diagnosis.

“No one really talks about their feelings where I come from," he said, noting the stigma around mental health . “People think it’s weird getting a therapist in England. [But,] I think it’s very helpful to be able to speak with someone and just vent and not feel guilty about venting.”

A new four-part documentary titled The Sum of It All is also due to land on Disney+ on May 3rd.

Very excited to share this. Ed Sheeran The Sum Of It All, is a 4-part original documentary series coming to @DisneyPlus on 3rd May. Save the date 🍿

➕✖️➗🟰➖ pic.twitter.com/lLWVt1QLES

— Ed Sheeran HQ (@edsheeran) March 20, 2023