Sussex singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has announced the release date for his brand new album '=' by sharing the second single to be lifted, titled 'Visiting Hours'.

Having released his latest single 'Bad Habits' back in June, which promptly went to No.1 in multiple countries, the musician bought himself a new phone for the first time in four years.

This morning, via an Instagram live stream, Sheeran then announced that his fourth studio solo album will be released on October 29th this year.

'=' features 14 tracks, although it could have been more — Sheeran explained in the live stream that it was a "painstaking" process to get it down to just 14 songs. Despite the editing struggle, the singer-songwriter said that he loves the new album and thinks it's the best bit of work he's done.

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Explaining the cover art and inspiration behind the album, Sheeran told fans during the live stream:

"I painted part of the cover over lockdown, just splatting paint on a canvas and then my friend Zac has designed the cover, which is great. You will have seen the chrysalis cocoon that's on there...symbolism behind the new album is new life."

He continued, "Over the last four years, I've been through different experiences in life, including getting married, having a kid, losing friends, and I just felt like the butterfly symbolism fit in with that."

Immediately after the live stream, details including a tracklist and preorder link were announced. The tracklist features new single 'Visiting Hours', which Sheeran finished for his friend Michael, who passed away earlier this year.

Sheeran's new album '=' is available for preorder now.

Listen to 'Visiting Hours' below: