How Ed Sheeran inspired Sade’s Arrow Heart EP
The path to artistic ambition is often paved by unexpected inspiration, and for rising South London pop artist Sade Olutola, that path was drawn by a pop icon. Backstage at the Reading 2026 festival, Olutola opened up about how Ed Sheeran ignited the spark for her debut EP, Arrow Heart.
The concept for the EP wasn’t born from a planned strategy; it emerged from a moment of childhood wonder. When Olutola was just eleven years old and immersed in the world of Ed Sheeran, she observed how he visualized his music. He used symbols—a plus sign on his guitar, marks of multiplication and division—and named his instrument. Olutola took that playful visual language and adapted it: she drew an arrow heart on her guitar, named it Mexi, and structured her tracklist. It was a spontaneous act of self-expression that eventually blossomed into a full-fledged project.
This creative journey extended into the music itself. Olutola shared the whimsical story behind the opening track, 2099, a song that jumps between the 1625s and the future. When asked about the song’s seemingly nonsensical lyrics, she laughed, revealing the emotional core. The track was born from a moment of intense anger, where she translated that fiery emotion into imagery of time travel. She connected the fury with the idea that if the event occurred in the 1600s, the ensuing rage would be magnified; a feeling that carried her forward into the future.
Beyond her songwriting, the festival season has been a whirlwind of experience and growth. While performing on the massive stage, Olutola reflected on the sheer preparation required for a high-energy set, noting the stress that comes with a 20-to-30 minute performance. Despite the intensity, she found a powerful lesson: appreciating the team behind the music. She maintains that her approach to her audience remains consistent, regardless of the spotlight—whether she is headlining a massive event or opening for other artists. She insists on treating everyone like they don’t know her, focusing on engaging interactions and ensuring the energy flows both ways.
This latest festival run has been packed with stellar performances, including opening slots for Lexa Gates and Fousheé, and sharing the stage with Harry Styles at Meltdown. Her debut headline show at London’s The Grace proved to be an unforgettable experience, selling out and bringing her immense joy. For Olutola, the experience has been a beautiful reminder that embracing that inner child and allowing creative curiosity to lead the way is the most rewarding melody of all.
Buy on Amazon
Credit
