Who did Ed Sheeran sample on bad habits?

Ed Sheeran’s latest single “Bad Habits” has been making waves since its release in June 2021. The catchy pop track has already reached the top of the charts in multiple countries and has become a fan favorite. However, what many listeners may not know is that the song features a sample from another artist’s work. In this article, we will dive into the details of who Ed Sheeran sampled on “Bad Habits” and how it came to be.

The sample used in “Bad Habits” is from the song “Cry for You” by Swedish DJ and producer September. The original track was released in 2005 and became a hit in Europe, reaching the top 10 in multiple countries. The song is known for its infectious dance beat and catchy chorus, making it a perfect fit for Ed Sheeran’s pop sound.

The sample used in “Bad Habits” is the iconic synth riff that plays throughout the song. It is instantly recognizable to anyone who has heard “Cry for You” and adds a nostalgic element to the track. The sample was not just lifted from the original song, but it was also re-recorded by September specifically for “Bad Habits.” This adds a personal touch to the sample and shows the collaboration between the two artists.

So how did Ed Sheeran come to sample “Cry for You” on “Bad Habits”? It all started with a chance encounter between the two artists. In an interview with BBC Radio 1, September revealed that she met Ed Sheeran at a party in Sweden in 2019. She played him some of her music, including “Cry for You,” and he immediately fell in love with it. He asked if he could use the sample in one of his songs, and September agreed.

However, it wasn’t until 2020 that Ed Sheeran reached out to September again to finalize the sample. Due to the pandemic, they were unable to meet in person, so they communicated through email. September recorded the sample in her home studio and sent it to Ed Sheeran, who then incorporated it into “Bad Habits.” The final result is a perfect blend of September’s original track and Ed Sheeran’s unique sound.

In addition to the sample, September also contributed backing vocals to “Bad Habits.” She can be heard singing the “oohs” and “ahhs” in the background of the chorus. This adds another layer to the song and showcases the collaboration between the two artists.

The use of a sample from “Cry for You” has not only added a nostalgic element to “Bad Habits” but has also introduced September’s music to a new audience. Many listeners who were not familiar with her work before have now discovered her music through the sample. This has led to a resurgence of interest in “Cry for You,” with the original track gaining millions of streams since the release of “Bad Habits.”

In conclusion, Ed Sheeran’s “Bad Habits” features a sample from September’s 2005 hit “Cry for You.” The collaboration between the two artists came about through a chance encounter and resulted in a catchy and nostalgic pop track. The use of the sample has not only added to the success of “Bad Habits” but has also introduced September’s music to a new audience. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and the impact that sampling can have on a song.