More pop stars should pick up the phone and call Ed Sheeran when they need a reliable track that sticks, particularly as the contemporary music landscape struggles to maintain long-term chart consistency for newer acts. As modern artists navigate shifting trends between slow-burning viral hits and short-lived TikTok loops, proven songwriting craftsmanship remains an anchor for major labels and performers alike. Over a decade into a career that still commands sold-out stadium crowds worldwide, Sheeran has quietly established himself as one of modern pop’s most dependable architects—not just for his own catalog, but for a diverse roster of mainstream superstars.
That dynamic is front and center with the girl group Katseye, whose latest single, “Animal,” was penned by Sheeran alongside Johnny McDaid and producers Omer Fedi and Blake Slatkin. Formed via the Netflix series Pop Star Academy, the group has experienced a complex rollout since their inception, navigating singles like the Latin-pop-infused “Gabriela”—which peaked at Number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100—alongside viral tracks like “Gnarly” and the subsequent discourse surrounding member Manon Bannerman embarking on an indefinite hiatus under labels HYBE and Geffen.
Yet “Animal” provides the group with a sharper, more widely accessible pop footing ahead of their upcoming third EP, Wild. The track’s straightforward dance-floor narrative and infectious acoustic guitar pluck offer a distinct shift from club-heavy tracks, bringing a radio-friendly appeal that members hope will resonate in cars, grocery stores, and malls globally.
How Ed Sheeran Connects With Pop Acts Abroad
Sheeran’s involvement with Katseye began organically after he heard their viral track “Gnarly” while traveling in Mexico. According to a post shared on his official Instagram account, the British singer-songwriter reached out directly to express his fandom and offer a composition. Group member Lara later teased the collaboration during the official “Countdown to Animal” livestream, noting that a very special person had written the track.
This kind of behind-the-scenes collaboration is hardly new for Sheeran, who frequently writes with other major artists in mind during his studio sessions. He previously revealed that during nearly every album cycle, he keeps a side project running dedicated to crafting records for Rihanna. While that particular pairing has yet to yield a commercial release, his songwriting footprint is deeply embedded across modern pop history.
A Legacy of Writing Hits for Justin Bieber, One Direction, and More
The strategy of handing off high-caliber material has repeatedly reshaped the trajectories of other major performers. In 2015, Justin Bieber returned with his album Purpose, releasing the acoustic-driven “Love Yourself” just weeks after his party anthem “Sorry.” Sheeran originally penned “Love Yourself” for his own album Divide, later reflecting on how a track initially slated for the cutting-room floor became one of the biggest songs of the year.
Similarly, Sheeran provided the acoustic ballad “Little Things” for One Direction in 2012 following their upbeat single “Live While We’re Young,” and later gifted Shawn Mendes the hook for “Fallin’ All in You” on his 2018 self-titled release. Whether working with established boy bands or launching solo pop ventures, Sheeran’s formula relies on tight melodic structures and universal lyrical themes that transcend any single artist’s personal persona.
What Lies Ahead for Katseye and Modern Pop Songwriting
As Katseye prepares for the release of their upcoming EP Wild via HYBE and Geffen, the pressure to deliver a definitive full-length project remains high. With a Grammy nomination under their belt for “Gabriela” at the 2026 Grammy Awards, the group possesses the industry resources and training required to make a lasting impact in the global market.
Whether more mainstream acts will actively seek out established writers like Sheeran to navigate a shifting post-pandemic pop ecosystem remains to be seen. However, as contemporary artists balance self-penned diaristic tracks with the demand for immediate earworms, leaning on outside collaboration may prove to be the most reliable path to longevity.
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