Ed Sheeran says a KATSEYE track he heard while travelling in Mexico last year turned him into a fan — and led directly to a studio collaboration on the group's new single 'Animal'.

In an Instagram Reel posted on Tuesday, July 28, Sheeran explained that he first heard KATSEYE's song 'Gnarly' during that trip, became a fan, and reached out to the group to write together. The Reel, posted at instagram.com/reel/DbWGhUnMDiW/, doubles as a behind-the-scenes look at the making of 'Animal', showing Sheeran in the studio building the chorus and melodies before KATSEYE members Daniela, Lara, and Megan record their final vocals. Billboard

KATSEYE announced 'Animal' on July 21 via social media, paired with a first teaser for the music video. The single arrived roughly one week before Sheeran's behind-the-scenes reveal and is co-written by Sheeran, set to appear on the group's debut EP 'WILD', scheduled for release on August 14. Effingham Radio

'Gnarly', the song that caught Sheeran's attention, is the same track KATSEYE performed at the 2026 Grammy Awards in February. AP News

Demi Moore is also reportedly involved in the 'Animal' release, according to Tempo, though the nature of her involvement has not been detailed. Tempo

For fans, Sheeran's Reel offers a rare window into how a pop collaboration actually takes shape — from a songwriter sketching a chorus on his own to a group laying down vocals in a finished studio session. The EP 'WILD' lands on August 14.