When coldplay first appeared in our pages, in 2000, Rolling Stone wondered: Were the new Brit-pop group “the next Radiohead? Or the next Verve, or Travis?” Today, it’s clear they were none of those things. Over the past 20 years, Coldplay have carved out their own place in the world: as stadium-filling, genre-defying optimists in an age of irony. They are arguably the biggest band in the world today — their tour behind 2015’s A Head Full of Dreams grossed $523 million, a run they kicked off with a set at the Super Bowl with Beyoncé and Bruno Mars. All of that success caused frontman Chris Martin to take a step back. “There was a slight sense of peace,” he says on a recent afternoon in New York. “All we have to do now is follow the muse.” Coldplay’s eighth album, Everyday Life, is unlike anything they’ve made before, a meditative double disc that embraces gospel, folk, and even Afrobeat. Martin addresses such hot-button subjects as gun control, mass incarceration, and racism (“Trouble in Town” features audio of Philadelphia police officers harassing innocent black suspects), as well as fatherhood (he has two children with ex-wife Gwyneth Paltrow). He’s proud of the album, even if he’s a little uncertain of its commercial viability. That contentment is something Martin has been working toward as long as he’s been writing. Here’s how he got there.
What was the urge in you to play music? When did that start for you?
This story is from the January 2020 edition of RollingStone India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 2020 edition of RollingStone India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
anumitanadesan
The singer-songwriter talks about her first Malayalam film song, her upcoming debut abum and working across genres and languages
amrit ramneath
Understanding the interplay between abiding by tradition and progress is no new feat for this 25-year-old composer
yashraj
With chart-topping collaborations with seasoned veterans, this rapper has consistently been in the conversations of industry observers
dǝbzee
The 'Malabari Banger' hitmaker shares exclusive insights on his upcoming projects, life, and his vision for the future of music in India
taba chake
The Arunachal Pradesh-based singer-song-writer discusses how his latest song \"Kahani\" reflects the power of love songs.
ranj x clifr
The Bengaluru singer-composer and producer duo may not be done with hip-hop, but they are venturing into pop, R&B and Tamil songs next
RESHAPING THE FUTURE OF MUSIC
How digital collectibles, especially for live events, have a tremendous potential
Evnne On 'Un: Seen,' Their 'Seen,' And 'Unseen' Sides
The Band Discusses How A Setback Early In Their Career Spurred Them On And How They Fused Those Experiences With Their Sound In Their Second Mini Album, ‘Un: Seen
kayan
Between fandoms and aesthetic-setting live shows, artist Ambika Nayak talks about wanting to put out an album
anoushka maskey
Taking her “self-organized” Sunny Side Tour across the country, the Sikkim-origin artist is prioritizing consistent releases and exploring bossa nova next