May 10, 2013 - submitted by Solaf, Egypt

 

Q. TEAM ORACLE QUESTION #119

I am kind of confused about my schooling and I was hoping you'd help. I'm currently in 8th grade and my biggest ambition is to become a Rockstar. My dad has offered to get me into a musical academy next year but then I'd have to quit school, while my mum says I could do both. So which decision should I make? Should I do my learning while also studying singing or should I just go to the musical academy and give it my all? Thank you so much, dear Oracle.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

My friend wanted to be a rockstar. He had the talent, the looks, the charm and all the other ingredients but he has never been a rockstar. However, he was in a rockstar's band and had songs he'd written covered by other well known musicians. For whatever reason he never made it in his own right in that field. These days he is a very successful composer and scores a hit U.S TV show.

My point here is to firstly rename your goal.

Maybe your biggest ambition should be to be a successful musician and take it from there. I will assume you have talent as you have parental support in your dream.

As you may know, I love a good dream and believe in following them and reaching goals.

If you truly believe that you have what it takes, go for it but I always think it's handy to have a back-up plan but some say that suggests you're accepting failure as an option.

I don't know what facilities are like in Egypt but here in the UK it's possible to choose a musical academy as higher education too. Personally I would always finish school, get qualifications and then look at entering into a facility to take your music further.

If you have the talent, it will never leave you but it's harder to go back and redo the schooling. Take your time with the decision - it's a BIG one but I guess I'm saying, stay in school for now and do both.

Over to you.

 

Well, to make a big decision like this you need to know where you are standing, classes and musical education at the same time can be extremely tough. My coach always says that we have to follow the "Triple 8 Rule": 8 hours for school, 8 hours to study or do whatever we want, and 8 hours to sleep. In your case, with musical education and school, you will have: 8 hours for school, 4 hours dedicated to learning singing (that's how hardcore academies work), 2 hours to study, 2 hours to practice your singing, and well, 8 hours to sleep. That means no free time at all, and some serious fatigue and exaustion.

Now, if you want to just embrace singing, you're going to have to sweat and bleed to be successful at it, singing will have to be your only option, your only way, and your only destination.

If you choose singing over studying and singing at the same time, you'll be closer to your dream, but remember, becoming a Rockstar isn't easy. Alexandre.

 

Well, I think you should definitely do both. By the time you finish school you'll be more mature to pursue your dream of becoming a rockstar with a more sensible touch. You'll be more mentally prepared to take your own decisions and to assume all the responsibilities that such an aim of yours entails. Good luck with that! Hope to listen to your songs soon! Cesar.

 

I think you should do both things, because you are currently in 8th grade, so, you can learn things in school and at the same time you can improve your musical abilities and finally when you have graduated from school no one can take your knowledge from you and then you can focus on studying musical things. I really don´t know you but I know you can do both things because you are awesome. Ivan, Panama.

 

I think you should try to do both – many people want to become a Rockstar and don’t succeed. So just in case you don’t either – although I totally believe in you, Solaf – it’ll be very good if you finish school so you can try to get another job then. It might be a hard and stressful time for you, but you’ll know you’ll be able to earn money later, no matter what happens. Good luck and nice greetings, Jule.

 

I know you'd love to be a rockstar and to see your dream come true, but it's better to achieve your studying first. If you can do as your Mom said do them both it would be the best.

Look at our lovely Coldplay members, they were in the same situation as you and they have chosen to do both; studying and building their own careers.

I wish you all the best. Ask yourself there are surely things you don't know about yourself and God willing you'll know which way to choose. Hasna.

 

I think it's great that you're getting so much support from your parents! I cant help but agree with your mom, though. You're still a bit young. I'm now a senior but have gone through a lot of changes since eighth grade. To make a commitment like that is a big deal. Having some sort of back up plan can even help your confidence in music, as you're not constantly thinking about how you've given other things up. I think you can definitely do both. Maybe taking mostly regular classes instead of harder advanced ones will help. I wish you the best of luck, either way! Love, Darem.

 

Thanks to all those who replied to this week’s question. Remember, Team Oracle is open to anyone so if you fancy replying, click to read this week's, and send us your answer.

May 13, 2013 - submitted by Trinity, United Kingdom

 

Q. So I went to see Athlete on Friday for their 10 year anniversary of Vehicles and Animals, and it was great. And although they may not be as successful as Coldplay, would the band ever consider say a 15 year anniversary of Parachutes, not necessarily a tour but a few one of small gigs. It would be hugely appreciated I'm sure, plus you can't deny that this is not only the greatest song in the world, but must be the best song played

!?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Thank you for the reminder of this wonderful version of Spies. It was a firm favourite of mine since I very first heard it.

Anchorman went to see the Athlete anniversary show too and loved it.

I'm not sure there would be anything like a 15th year anniversary of Parachutes but it would be nice to celebrate in some way. Maybe we could have a party of our own?

May 13, 2013 - submitted by Gael, Canada

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

 

I'd like to send some watercolor paintings inspired by Coldplay's songs to Chris Martin. Can you please give me an extremely secure address where I can do so, they are original works of mine and if I lose them they're gone.

Thanks from the bottom of my heart.

God bless you.

Giant teddy bear hugs.

 

Gael.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Please, please don't attempt to send anything valuable in the post; we do not have the facilities to accept any items and cannot guarantee their safety.

If you'd like to scan your pictures and submit them to our Hypnofeed section, they will be seen and who knows, maybe selected so that everyone can see them on the site.

May 13, 2013 - submitted by Harrison, United Kingdom

 

Q. Hello Oracle,

 

I'd like to firstly say I saw the guys live on their MX tour and absolutely loved it and I love watching videos of them play at different gigs on the tour. But I stumbled across a Live In Madrid EP containing Violet Hill, GPASUYF, Paradise, Charlie Brown & Clocks. Is this official or not?

Thanks!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

This was a U.S only item as part of Google's download store launch. It looks like it's now available in the U.K.

May 13, 2013 - submitted by Trinity, United Kingdom[/color][/b]

 

Q. So I went to see Athlete on Friday for their 10 year anniversary of Vehicles and Animals, and it was great. And although they may not be as successful as Coldplay, would the band ever consider say a 15 year anniversary of Parachutes, not necessarily a tour but a few one of small gigs. It would be hugely appreciated I'm sure, plus you can't deny that this is not only the greatest song in the world, but must be the best song played

!?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Thank you for the reminder of this wonderful version of Spies. It was a firm favourite of mine since I very first heard it.

Anchorman went to see the Athlete anniversary show too and loved it.

I'm not sure there would be anything like a 15th year anniversary of Parachutes but it would be nice to celebrate in some way. Maybe we could have a party of our own?

I'M IN!!!!!

If you'd like to scan your pictures and submit them to our Hypnofeed section, they will be seen and who knows, maybe selected so that everyone can see them on the site.

Wow it seems that The Oracle hasn't visited this part of the official site in like a year or something ?

I'M IN!!!!!

Make that two...

^three :p

Four :D

May 14, 2013 - submitted by Ashley, United States of America

 

Q. Hello Oracle! I was reading Roadie #42's blogs and I came across the word "tympani". I was just wondering if this is a word made up by Coldplay and staff (like Xylobands) or is it a typo for the word "timpani"? Thank you!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Tympani is a legitimate alternative spelling for timpani; I prefer the latter to be honest.

May 14, 2013 - submitted by Peter, United Kingdom

 

Q. Can I ask please about your cool website, who done it? What software is it? Thanks!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Slender Fungus are the creative types behind the, er, type.

I have no idea what software they use. All I could gather is that they need "... really fast and expensive computers (Mac and PC), really good software, a decent connection..."

May 14, 2013 - submitted by Ashley, United States of America

 

Q. Quick question: I've noticed that Chris Martin had an = sign on his hand during a concert or something (not sure since it was just a random photo on Bing), and I was wondering whether or not he meant it to be an HRC/LGBT(Q) supportive thing or JUST a thing (like, "Hey, I'm putting this equal sign for balance of the body and mind...").

Crazy curious, and I would appreciate an answer *squeal* It would be epic if you guys (or at least Mr. Martin), supported HRC.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

The official logo of the HRC is the equal sign (yellow on blue) and has been around since 1995.

In 2002, Chris adopted a different equal sign for the band's involvement in Oxfam's Make Trade Fair campaign (green on white).

I've not discussed HRC with the guys but knowing them as well as I do, I feel I can say they are in support of the Human Rights Campaign.

May 15, 2013 - submitted by James, United Kingdom

 

Q. I am in a band but they don't share same musical interest. They all love The Strokes, The Smiths etc. Although they are great bands they don't get me going like Coldplay, Mumford and Sons and early Radiohead. I am the songwriter yet don't want to put effort into songs if they don't like them because they are Coldplay inspired and not 'indie' enough. What do I do?? Go solo and get session musicians? I am 16 by the way.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I want you to ask yourself why you and these fellow musicians are in this band - how did it come about? There must have been a shared interest to start the band in the first place.

Usually a band come together because they share a passion in music - not always the same types of music but it's more than common for that to be the case.

The differences in taste could help shape your band into something very unique.

It's all very well being inspired by a band as long as it's not sounding like them.

Originality is very important these days so maybe you should all be encouraged to listen to each others' favourite bands and share thoughts, ideas and suggestions.

You should put effort into your songs no matter who they are for; band mates, friends, audience...

However, if the band members don't like the songs you're writing, you need a new band.

Going solo is one thing, getting session musicians is another - a very expensive other too.

I suggest you either work things out with your band to make a sound for yourselves that draws on all your influences or go solo and perform as a singer-songwriter acoustically until you find like minded people you want to make music with.

Good luck.

May 15, 2013 - submitted by Becca, United States of America

 

Q. Hi Oracle! :) So I was looking around on iTunes and I found this. It's by a band called Mylo Xyloto, and it was released before Coldplay's album Mylo Xyloto was released.

There is also an album by that band. I was just wondering if this has anything to do with Coldplay.

Thanks so much! :)

-- Becca

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Strange that there is no artwork, no information and no band photo.

This has nothing to do with Coldplay at all and I urge you not to buy that single (1'03!) or album as I suspect it's not going to be what you think.

 

Firstly Mylo Xyloto didn't exist until the band came up with the name. Mylo may be a familiar name but Xyloto is original.

Secondly, the "artist" could have changed the details after MX came out but I assure you, that it is not legitimate at all.

 

They have a page on another site and the "album" is dodgy live recordings and video clips.

Stay well clear and I'll investigate further.

May 16, 2013 - submitted by Nick, United States of America

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

 

I can only imagine the countless number of marriage proposal requests the band must get for each show.

 

Up until recently, I always thought a concert was a strange place for a proposal. Then I saw a proposal during Fix You, which sent shivers down my spine.

 

Do you think a concert is an admirable place for a man to propose, or is it unromantic because it requires little work?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I was considering trying to find out how many proposals have taken place at a Coldplay show. You're right - there are so many requests asking for the band's help to make it special. It's not possible to grant such requests - there'd be little time for he music!

Add to that number the people who don't ask and then the ones that get swept up in the moment and ask spontaneously, I reckon there are scores at every show.

Each to their own I say. It's not for me personally but hey, if that's how & where someone wants to propose, that's their business. I wouldn't do it because, well, I'd be thinking they're hardly likely to say "no" are they? It would totally ruin the show.

May 16, 2013 - submitted by Johan, Peru

 

Q. Hola Oraculo, se puede preguntar en Espanol?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Ooh I'd prefer the questions to be in English please. Gracias.

May 16, 2013 - submitted by Theo, Australia

 

Q. What did the hypnotised on the 24th of December have to do with Coldplay?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

You mean the hypnofeed. The hypnofeeds aren't meant to be related to Coldplay. They are random and actually we don't really want any clips linked to the band.

The 24th of December - Christmas Eve - was chosen because it was from The Nutcracker which is a famous ballet based around Christmas.

I'll take this opportunity to say if you see anything weird / wonderful / sinister / interesting (under 7 minutes) on the Internet, please do submit it.

May 17, 2013 - submitted by The Oracle, United Kingdom

 

Q. WHO'D LIKE TO JOIN TEAM ORACLE?

When I answer questions of a personal nature, Coldplay.com readers often get in touch with their own thoughts. So, we have a weekly feature, Team Oracle, whereby each Friday (with the question asker's permission) we open up a question to all of you to answer too. Then, the following Friday, I'll post a selection of the best answers, alongside my own reply.

ANYONE can join in so, if you'd like to, please email your response to the following question, in no more than 250 words, to [email protected] before midnight Thursday 23rd May.

 

I'll be graduating from high school next year and must choose a quote for placement in the yearbook, any suggestions? The quote can be absolutely anything, from funny, to inspiring, to sad. Ryan, USA.

 

Look forward to seeing your replies.

The Oracle

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Please email your replies to [email protected]

May 17, 2013 - submitted by Duncan, Australia

 

Q. TEAM ORACLE QUESTION #120

My mum is looking to have surgery on her shoulder, and wonders what she can do for 6-8 weeks with only one arm. Do you have any suggestions for an activity she can do?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I shall steer away from ridiculous suggestions like bowling because though it's a one-handed pastime, it wouldn't be advisable when recovering from surgery.

Your mum is going to needs lots of rest and probably needs to do something gentle.

Maybe she could listen to audiobooks - not just fiction, perhaps she could attempt to learn a new language.

It's almost too easy to say she can spend time on a computer but I can't see anyone getting bored of the world wide web.

Walking would be good to get some exercise and fresh air to break the monotony. Or rent a cycling machine - it's best to keep active as long as it's not hurting her.

If it was me, I'd opt for reading and watching films. I'd write letters, play Scrabble, Solitaire & Sudoku. I'd do crosswords, write blogs, surf the net and probably Skype people I can't visit.

I suppose it also depends on which shoulder is out of action. If she is right handed and the right shoulder is being operated on, it might be interesting to see if she can learn to use her left to do things.

If she's looking for the bizarre, maybe one handed juggling is worth a try. Or there's always Tiddlywinks. Joking aside, support her as much as possible and help if necessary but - frustrating as it could be for your Mum - encourage her to try new things.

Over to you.

 

Personally I would teach myself to become ambidextrous, unless the one arm that she is having surgery on is the one she doesn't usually write with. Anyway, she could learn to write in calligraphy (which looks pretty classy when you use real ink and quill to send an invitation or something). She may want to use a clipboard to have the paper steady, but its worth a try.

Another suggestion would be to start up painting. It's beautiful and fun! Hope this helps! Deanna.

 

You could always do puzzles, read books, call your friends, see a movie, listen to music [Coldplay, of course!], go for a walk, write letters or a story.

If you want to exercise, you could work on tennis forearm or just bounce a ball, use a treadmill with great care, or go for a jog.

If you want a challenge, learn ASL, or American Sign Language. Hope I could help! Claire, USA.

 

I guess there were several light activity can be done with a single arm left. Such as painting or taking care of plants/garden. For a further satisfaction, I guess planting some short aged vegetable in container could be chosen. in 6-8 weeks, she could develop an almost fully grown leeks or shallot. for that time, cayenne pepper are starting to flower, and bok choy even getting ready to be harvested. Hope this help. Andra.

 

My mom had the same thing. She did super hard puzzles, like 10000 pieces. She set up a card table to keep it on. That way she could do a piece either every time she walked by, or sit down and work at it for awhile! Then she bought puzzle glue(which can be found at almost any craft store, very inexpensive) , put a puzzle glue layer on the front, one on the back, and framed them! They now hang around the house and look FANTASTIC! Hope I helped, if not, you'll come up with something! Best of luck to her and your family! You will be in my family's prayers! Sincerely, Katherine, United States.

 

Well I think she could do plenty of things but really depends on how much effort she wants to put into it. I don't want to seem like people that permanently don't have a hand are helpless. It also depends on which hand as I could do a lot more with my right than my left. If you really want to pamper her, though, have her do puzzles and things. Maybe shopping. I don't really know what she does for fun but there's almost always an alternative. Have her listen to some Coldplay. Hope she feels better soon. Love, Darem.

 

Walking. Maybe take a camera - obviously a small handy one - and take photos. There are plenty of games and quizzes online too. Maybe you could go to a local quiz - do they have pub quizzes in Australia I wonder... Abby.

 

This could be the perfect to watch that box-set of a series that your Mum has missed or loved in the past. I like to listen to the radio, it feels like I have company. There are some great podcasts too: some radio serials would be good to follow or comedy to cheer her up. Luke.

 

Thanks to all those who replied to this week’s question. Remember, Team Oracle is open to anyone so if you fancy replying, click to read this week's, and send us your answer.

May 20, 2013 - submitted by Christine D, United States of America

 

Q. Dear Oracle... there's an open mic in my town and I'm wondering if I should perform. I have a song I can play but I'm scared of being judged or messing up! What do I do? Should I do it?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

It's good to push & challenge yourself. There's nothing wrong with making a mistake either so don't let that put you off. So what if you mess up? Just carry on as if nothing went wrong. Ok, I know Chris usually stops and starts again if he's messed up but whatever you'd be happier with. You could make a joke out of it.

This is hypothetical of course because you may not make any mistakes.

There are times we are judged by others but hopefully everyone will be willing you to do well. Take some close friends to support & cheer you on.

If you learn the song well, you can only do your best. You're bound to feel nervous but that's natural. Once you've performed you'll probably feel an incredible buzz but that doesn't mean the nerves will go the next time. I think nerves are good - it shows you care. Go for it!

May 20, 2013 - submitted by Loreto, Chile

 

Q. Hi Oracle!, I found this cover of Life Is For Living and I swear this man sounds almost identical to Chris! What do you think?.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

If they ever bring back

, this guy has to mimic Chris. That is uncanny.

I would have thought it was Chris if not for the odd phrasing and pronunciation. He could have a great career as a tribute act.

 

*There was another Neil Diamond impersonator on the show who was brilliant - Gary Ryan.

May 20, 2013 - submitted by Josh, United Kingdom

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

 

I have no faith that this ridiculous question will be answered but here we go. The band's previous name was Trombolese for a short period.. Freed from Desire just came on shuffle, and it sounds very much like they keep saying Trombolese! Plus this was released in 1996... could this have been the inspiration behind Coldplay's early (and terrible) band name!?

 

Thanks!

Josh

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Ha ha ha! Josh I swear that I thought the exact same thing. Before I met Coldplay I thought they said trombolese in the lyrics to

. I had no idea what trombolese meant of course - that's because the lyrics are actually "he's got his strong beliefs". It seems we weren't alone in thinking that by the way.

The timing would suggest there could be a link as it was only a short time before Coldplay formed. To be honest if like me they thought it was an exotic music instrument, I can see why they would chose that as their early (and terrible) band name.

^ Coldplay were called Trombolese at some time? And I thought there was barely anything left to discover about their beginnings :wtf:

^ Coldplay were called Trombolese at some time? And I thought there was barely anything left to discover about their beginnings :wtf:

 

Yes, I think they were called that way back before they even played their first gig :thinking: I think they were called Big Fat Noise at one point as well :wtf:

^ Hahaha they should've kept that name :lol:

Yes, I think they were called that way back before they even played their first gig :thinking: I think they were called Big Fat Noise at one point as well :wtf:

I remembered Pectoral(s or z?) and Starfish but I had never heard of Big Fat Noise and Trombolese before! Considering how Parachutes sounds, Big Fat Noise would have been *quite* an irony :lol: