June 1, 2011 - submitted by Christopher, United States of America

 

Q. Dear Oracle: what is the name of the font on the new single's cover? Is it even a font, or perhaps something hand-designed?

 

sincerely,

a budding graphic designer.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

It's basically a modified bubble font of which there are many variants.

June 1, 2011 - submitted by Matt, United Kingdom[/color][/b]

 

Q. The longer I wait for the new album, the more I fear that it will be a hugely over produced mass of electronica... Please tell me I am wrong.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

You're wrong.

 

Ahh yes, the KISS method. Excellent!

June 1, 2011 - submitted by Lexi, United Kingdom

 

Q. Dearest Oracle,

Before a band (or even their opening act) comes on stage, the venue usually plays music (presumably to help keep the concert-goers patient.) Does the venue or the band pick the pre-show music? Thanks, Lexi (:

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

If there's music playing when you arrive it's likely to be the venue's pick but nearer show time there's the band's playlist. They once took DJ Wayne Griggs on tour to play the warm-up music but he still spun some tunes of Coldplay's choice.

Moments before the show there are usually a couple of songs to indicate the start. There's also the coming on music of course that the band choose and is played as they walk on stage.

June 1, 2011 - submitted by Matt, United Kingdom[/color][/b]

 

Q. The longer I wait for the new album, the more I fear that it will be a hugely over produced mass of electronica... Please tell me I am wrong.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

You're wrong.

 

:dozey:

June 2, 2011 - submitted by Amy, United Kingdom

 

Q. Hi Oracle, I think this might be a stupid question, but is there a specific release date for the new album? And will I be able to hear the new song here or where do I stream it? That is probably a stupid question too!

Well hope you're enjoying your day

xx

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Yes there is but I can't announce it. Tomorrow just come back here to listen to the new single. Exciting isn't it?

June 2, 2011 - submitted by Renate, Netherlands

 

Q. Hi Oracle!

Now, as the start of all the festivals is only a few days away, my question is: are the boys and the crew excited and looking forward to be on the road again? Will you join one or more festivals? If so: how much and where?

Thanks

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

It's going to be hard work but a lot of fun! Some crew members left for Germany yesterday actually. I'm attending T in the Park in July and can't wait to be there to see the reaction. I will be watching Glastonbury on TV for sure. It will be the first time I haven't been when they've played but I'm sure it'll be great. It's all going to be amazing. We're all pretty excited to be honest. The band are revved up and raring to go. Woo hoo! Roll on tomorrow; an exciting Coldplay day all round.

"exciting day all around"... I wonder if that means that LP5 will be finally announced...

June 2, 2011 - submitted by Renate, Netherlands

 

Q. Hi Oracle!

Now, as the start of all the festivals is only a few days away, my question is: are the boys and the crew excited and looking forward to be on the road again? Will you join one or more festivals? If so: how much and where?

Thanks

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

It's going to be hard work but a lot of fun! Some crew members left for Germany yesterday actually. I'm attending T in the Park in July and can't wait to be there to see the reaction. I will be watching Glastonbury on TV for sure. It will be the first time I haven't been when they've played but I'm sure it'll be great. It's all going to be amazing. We're all pretty excited to be honest. The band are revved up and raring to go. Woo hoo! Roll on tomorrow; an exciting Coldplay day all round.

 

Oooh I'll see you there Mighty O :D

June 3, 2011 - 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 now 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 200 words, to [email protected] before Thursday 9th June.

 

"I am 13 years old, but my family keeps treating me like I am 5 just because I am the youngest. I've tried to tell them how I feel about being treated that way (it embarrasses me, it makes me feel stupid, and it's driving me nuts!) but they don't listen. It is keeping me from being able to communicate with them because sometimes they don't take me seriously. Any ideas that could help? Frances."

 

Look forward to seeing your replies.

The Oracle

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Please email your replies to [email protected]

 

Due to the growing excitement that is mounting by the second for the new single, Mindy's responses will appear tomorrow (Sat 4th June).

Asked Oracle will the band play at big Apple event at Monday, June 6 - no answer. Thank you, dear.

^ She gets a lot of questions, she can decide for herself which she wants to answer. :dozey:

^Typing two or three letters (No or Yes) is a big deal, I know. What the point in asking if you won't receive answer? At least they could send answer by e-mail.

Maybe she doesn't even go through all the questions. And she only answers two/three at the time. Anyway, I'm not going to argue with you about what the Oracle does or doesn't do.

 

:escaping:

June 4, 2011 - submitted by Mindy, United States of America

 

Q. Team Oracle - #27

"I've been diagnosed with a pretty bad disease, but this wasn't recent.

My family and I had thought that it was in remission.

But now, it's come back even worse, and it's really impacting my life.

I am 14, I play representative sports and I'm in year 10.

My school and my sport lives have always clashed, but it's worse this time around, with both becoming more involved and more intense.

My arthritis makes it hard for me to do the things I love, which is my sport, and makes it quite painful for me to be at school, which I don't enjoy.

I have my ups and downs, but with such a large work load, and so little time because of my sport, I am starting to feel so very overwhelmed with stress.

I know it's only going to get worse throughout the semester.

I get tired and sore very easily, and my family and friends get very worried for me.

Do you have any suggestions which could make me struggle less with the work/sport/rest balance? Mindy."

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I hate to take what may seem like an easy way out here but I think you need to talk with your doctor to make sure that the sport is not having an adverse effect on your arthritis as well as monitoring any medication/treatment I assume you are having. Movement and exercise can help but you may be exacerbating the problem.

I'm afraid there's nothing I can do about you not enjoying school but do try to stay focussed as your education is important. Also, keep comfortable as you study, I'm sure you know all the things that will help with pain and discomfort but again, your doctor can help.

I think it's amazing that you are committed to your passion but you have to realise that it isn't always going to be possible to be 100% up to it. Your health has to come first so please don't push yourself beyond your capabilities.

There is a lot of information available that may help you regarding exercise, diet, breathing, supplements and alternative therapies etc. Counselling may be beneficial and also help with your stress levels. I think you need to plan your time wisely but make sure you timetable rest time as your condition certainly requires plenty of it.

Over to you...

 

I am so sorry to hear that you are stressed. A very wise man once told me "Life is all about balance." It sounds so easy, but I think it is one of the hardest things in life to get right. It is important to do what you love but it is also important to do well in school. One of the first things to look at is whether or not you are getting enough sleep. I know that sounds cliche, but a good night's rest is the pathway to a very happy heart. In terms of your sport and school, sometimes we have to temporarily give up something we want to do in order to do what we have to do. It is never fun but in order to balance the life scale out we have to take something off one side. It doesn't mean you have to give up your dream forever; just for now, so that you can enjoy it even more later. And when later comes, try to take on a smaller school load, if possible, so that you can live your dream but also excel in school. Wish you the best. Joseph S.

 

I maybe wrong but its sounds like you have Rheumatoid Arthritis. Having this especially at such a young age can feel overwhelming. I assume you see your doctor about this and I was wondering whether they had recommended any support groups for you? Take it from me that these things can sound very cheesy but there will be people there who are going/have already been through the exact same things as you and will know how to deal with it. Perhaps it will also give you hope that you can manage as well. As for a balance well this may not be the answer you want to hear but just slow down a little bit, don't be so hard on yourself and give yourself a break. It will take time. The best thing to equip yourself with is patience. I wish you the best of luck for your future. Shay.

 

Perservere; with God's help you will be able to overcome the troubles that currently antagonize you. With a strong-willed, determined effort and mindset you can overcome the obstacles laid before you. Take each issue in it's own, and focus on each difficulty until you overcome it and make it go away. As for stress, think day-to-day and focus on what you need to do for that day only. For example, as of right now you should focus on your resting habits. Go online look at tips that will help you go to sleep (there will be something on the internet that will help). If the internet doesn't totally resolve your issue, maybe try going to a doctor or psycologist to help you. So overall, take each day as it comes focus on one goal until it has been completed then move onto the next one. Sometimes you'll be successful other times you won't, just work as hard as you possible can, learn from your mistakes and you will be successful and have a happy life. God bless, Colin.

 

My best friend was diagnosed with arthritis when he was two. He's seventeen now and the most phenomenal concert pianist. I'm an avid athlete. I play lacrosse, basketball, soccer, volleyball, everything. Both my pianist friend and I are... nerds. We're in 11th grade, but we take as many rigorous college-level classes as possible. So when my life gets crazy with homework, finals, playoffs, and practice, I focus on what's most immediate and go from there. I've found if you're a good enough student, you can work with teachers, explain to them what's going on, and they work something out with you that's convenient and less stressful.

For dealing with the discomfort, my advice is to find an enjoyable distraction. My stomach gives me pains, and they only get worse if I focus on them or I'm in a bad mood.

Personally, I try my best to keep up sports and education, because both are essential, especially if you have arthritis, sometimes the best thing is to keep moving. (Hence my friend is a pianist.) It might be best to give it a try and see what can work out with teachers and coaches. It might not be as stressful as you think it will. Best Wishes! Dianna Black.

 

Finding a balance between school, sports, and personal time is hard. It seems you are so overwhelmed because you have so much on your plate all at once. You may not like this suggestion, but you should try taking a break from your sport for one term. This will alleviate some of the intense stress you're feeling from trying to balance it all. This will also give your body some well deserved rest and allow you to gain back strength. For your arthritis, you may want to consider medication or consulting with a physical therapist who can show you exercises that will help you. Having some personal time to gather your thoughts can also help deal with stress, so try setting aside some "you" time each week and see how you like it. Most importantly, surround yourself with friends and the people who love you. They will help you take your mind off the stress and give you support when you need it. Blake.

 

Honestly, the only option I really see for this situation is to stop playing your sport. Not only is the sport taking a huge toll on your physical health (which you yourself say is not optimal), but it's also causing you to mentally shut down. You may not want to, but if your illness is as serious as I read it to be, and if you really want things to be better, that's what you need to do. I remember my junior year of high school when I was juggling so many things (AP classes, band, etc.), and because of it, I was eventually forced to give up piano lessons. I didn't like it initially, but I ended up feeling not nearly as strained afterwards. I know I don't have the same situation as you. Yours is more complicated, which makes it even more imperative for you to stop before you end up severely hurting yourself. I know you want to be happy, but it's more important for you to be healthy, and by continuing to play, you are only making things worse for yourself. I wish you the best of luck, Mindy. Violet.

 

I'm sorry that you have a chronic disease. Exercise is a very important part of therapy. I'm wondering if swimming during a flare and backing off of the more load-bearing activities might help? Ask your doctor if there is a support group for teens and their families.

I think sharing will help you see that 1) you are not alone, 2) you may pick up some coping skills from other teens, and 3) provide opportunities for making life-long friendships. Most chronic conditions come with some level of pain or discomfort, but it is crucial that you continue to keep an open dialogue with your doctor and your parents.

I know school compounded by all these other activities feels overwhelming, and managing a chronic disease on top of that must be exhausting. I would like to recommend that you keep a journal of this time. It can help you to organize your thoughts and gain perspective and distance from your anxieties. Sometimes when I'm stressed, I'll write a list of the things bothering me, and that lessens some of the burden; like I'm moving all of that stress from my soul to the paper. You will get through this time, and reflect back with pride at how well you handled these challenges!

I wish you well and take good care, Aimee.

 

Thank you all for your replies.

Click to read this week's Team Oracle question, and send us your answer.

Violet again! ;) :D

Wow. Three consecutive weeks? My mind is blown.

 

No, really. I couldn't have hoped for this much featuring in such a short period of time. It's wonderful to know that The Oracle finds my advice worthy of sharing with these people. I just...I don't even know what to say at this point. I'm just overwhelmed with happiness. :heart:

June 6, 2011 - submitted by Nina, Germany

 

Q. Hi Oracle,

my question is about the curl-symbol which Chris was wearing at his shirt during the Rock im Park show (and which also is arranged here at your hompage):

This symbol is the emblem of a Restaurant in Nuremberg, where I was working as a waitress. Is there any secret conection between Coldplay and this restaurant?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Absolutely none at all, whatsoever. I saw a similar swirl on Britain's Got Talent but that's a totally unrelated coincidence too!

June 6, 2011 - submitted by Patrice, Australia

 

Q. I know you can't say when the date of LP5 is but why all the secrecy?! Especially as 4-5 songs are now out in the youtube a sphere ... I'm trying to hold out from listening to them too much until the album is out ... but it's extermely difficult! Please help!

 

Patrice

Slightly desperate.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

It's not a secret, it just hasn't been officially announced yet. We want to wait until it's absolutely finished too, which it isn't. Also, a vague time scale was given after an EMI rep quoted it.

June 6, 2011 - submitted by Bowen, United States of America

 

Q. Hey Oracle!

 

I watched the live stream of Rock Am Ring on Saturday and loved all of it, the boys reminded me why they're my favorite band in the world. All the new songs are great.

 

I know that someone has said that there will be "no video" for ETIAW. So I guess my question is two-fold. First, why not? And second, does this mean that it isn't the lead single from LP5 (or even will be on it)? Thanks Oracle, you rock!

 

-B

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

As you rightly notice there is no video - at the moment. That doesn't mean that whoever told you there'll be "no video" is correct. There MAY be a video. There may not. Oooh I'm annoying aren't I? It must appear that everything is shrouded in secrecy right now but it's not meant to be.

 

I just want to clear up that no album track listing has been announced so whether ETIAW appears on the album remains to be seen and is not for me to speculate upon. Until the album is mastered and totally ready it would be pointless.

ETIAW is a single. It's irrelevant whether it's a lead single or not as the album is still a while off. A single does not have relate to an album or appear on one, it can stand alone (as Christmas Lights did) but that doesn't mean that it will or won't.

Ah sorry for being slightly cryptic guys, you know I couldn't say even if I knew (which I don't).

Would you people PLEASE stop bothering her about release dates and the status of the single? SHEESH.

June 6, 2011 - submitted by Bowen, United States of America

 

Q. Hey Oracle!

 

I watched the live stream of Rock Am Ring on Saturday and loved all of it, the boys reminded me why they're my favorite band in the world. All the new songs are great.

 

I know that someone has said that there will be "no video" for ETIAW. So I guess my question is two-fold. First, why not? And second, does this mean that it isn't the lead single from LP5 (or even will be on it)? Thanks Oracle, you rock!

 

-B

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

As you rightly notice there is no video - at the moment. That doesn't mean that whoever told you there'll be "no video" is correct. There MAY be a video. There may not. Oooh I'm annoying aren't I? It must appear that everything is shrouded in secrecy right now but it's not meant to be.

 

I just want to clear up that no album track listing has been announced so whether ETIAW appears on the album remains to be seen and is not for me to speculate upon. Until the album is mastered and totally ready it would be pointless.

ETIAW is a single. It's irrelevant whether it's a lead single or not as the album is still a while off. A single does not have relate to an album or appear on one, it can stand alone (as Christmas Lights did) but that doesn't mean that it will or won't.

Ah sorry for being slightly cryptic guys, you know I couldn't say even if I knew (which I don't).

 

So those guys who said there dad has finished the final mix were lying.

This album seems a long way off just yet, but at least that means more material other than the ones played at Rock IM/AM Ring.

June 6, 2011 - submitted by Patrice, Australia

 

Q. I know you can't say when the date of LP5 is but why all the secrecy?! Especially as 4-5 songs are now out in the youtube a sphere ... I'm trying to hold out from listening to them too much until the album is out ... but it's extermely difficult! Please help!

 

Patrice

Slightly desperate.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

It's not a secret, it just hasn't been officially announced yet. We want to wait until it's absolutely finished too, which it isn't. Also, a vague time scale was given after an EMI rep quoted it.

 

I wonder what she meant by saying that. Is she re-affirming that the album will be release during the autumn?

 

 

There MAY be a video. There may not. Oooh I'm annoying aren't I?

 

 

YES!

June 6, 2011 - submitted by Nina, Germany[/color][/b]

 

Q. Hi Oracle,

my question is about the curl-symbol which Chris was wearing at his shirt during the Rock im Park show (and which also is arranged here at your hompage):

This symbol is the emblem of a Restaurant in Nuremberg, where I was working as a waitress. Is there any secret conection between Coldplay and this restaurant?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Absolutely none at all, whatsoever. I saw a similar swirl on Britain's Got Talent but that's a totally unrelated coincidence too!

 

:blank:

:blank:

 

Wait, are you saying Coldplay DIDN'T invent swirls?!?!?!?!?