Ask the Oracle on Coldplay.com (Now in session!)

[Tash]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Who wants to join <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TeamOracle&src=hash">#TeamOracle</a>? How do you spot a true friend? Reply to Lina before midnight 14 Nov via: <a href="http://t.co/FALDB0HpCG">http://t.co/FALDB0HpCG</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/400336140143984640">November 12, 2013</a></blockquote>

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[Tash]

November 13, 2013 - submitted by Emma, United Kingdom

 

Q. Hi Oracle!

Just wondering who drew Coldplay's current twitter display picture? Was it one of the guy's kids?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

All the pictures on the Under 1 Roof show poster were drawn by kids involved with Kids Company.

The twitter pic is taken from the poster and is of course a drawing of the band.

[Tash]

November 13, 2013 - submitted by Marc, Spain

 

Q. Dear all-knowing Oracle,

 

In the Spotify biography of A Fine Frenzy it is said that Alison Sudol "began playing piano as a teenager, with bands like Coldplay and Keane". Did she really have a relation with the band? Tell me more, please!

 

Thank you. Love from BCN :)

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

No, she didn't. You have misquoted the biography. You've missed the end part of the sentence and that makes all the difference:

"She began playing piano as a teenager, with bands like Coldplay and Keane inspiring her whimsical, pop-minded music".

[Tash]

November 13, 2013 - submitted by Ethan, United States of America

 

Q. Hey Oracle!

I hope you are having a great day, I was just curious was the Yellow video shot in one take?

Best Regards,

Ethan

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

No, but it didn't take long. Although it was a 12-hour day, the actual footage was shot in under an hour. They only ran through the song 5 times.

[Tash]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Got a question? Emma asked who drew the band's current twitter profile pic. Find out here: <a href="http://t.co/x0tgPOiU09">http://t.co/x0tgPOiU09</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/400712359464824832">November 13, 2013</a></blockquote>

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[Tash]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Got a question? Ethan asked if the Yellow video was filmed in one take. Find out if it was, here: <a href="http://t.co/itbJ5he1YF">http://t.co/itbJ5he1YF</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/400713160253923328">November 13, 2013</a></blockquote>

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[Tash]

November 14, 2013 - submitted by Franco, Argentina

 

Q. I don't know if this question is hard to answer but how many time is needed to make a video like Strawberry Swing or Paradise?

Thanks from Argentina, Franco.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I know I answered a question about the Yellow video yesterday but in the case of the ones you ask about, Anchorman interviewed the directors of each so the answers are already on the website. To hear what Shynola and Mat Whitecross said about Strawberry Swing and Paradise respectively, please follow the links.

[Tash]

November 14, 2013 - submitted by Leticia, Chile

 

Q. Q. Hi Oracle!

I heared Atlas and I have a question... what would you like more? Katniss with Peeta or Katniss with Gale? #teampeeta or #teamgale?

 

love to Chris, Guy, Will and Jonny.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I went to the premiere on Monday and that is the very first time I have read / seen anything to do with The Hunger Games. I was very confused as I had no point of reference at all. Katniss seems equally confused as she clearly loves both. I don't know how the trilogy ends but I suspect she will be with Peeta even though I'm possibly leaning towards Team Gale.

I really think I should read the books.

[Tash]

November 14, 2013 - submitted by Meghan, United States of America

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

Is it too late to send Phil stamps because I would really like to :)

And there are rumors that the next tour won't be until 2015.. Is that true?

Thanks so much,

Meghan, GA

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Yes, it is too late to send stamps as the closing date was last Friday.

Tickets for the only show in the schedule went on sale 15 minutes ago but as always, tour dates will only be announced in News as and when we're back on the road.

[Tash]

November 14, 2013 - submitted by Anna, United States of America

 

Q. Hello Oracle!!!

I've asked you this question multiple times and you never answer. I REALLY want to know the answer to this question so please tell me: Where did the band get their name from?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I wasn't ignoring you, the reason I didn't reply is because that question has been asked several times - the answer is here.

[Tash]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Who wants to join <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TeamOracle&src=hash">#TeamOracle</a>? Send your answers to Lina's Q before midnight TONIGHT: <a href="http://t.co/FALDB0HpCG">http://t.co/FALDB0HpCG</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/400945204947333120">November 14, 2013</a></blockquote>

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[Tash]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Last 6hrs to join <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TeamOracle&src=hash">#TeamOracle</a>. Open to everyone. Send your answers before tonight's deadline. Find out how here: <a href="http://t.co/FALDB0HpCG">http://t.co/FALDB0HpCG</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/401047561903288320">November 14, 2013</a></blockquote>

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November 15, 2013 - submitted by The Oracle, United Kingdom

 

Q. WHO'D LIKE TO JOIN TEAM ORACLE?

 

As you may know, we have a weekly feature, Team Oracle, whereby each Friday we open questions of a personal nature to all of you to answer too. Then, the following Friday, I 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 21st November.

 

I'm 25 and the woman I loved for 5 years left me. Married for 1 of those years but spent it learning her depression strained the relationship too much. It was severe and caring for her emotional state buried mine. My sentiments were often ignored, feelings of intimacy were ignored, and she was critical of how I didn't care for her enough (although in my mind I exhausted myself). Background aside and on to my question: How do I move on from this to open myself to the great journeys life has to offer and eventually love again? Anon. USA.

 

Look forward to seeing your replies.

 

The Oracle.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Please email your replies to [email protected]

Include your twitter address for a follow back.

[Tash]

November 15, 2013 - submitted by Lina, Lithuania

 

Q. TEAM ORACLE QUESTION #144

How do you know if a friend is true? I mean, without all that "you'll know who is your friend when you're in trouble" thing, I don't face any big problems in my life at this time. There must be a way to find out!!! Thanks.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I'm glad you don't have any current worries to put your friendships to the test but I think there's a lot of truth in finding out who you're real friends are in times of crisis. A true friend is there for you no matter what.

I will add this: I have many good friends but I'm aware that the levels of friendship are different. Some are similar to me, some are opposite to me. Some are needy and it's my job to be there for them. Some have problems but they turn to me for fun and distraction. Some are troubled and want my advice or a shoulder to cry on. Whether they want laughs or support or just someone to hang out with, I am there for them in whatever way they need - as they are for me.

I'm confident that I can work out my needs from my friends too. Sometimes I have been disappointed when a friend has let me down or not displayed the loyalty I feel is mutually bound but I think with age came the knowledge of what, if any, expectations to have. I no longer expect "too much" from other people.

Different people can offer different things in their role of friend. I wonder if it's worth asking what you get from & offer to yours.

The fundamental thing I want and possibly need is trust. I know I have some people who aren't great secret keepers so I don't tell them any. I also have friends who I can & do confide in. It's getting to know your friends as people and then working out what you both bring to the relationship that works for each of you.

I've probably made it sound very complicated but I think it's something that hopefully will come instinctively to you.

For now, don't worry, just spend time with people you like and have common interests with.

Over to you.

 

I think what proves a true friend is whether they stick around you in the roughest of times (even if there aren't many 1) you're very lucky :) 2) everyone experiences negative points in their lives, it can't be avoided). Also, they won't do anything without your permission/concern. There's this girl I really like, the problem was, she liked one of my best friends! But, because he was a 'true friend' he did nothing and let her go. From then on I saw him as such a good friend and I'd trust him with anything. So a 'true friend' in my opinion is someone who would never do anything to hurt your feelings and someone you can trust with absolutely anything. When you really think about it, there are very few people who fit this description perfectly.

Hope this helps. Kind regards and good luck. Joe.

 

I must admit it is a bit hard to know when a friend is true, but thanks to all the bad and good experiences I have had in my life I can give you a list:

1. Not any true friend tries to change you: Do not misunderstand me, they can give you advices and suggestions, but never conditions to establish or maintain a friendship, at least, not conditions that you're not willing to do, like changing your personality or something of the kind.

2. Not any true friend judges or abuses you: Here is were the word "bullying" makes its appearance, which is too sad considering there is people that still think it means physical abuse only and ignore the fact that it can start with a simple insult.

3. A true friend do not exactly fix your problems but does worry and tries to give you and advice, supporting you or at least getting you a smile.

This might not be the largest list ever and I am sure there are more ways to identify a true friendship, but I hope these 3 things will help you in a future. MDLA.

 

I think a "true friend" which can have you so confident to tell your secrets, without fear you play, even if not always with you, but he did not criticize you, hurt, harm or betray, gave you no heart damage. Stefany.

 

For me, a true friend is someone who you can always talk to during positive or negative times in your life. They not only talk but they listen. I think most people forget about the importance of listening. A friend who listens to you probably is really sincere and a true friend. It shows that the they are not self-centered since they do really care about. A true friend will accept you the way you are and try not to shape you to be someone else. When you hang around with your friends and you feel happy and safe, those are usually you're true friends. Hope it helps. Anonymous.

 

I would say that a true friend is someone who is there for you in the good and the bad. Someone who is willing to make time for you to spend time together and do fun things. Someone who won't make you feel bad but instead always finds a way to make you feel happy and good about yourself. Someone who will always be truthful and won't judge you and instead accept you the way you are. I think a true friend helps you grow as a person. They listen to what you have to say and offer the most best advice they can give. A true friend will be supportive. Sometimes it can be hard to spot a true friend but if someone is always there for you, then that would be a good sign. Sheyla.

 

I suppose you’re asking this because you’re having doubts about a friendship, but I don’t know if you’re questioning your friendship towards a person or theirs towards you. Anyway, here’s my experience as a woman in her thirties. Like love, friendship is a feeling and per se cannot really be explain rationally. So trust your feelings! A true friend brings you something special. They make you feel good. You like their company and care for them. You like them for what they are, flaws included. You don’t pretend in their company, you’re just yourself. You show honesty and respect. You’ll do anything for them. You’re affected by what happens to them, be it good or bad. If you don’t see each other for a while - even years, you’ll talk again as if you met yesterday. Seeing a friendship grow with time is a wonderful feeling. And even if you lose some good friends on the way - some with much regret, what matters is that what you shared at the time was real and sincere.

For me, a true friendship takes to open up and confide in each other, because it’s how you really get to know somebody. But for others, it's just about having loads of fun together. There are no rules, only a feeling of sharing. May your friendship last a lifetime or a few years, it’s a connection you’ll carry in your heart forever. So cherish it!

Love from France, Helene.

 

How you recognize a real friend, a real friend is somebody who is there for you no matter what, not only for problems but also for joy. I have to say that you really know who you're friends are in hard times a real friend is somebody who don't need any words, he/she knows what you mean by only look at each other. "A real friend is like a star, you not always see them but they are always there by you're side" greets from Marianne.

 

If someone were to ask me this when I was younger, I wouldn't have known what to say. But within the past two years, my life has been quite crazy, and within all of that craziness, I've learned what a true friend is. You see, through all of the craziness and sadness I've felt, there was someone who was always there to help me get back onto my feet. I constantly asked myself why she would constantly put up with whatever I was going through, and the answer was much simpler than I thought it was. She was a friend, and a friend is someone who is there for you, no matter the circumstance.

Best wishes! Bradley H.

 

There's a few ways you can tell a real friend from a fake. One way is to think about how supportive they are of you, whether they encourage you to do well and keep you from doing bad, or do the rather make fun of you when you fail? Do they stick up for you when someone is being disrespectful to you? A true friend defiantly should stick up for you. Do they make time to hang out with you? Do they want to hang out with you? Is it an even relationship, to they care about you as much as much as you care about them? Do they make promises and stick to them? And I know this may sound harsh, but is there a reason your friend is your friend? By that I mean, do they just use you do get a lift to school? Free notes in class? Are you second best or there for when they’re bored? Do they use you as a way to get popular? Maybe you’re stronger than them and you offer them protection? Some of the answers to these questions might not be to clear, the aren't always. When it comes down to it, only you can decide whether you want to be friends with that person or not. Don’t lose friendship with someone just because everyone tells you they’re “uncool”, don't change to fit in society, keep true to yourself and make sure your friends are true to you. Grace.

 

I think that a true friend helps you when you need help, cries with you when you wanna cry, and laughs with you when you wanna laugh. A true friend will never disappoint you, will never forget you, will never let you go. A true friend makes what others can't make, a true friend you'll find just one time in life, and you must enjoy it! With love from Brazil, Thuane.

 

What do you expect from your friends? What would you do to be someone’s true friend?

For sure we want to know even in good times who are the friends to count on, before it comes to hard times and we have to realize there might be no friends at all. Don’t worry, this worst case won’t happen to you.

Certainly it will be easier to find out over a long time than quickly. To test your friend, to set any kind of traps only would disturb your friendship, a good friend would trust. You can only expect to get back what you put in, a friendship is a dynamic interplay. Still there’s no need to be thoughtless or noncritical, friends could handle that. I can’t know what would be important to you - a true friend of mine wouldn’t want to change me, though being there or help if I am going through any changes. Decide where to set your own values. Best wishes. L.Q.

 

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.

[Tash]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Who wants to join <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TeamOracle&src=hash">#TeamOracle</a>? Anon is struggling to move on from his ended marriage. Reply before midnight 21 Nov: <a href="http://t.co/ssWqqGcxfC">http://t.co/ssWqqGcxfC</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/401378827240099840">November 15, 2013</a></blockquote>

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[Tash]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Thanks to all those who replied to Lina's <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TeamOracle&src=hash">#TeamOracle</a> question. Here are the replies: <a href="http://t.co/KrjSUrTycR">http://t.co/KrjSUrTycR</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/401379048586100736">November 15, 2013</a></blockquote>

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[Tash]

November 18, 2013 - submitted by Fiammetta, Italy

 

Q. I know it's too late to send Phil stamps, but can I still send him a letter just for my own satisfaction? :)

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

No, I politely ask that you please do not send mail to the address we gave for the stamps. It was very kind that they helped to facilitate the project but it's not fair to expect them to receive any other mail at their very busy office.

We don't have a postal address which is why our mail is accepted electronically.

[Tash]

November 18, 2013 - submitted by frank Martinez, United States of America

 

Q. Hello Oracle. I met Chris on Nov. 5 2013 in Hollywood, CA at a secret show he did at a place called Hotel Cafe. He literally is the biggest influence and inspiration in my life and I was fortunate to speak with him for about 10 minutes. I gave him a link to my music video, as I am a solo artist. I was just wondering if Chris was able to watch it? He said he would and I truly believe him and he probably did watch it. I don't mind if he wasn't interested or didn't like the song or video, but I would like to know if he watched it? If you can ask him for me and reply, It would be much appreciated. I believe he will remember me. I also tried to be as respectful as I could to him. He was a true gentleman. Thank you Oracle.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Gosh, it's turning into a morning of "no" responses. I'm ever so sorry but that's not going to be possible. Not just because this was something during Chris' down time (I covered the secret gig last week) but as I'm sure you can imagine, the band meet many people so I don't get involved in tracking conversations, gifts, links, letters etc. I'm sure if he said he will watch it, he will.

Feel free to submit the link (that I have edited out, sorry) via our Hypnofeed section on the site. If it's chosen we can all watch.

[Tash]

November 18, 2013 - submitted by Joey, United States of America

 

Q. Hello Oracle! Hope all is going swell with you!

I had a question about a song I heard the band play live about a year ago. It was Speed of Sound at Stockholm and Chris didn't sing the normal lyrics at first, he opened up with something else and then said "Sorry that was other one" What is that supposed to mean? Was there another version of the song?!

Thank you! :)

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I'm pretty good thanks, Joey. There wasn't another version of the

. Chris sang: "My mama told me when I was young, we are all born superstars which is a line from Lady Gaga's Born This Way.

[Tash]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Got a question? Fiammetta asked if it's still ok to post stamps to Phil. Find out if it is, here: <a href="http://t.co/DhV8ahdswf">http://t.co/DhV8ahdswf</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/402440145950875648">November 18, 2013</a></blockquote>

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[Tash]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Got a question? Joey asked about if there's an alternative version of Speed of Sound. Find out more: <a href="http://t.co/drNEknEtxJ">http://t.co/drNEknEtxJ</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/402440419193008128">November 18, 2013</a></blockquote>

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[Tash]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TeamOracle&src=hash">#TeamOracle</a> needs you. Anon is struggling to move on from his ended marriage. Open to all. Full details here: <a href="http://t.co/ssWqqGcxfC">http://t.co/ssWqqGcxfC</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/402440894462169088">November 18, 2013</a></blockquote>

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[Tash]

November 19, 2013 - submitted by Cheggy, United Kingdom

 

Q. Alright so I was watching a film called The Wee Man, based in Glasgow. At 1:15:25 it comes to a part at the building which is at the end of the music video for Every Teardrop is a Waterfall. I also noticed in the background I can see a clock tower near where I live so it made me curious to where exactly in Glasgow that building is, and how did the band come across that building as their idea for the music video?

 

thanks :)

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

That's the beauty of film, Cheggy. It may appear to be filmed at one place but is in fact another. The building used in the ETIAW video is in London, not Glasgow.

As you may know, filmmakers often use different locations for certain scenes and even edit the background to match the rest of the film.

There's a part in Withnail & I that springs to mind. Paul McGann walks out of Uncle Monty's cottage and the view from the door is spectacular. Having been to Uncle Monty's Lake District home I can testify that the view shown on film is not the view from that door.

[Tash]

November 19, 2013 - submitted by Sjors , Netherlands

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

 

Do you know/can you ask Hoppy or Chris which guitar-pickup they use for the acoustic guitars for the band?

 

Thanks and greetings from Holland!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Your wish is my command! Here's what Hoppy told me:

 

"The band's acoustic guitars are currently fitted with Fishman Matrix Infinity pick-ups and have been for some time.

As far as I recall we have been using them since the X & Y tour.

Hope this helps!"

[Tash]

November 20, 2013 - submitted by Greg, United States of America

 

Q. I was reading Roadie by JB's right-hand-man Matt McGinn again and I came across a picture where it looks like JB is helping Matt with some tuning or whatever. Anyways, the caption for it read:

 

Hang on, who's roadie-ing for who here?

Mayfair Studios, London, 2003.

 

I remember vaguely in some Viva interviews they said the new studio(s) meant they had no time limits, could do whatever they want whenever they want, weren't being charged for each session, etc.

 

So,I searched the Beehive tag and came up with something close to an answer posted on Nov. 23, 2009. You referred to Rockfield, Parr St., and Sarm studios to record the first 3 LPs. (Not disputing it, just so happens on Parr St. website they boast that it's the home of Coldplay's first 3 albums, curious about that info's veracity). So, this got me wondering why the boys didn't have a Bakery or a Beehive back then. Was it simply not a viable economic option then, or did the idea strike them before the Viva sessions?

 

Thanks for the time, Oracle and Coldplayers!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

When I listed those 3 studios almost 4 years to the day back on Nov 23, 2009, I wasn't listing them in album order.

For example Parachutes was recorded at Rockfield and Parr St., AROBTTH was recorded at Parr St. and X&Y was part-recorded at Parr St. before the rest was completed at Sarm. FYI High Speed on their debut, wasn't part of the Ken Nelson sessions so wasn't a Parr St. track.

Obviously this isn't an exhaustive, definitive list as I haven't taken mixing into consideration.

Not all bands have their own studios but it was something they aimed to have. They'd been very happy up in Liverpool but it was clear that X&Y hadn't been an easy record to make. It made sense to find the right space in London where they can be creative, productive, comfortable and without time constraints and pressures. The Bakery was that right place.