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

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Who wants to join <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TeamOracle&src=hash">#TeamOracle</a>? Stephanie wants help with letting go. Send replies by midnight (GMT) 20 Feb, via: <a href="http://t.co/hXJ2AnfRME">http://t.co/hXJ2AnfRME</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/436214020656623616">February 19, 2014</a></blockquote>

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February 20, 2014 - submitted by Jason, United States of America

 

Q. Hello powerful Oracle.

 

I hear a lot about Coldplay's mysterious 5th member and wonder what exactly he's responsible for at shows. Is he in charge of triggering tracks and click? Does he play keys? I must know. It's killing me. A lot.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

There is nothing mysterious about our 5th member. He is openly named in fact.

Phil Harvey has a creative role, not a performing one.

The band's facebook page says:

 

The people:

 

Jonny Buckland

The wise one who plays guitar

 

Will Champion

The frightening one who plays drums

 

Guy Berryman

The very handsome one who plays bass

 

Chris Martin

The other one, who sings

 

And don't forget

 

Phil Harvey

The wise, handsome, frightening one who tells us what to do

[Tash]

February 20, 2014 - submitted by M, United States of America

 

Q. What if I bought a Greatest Hits album, which I now know is illegal, and not real, but I didn't know at the time. Would I be held accountable for getting in some kind of trouble for owning it, even though I didn't know at the time? Should I throw it away?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

If you're ever not sure about legitimate recordings, just check our Recordings section. CDs should also bear the label's official logo.

The band don't have a Greatest Hits but I doubt anybody cares enough to hunt you down - don't worry. How would anyone know you have it? Apart from us and I won't tell anyone ;-)

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February 20, 2014 - submitted by Mar, United States of America

 

Q. Hi, Oracle!

I hope this time you answer me. Today I was seeking a song and I found this: (EDIT: I HAVE REMOVED THE LINK. O.)

Some people say that this will be the first single of LP6. Is this true? If it's true, this song is a real preview of the single?

As I said before, please answer me this time.

Thank you!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

No. It's not. Absolutely not. There is a very quick way to find out what a song is by using a song recognition app. That's what I did to find out that the artist is actually Phantogram and the track is called All Dried Up.

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February 21, 2014 - 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 27th February.

 

Lately I've been very unproductive. For the past few months I have slowly been sabotaging myself by constantly putting off important things in my life. These things include finding friends, getting a job, finding a place of my own, and most importantly, starting my career.

I've come to the conclusion that I'm doing this out of extreme fear of the future. In my core I am extremely afraid of being successful, and more importantly, afraid of failure. All I can see crushing failure awaiting me and implications that would have on my life (i.e. I would be a failure to my family and myself, I would have wasted years of my life and be significantly behind everyone else).

I don't want to be the guy working at McDonald's in his thirties. However, the more I put my problem off the worse my situation becomes, resulting in a bit of a "self-fulfilling prophecy" if you will. Even though I know my problem and I know logically I'm making things worse for myself, I cannot find the courage to move on.

What should I do?

Thanks. Yours truly, Anthony, USA.

 

Look forward to seeing your replies.

 

The Oracle.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Please email your replies to [email protected]

Including your twitter address may result in a follow back.

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February 21, 2014 - submitted by Stephanie, Mexico

 

Q. TEAM ORACLE QUESTION #157

I'm looking for your advice because I really want to know if there are others out there who feel the way I feel. The thing is I need to know where I can find the strength to let go? When things don't work out the way it should, it's time to face the truth that you have to step back and leave it for good. I am aware that letting go is the right thing to do because "I will find something better waiting in my future" or " I will find what is meant to be". I know, BUT I don't feel that way. I don't even know where to start. Sometimes I don't even want to get up out of bed, but I'm not sad because I am realistic and I know I won't die for taking my choice but I still feel this way, I feel hollow. Life is really beautiful and I want to feel it again.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

You say you don't feel that way, Stephanie but you are thinking that way and that is a very good start. So many of us don't let go because we cling to hope or if onlys. It sounds like you're being very rational. Obviously the old adage that it's easier said than done is true but you are on the right track.

Sometimes you have to give yourself time. Just because your brain knows you need to let go, the rest of you may not be ready. You need to give your heart, body or whatever time to rest, recover and heal before being ready for the next chapter.

If you imagine the "thing" - whatever it is - is on a conveyor belt. As it comes along, pick it up, spend a short time with it then place it back on the conveyor belt and let it pass you by.

Don't wallow or allow the time in limbo to linger too long. Give yourself a designated time every day to think about how it didn't work out if you need to but limit it. Balance that out with working out what went wrong, why and how you could possibly learn and grow from it for moving forward in the future.

I truly believe you can retrain your brain to cope and deal with setbacks. It may take years but there may be a time when you can let go far more easily. Until such a time, fill your life with friends, fun and doing things that you love. Spend the time positively and I'm sure you'll appreciate all that life has to offer.

Over to you.

 

Letting things go is sometimes harder then fight to get what you want. You said you are realistic. Think realistic about what you want. If it is something you need in the future, or if there are no other options, you must fight for it. When you have conquered your problems, you'll probably feel much and much better. I can tell that by my own experiences.

Goodluck, Isabelle.

 

I know exactly what you feel more than you can realize. What I do is think about my reasons for needing to let it go and find strength in my reasons. Listening to music, going for a drive and getting ice cream, even smiling helps me too. When my emptiness begins to happen I have to tell myself that I will not let it bother me because I am in the right and am doing what I need to do to be better. Hope this helps! Ashlyn.

 

I can understand your situation. Everybody feels the way you do, for example me, in the event that things don't work out, I don't want to do anything. Just sitting for hours or staying in bed and sleeping... The first thing to be done is really easy : Don't be alone and sad, listen your favourite song, watch your favourite movie, talk to your best friends or write something! Writing is the best skill of expressing yourself. Gain your self-confidence. Try to do something, something you enjoy to do. You're right, life is really beautiful. And it goes on, every second, every minute. You have got dreams, haven't you? Follow your dreams. Don't forget them. Good luck. Oylum.

 

You go through the motions. That's how you let go. You go through the motions of day to day life, focusing your thoughts on productive things, on progression in life and not on the thing that you find so hard to let go. At some point in time, you will find that you have let go. For me personally, I don't want to be in love with someone who isn't in love with me. I don't mind loving someone who doesn't love me back. That happens all the time. I don't want to be in love with someone who isn't in love with me, but it happens. I've found letting go of that heartbreak/disappointment starts with just going through the motions of life, as if it's just a normal day. Its an exercise in self-restraint, but you know what? Self-restraint is such a great mechanism for personal growth. I'm sure that's why its used on this circus ride, so get to using it. Miranda.

 

First of all, you're not alone. I understand what you mean. I frequently feel the same way. That permanent feeling that you did something wrong, that you regret on doing something, that you disappointed or hurted someone... Or even when you can't shut down something that's already over. The thing is: letting go is hard, especially if you're that kind of person who keeps thinking about it and the "WHY": "WHY did I do it?" "WHY can't I undo it?" "WHY can't I let go?". The fact is: you can, indeed, let go. But it takes time. My advise: in order to let go, you need to stop for a while and think about it: I assume you're not crazy; so, when you made that particular choice, you were believing, in that moment, it was the right thing to do. If you were right, you have nothing to be sorry about, regardless the consequences. If you were wrong and you shouldn't have made that decision, than you need to take this experience and learn from it, to avoid something similar in the future. Try this, and, hopefully, you will be able to let go. Best wishes, Ana, from Porto, Portugal.

 

There are thousands of people out there feeling the way you do. I used to be one of them myself. 'Letting go' is one of the hardest things to do in life, I'm a social worker now and every day I try to teach the people I work with to let things go. And I always see them struggle for a while before finally succeeding. I think the key to letting go, in this case, is; accepting that you've lost something (a job, a friendship), think about why you've lost this something, you probably had a good reason for making the decision to let it go, and find something equally good or even better to replace what you've lost. Take your time, don't rush things. But remember one thing Stephanie, life IS beautiful! You just have to find something that makes you happy, that makes it worth it for you to get up out of bed in the morning. Good luck! Amanda.

 

The obvious answer seems to be written in your letter already - that you just need to let go indeed. However, life is tricky and sometimes, as they say, 'You gotta fake it until you make it'.

First, your feelings are there for a reason. Therefore, no need to push them aside. The more you try to deny them or go against them - the more they will keep coming back. Just take a breath and accept that's how you're feeling right now, and tell yourself that is all right. Accept what is happening. Observe it. I find that always does it - because inside of you, there is the Stephanie that is already on the right path. Indeed, life is beautiful, and you will get to feel it again. Again, the key is acceptance and respect for yourself through all that you are experiencing right now.

The next step... Fake it til you make it. That means you can't stay stuck in a rut or glued to your bed. That is not an option. No matter how sad you feel, upon waking, jump out of bed and smile, and tell yourself something nice to start the day (even if you don't feel like it). Then, go out for a brisk walk - even better, try running! See the beauty that surrounds you.

The sun is just around the corner. Every day, you will be stronger - just keep your head and your heart high. Love, Irina.

 

Letting go is a process, not a switch that can be flipped (even when we know beyond all doubt that we must let go and move on), and it's important to be gentle with yourself. I believe that every person/thing we have to eventually let go of leaves behind lessons, something sown in the fertile ground of our souls. We have to be patient sometimes to see what will blossom in the future, but time will prove that for whatever reason, we needed to be on this path, even during the painful parts. The way it feels right now is not the way it will always feel, and by recognizing the need to let go, you have already embraced your inner strength.

Wishing you the best, Mel.

 

If only the heart would listen to the head. Sounds like your head knows! Acknowledging your sad feelings and realizing you won't die because of them is a great step. Assuming this is a broken relationship, cut all ties if you can, it is hard at first but the less you interact with the person the better it will get. Hard to see now, but you will learn something from this, whether bad or good, take it with you. Time will help, that is very cliche, but unfortunately that is sometimes all you need. We have all gone through this, it totally sucks!! I know you think you will never recover, but I have confidence you will. You sound like you have a GREAT head on your shoulders!

Take care, Jenny.

 

That sounds there are two things, 1st: you can’t let go, 2nd: you feel exhausted and hollow, those are combined for sure.

I think it’s in our nature of surviving we don’t give up things easily. Many things I got by trying again and again only, if I had stopped it later there probably would not come better situations for me. Sometimes I took breaks, long breaks. Saying, now it’s too much, but I can try it later. Then I did something very different, even for months or years, tried the stopped thing again and it worked. Today I would not want to miss both, the time of doing something different and to try it again.

Of course this can not be done with everything, some things are gone when you let them go. Though there might be more chances to try it later again than it seems at first sight. Maybe the imagination of letting go completely makes you scared. So you take an enormous effort to keep things, that robs your power. Check out if you can take breaks, do other things which give you new energy. “Reloaded” you can go back and try it again. If it really should not work then either, you will feel you want to let it go before it ruins you, but this will be an exception, believe me. Love. 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.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Who wants to join <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TeamOracle&src=hash">#TeamOracle</a>? Anthony needs help to get productive. Send replies by midnight (GMT) 27 Feb, via: <a href="http://t.co/sD8k81f6qD">http://t.co/sD8k81f6qD</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/436915610334027776">February 21, 2014</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Thanks to everyone who helped Stephanie with moving on. This week's <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TeamOracle&src=hash">#TeamOracle</a> replies are here : <a href="http://t.co/BkYrvA0Jiv">http://t.co/BkYrvA0Jiv</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/436915918753792000">February 21, 2014</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Who wants to join <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TeamOracle&src=hash">#TeamOracle</a>? Anthony needs help to get productive. Send replies by midnight (GMT) 27 Feb, via: <a href="http://t.co/PdTxUzVTDM">http://t.co/PdTxUzVTDM</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/437572931309142016">February 23, 2014</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/Coldplay1998">@Coldplay1998</a> I've got better things to do than make them up!</p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/437574344777015296">February 23, 2014</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/yzachris">@yzachris</a> Thank you for the chocolates. Finally got my mitts on them. Delicious!</p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/437575959479218177">February 23, 2014</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Anthony needs help getting productive in this week's <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TeamOracle&src=hash">#TeamOracle</a>. Get involved & send replies by midnight 27 Feb via: <a href="http://t.co/sD8k81f6qD">http://t.co/sD8k81f6qD</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/437708548358045696">February 23, 2014</a></blockquote>

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February 24, 2014 - submitted by Stefani D, United States of America

 

Q. So, I'm really curious, Oracle... what are Brian's Ten Commandments (mentioned in the a roadie blog)?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I'm afraid I can't reveal its contents but it still remains on the studio wall. It does contain some "Thou shalt / not..." as you would expect and curiously there is a reference to Italian cooking but most of it is actually a rather complex list and not as you possibly imagine.

[Tash]

February 24, 2014 - submitted by Solaf, Egypt

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

Could you tell me where Coldplay's first ever gig took place?

Thanks!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

The Laurel Tree - a pub / live music venue on Greenland St. Camden, London. The building is still there but it is no longer called The Laurel Tree.

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February 24, 2014 - submitted by Lucas, Brazil

 

Q. Hello Oracle!

I was wondering what was the most exciting moment in the career of Coldplay or the time when they felt most grateful? It was at a concert or maybe some Grammy Award?

Thank you so much, and much love to all!!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

There have been so many moments: their first NME / Melody Maker review (especially the former's new band to watch for 1999 piece), Parachutes debuting at #1, their first Brit Award, their first Glastonbury headline, their first Grammy... The list is endless and continues to grow.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Who wants to join <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TeamOracle&src=hash">#TeamOracle</a>? Anthony needs help to get productive. Send replies by midnight (GMT) 27 Feb, via: <a href="http://t.co/sD8k81f6qD">http://t.co/sD8k81f6qD</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/437953913711783936">February 24, 2014</a></blockquote>

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25 February 2014 - submitted by Arthur, Paraguay

 

Q. Where can I get this font?

Thanks a lot.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I'm afraid you can't, Arthur. It's not a font per se, it's actually handwriting turned into font so it's unavailable anywhere else.

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February 25, 2014 - submitted by Gerardo, Mexico

 

Q. Hi Oracle,

Since I saw the Paradise video I've had this question in my head and right until this moment I took the time to put it together and send it to you.

What is this picture?

I thought that was at the recording of the Paradise video, as it says in the caption, but it never came up. I hope you can answer this question as I'm sure I'm not the only Coldplay fan that noticed this.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

This Paradise video never made the light of day - I've never seen it - and was replaced with the wonderful Mat Whitecross video.

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February 25, 2014 - submitted by Matt, United Kingdom

 

Q. Hi Oracle!

 

I was searching Youtube videos (Yes I have nothing better to do!) and found a video of Chris apologising to Will (with the help of crowd) in San Diego when playing Yellow in 2009, I'm sure you've answered this before but what was that about? The video quality isn't good enough for me to work it out!

 

Cheers :)

Matt

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

This was all in jest but at the start of the song Chris made a mistake (from what I can gather, there was no acoustic guitar intro). Just before the end of the song, Chris explains to the crowd that at the beginning he made "a tremendous error" and Will gave "the nastiest look" a drummer can give to a singer.

He asks the crowd to help him say sorry at the end of the song, which they did.

[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>? Anthony needs help to get productive. Send replies by midnight (GMT) 27 Feb, via: <a href="http://t.co/sD8k81f6qD">http://t.co/sD8k81f6qD</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/438305615094743040">February 25, 2014</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Today's Oracle questions / replies cover handwriting font, Paradise video & Chris' apology to Will: <a href="http://t.co/KXoxwpXVhC">http://t.co/KXoxwpXVhC</a></p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/438308011636187136">February 25, 2014</a></blockquote>

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Retweeted by The Oracle:

 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>25 February 2014: Sound Of Music - So Long, Farewell <a href="http://t.co/8ixRBo4MzC">http://t.co/8ixRBo4MzC</a></p>— Coldplay Hypnofeed (@hypnofeed) <a href="https://twitter.com/hypnofeed/statuses/438293032585396224">February 25, 2014</a></blockquote>

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Retweeted by The Oracle:

 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Something new at 0:00 in Ulaanbaatar <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23midnight&src=hash">#midnight</a> PH</p>— Coldplay (@coldplay) <a href="https://twitter.com/coldplay/statuses/438265433830203393">February 25, 2014</a></blockquote>

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Retweeted by The Oracle:

 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Here is the video for our new song, Midnight… <a href="http://t.co/RwBebcJjxC">http://t.co/RwBebcJjxC</a></p>— Coldplay (@coldplay) <a href="https://twitter.com/coldplay/statuses/438342636991430656">February 25, 2014</a></blockquote>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p>Leave the light on? Switch it off! Still lying in dark listening to Midnight on repeat. Normal Oracle service will be resumed. Eventually.</p>— The Oracle (@ColdplayOracle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdplayOracle/statuses/438684874225254400">February 26, 2014</a></blockquote>

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