Hi guys! I'm doing a Music Case Study in my Media Studies A-Level and naturally as a massive Coldplay fan have chosen to focus predominantly on Coldplay.

 

I just wondered if you could help me out? I'd really appreciate it, and sure you are the guys to ask really! In particularly, what in the media (apart from this site obviously) has made you engage with Coldplay more than you ever would?

 

So my case study is how Coldplay are represented but also how the audience engage with them over 3 media platforms (Television, E-Media and Print).

 

So far I have got:

 

E-Media:

Coldplaying - Major Fan Site for Coldplay discussion of live events, new songs/album etc

YouTube - Songs. Options for fans to comment underneath (gives Coldplay an idea of well their music is being recieved). Also backstage e.g. practising HLH in Madrid video. Makes Coldplay seem more down to earth etc

Twitter & Facebook - Keeps fans updated on the band. See how popular Coldplay is with the hashtag trending.

Live Stream - Enables fans from all around the world not to miss out on live concerts.

iTunes - Downloads of new album and songs. Anticipation for fans, as they streamed a new song from the album each day in leading up to the release of Mylo Xyloto.

Leftrightleftright - Free Download. A thank you to fans (for their loyalty etc)

Blogging e.g. Tumblr - fans post pictures, music lyrics etc. On their site, a roadie also posts picture

Website - The band have their own website with tour dates, music lyrics, shop (merchandise) and even a timeline of their time as a band.

Competitions - gives opportunities for fans to win numerous competitions.

 

Television/broadcasting:

Glastonbury - broadcast on the BBC. Mass audience.

iTunes Festival - Free Gig

Television interviews - promotion of their new album

Permission for their songs to be used on hit TV Show 'Glee'. (e.g. Fix you)

 

Print:

The Times newspaper interview and giving away a FREE track from iTunes Festival 2011 each day.

 

 

Can you guys think of any more for print articles?? (This can be magazines, newspapers, music reviews or anything really). As specific as possible would be great but any ideas are extremely welcome. Thank you SO much in advance.

As far as their own website goes, I would add the Oracle, which I think is a brilliant idea for staying in touch with their fanbase.

 

Didn't they give a Violet Hill/A Spell, A Rebel Yell single through NME at the start of the Viva Era? And there's also the Roadie book - even if it focuses on Matt McGinn, it's also got a lot to do with Coldplay, who obviously let Matt write his book (giving fans the possibility of seeing the "insides" of the Coldplay machine, both in the studio and on tour).

Otherwise, as far as print goes, I haven't got a clue. They do numerous interviews when they promote an album, of course. The thing is that printed media is a pretty one-sided and limited way of engaging with an audience, considering that there's so much more that can happen through the internet for a much lesser cost.

 

I'll also direct you to this article from the front page of Coldplaying.com, although it doesn't really enter any of your categories. It's not really media interaction, but more a form of audience interaction.

^Thank you so much! Much appreciated.