With the upcoming Ghost Stories art exhibition in London, this December, Coldplaying.com takes a detailed look at the artistic side of Coldplay's endeavors of the past three years and the fantastic people they work with in addition to an insightful interview with organiser of the upcoming exhibition and pivotal figure of Coldplay's artistic operations, Fraser Scott, the director of Album Artists who will be hosting the forthcoming Exhibition.

For Coldplay's fifth album, Mylo Xyloto, the band were seeking to find further inspiration after their French revolution influenced theme for Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends. After coining their concept of Mylo Xyloto, a very colourful and graffiti inspired story, they seeked the help of street graffiti artist, Paris, who collaborated the artwork with the band and traveled with them to assert his artistic influence on the Mylo Xylotour. His work had been well documented on the Coldplay Live 2012 DVD behind the scenes clips but the astonishing role he played during the wonderful era of Coldplay's history did not stop there! In an effort to help the charity which is very close to Coldplay's heart, Kids Company (who have been affiliated with the band since 2007), they worked with Fraser Scott who showcased the stunning art and raised over $1,000,000 from the public exhibition proceeds, with 100% going to Kids Company.

(Fraser Scott, Paris and Coldplay - Source : AlbumArtists.co.uk) You can view all of the great MX artwork which went on sale to the public in 2013, here.

Coldplay were so impressed and inspired by the charity exhibition that they continued to work with Fraser’s company, collaborating with him and Album Artists for the visual experience of their upcoming album, Ghost Stories, where super talented Czechoslovakian born artist, Mila Fürstová was put forward by Fraser to Phil Harvey (who co-incidentally already knew of her) for the course of their new album era (Picture of Fraser and Mila below).

History should be made once again, when the Ghost Stories artwork exhibition will open this December in London. Everyone who has made all of this possible will be present including Coldplay, Mila and Fraser for the private show on 3rd December with the public viewing during the following four days.

Interview with Fraser Scott of Album Artists

Its with our pleasure to interview the director of Album Artists, Fraser Scott (left) to find out the background behind Coldplay's artistic workings in addition to his own personal journey within the world of music and art!

Coldplaying.com welcomes Fraser Scott, the director of inspirational art company, Album Artists for a chat about their experiences with Coldplay and upcoming Ghost Stories exhibition, where the proceeds raised will be donated to charity, Kids Company.

Thanks Marc, and Coldplaying for having me. I always watch what you guys are talking about, regarding our shows, so it's an honour to do this interview.

Please tell us the story of your company. How was it formed? Was there a certain point where everything fell into place?

I've been an art dealer for 15 years and got Paul Normansell's work in GQ which was seen by The Killers who commissioned him for the art for Day and Age. Old colleagues of mine made a limited edition print set of those works and they sold out fast. I thought that was a great idea so I tried for years to get other bands to do it, until finally I met Coldplay backstage at the MTV Awards in Ireland (where I had put on an exhibition) and the first in a series of co-incidences was that Coldplay had released the art for Mylo Xyloto on my birthday (12 August) and they thought an exhibition for it was a great idea, if it was done 100 percent for Kids Company. That was such a huge deal (and best birthday present ever) that I formed the company Album Artists just to handle that first show. I would say things fell into place the day I sold the Mylo wall for £500,000 - that day was the very last day of the Mylo show and it brought the total amount given to Kids Company to over £630,000!

Which charities are you affiliated with and work the most closely with?

For Coldplay everything we've done has been for Kids Company, and same with Paloma Faith. But our Backstreet Boys show gave money to the fund for the Hurricaine in New York. We ask the musicians who they want to support, as it's them who is the reason all the money is made.

Is there a particular moment that has inspired you the most during your time working with Coldplay so far?

Coldplay is my favourite band in the world - the second time I met the band I started to tell them that and Chris interrupted and replaced my last word with "the room". He then joked I should check out Arlene's band as "they are pretty good." So, the whole Mylo experience was a dream come true for me. But because we did so well on Mylo, I got to sit with Phil Harvey and suggest artists for Ghost Stories, which was when the second co-incidence took place - it was crazy, because I've worked with Mila for about 14 years now and I've even written a feature length movie about her and one of my best poems is about her, so during the Mylo project I once recited the poem to Phil in Kids Company's garden and told him the synopsis of the film - all well before Ghost Stories had ever been thought of, but then when I was suggesting artists for Ghost Stories, the first artist I suggested was Mila, and it turned out that Phil was already a huge fan of Mila's and owned a couple of her works. So it was just surreal. Kismet. It was meant to be.

How would you describe Phil Harvey, "The creative director" of Coldplay?

Phil is one of my favourite people in the world. I want to steal Mila's comment when describing him, which was that she quoted Chris when he said "Everyone needs a Phil in their lives". Basically Phil is just so decent, intelligent and creative and he is an absolute pleasure to work with. We owe him so much, and so do all Coldplay's fans, because he brings all the spirit and wonder of the songs into the visuals and stage experience which Coldplay does, in my opinion, better than anyone in the world.

Have you always been a Coldplay fan or was that largely influenced from the time spent with Phil and co?

Always.

Your favourite Coldplay song and album?

Viva la Vida.

I love both Rush of Blood to the Head and Mylo Xyloto.

Which is your favourite piece of artwork from Mila Furstova?

At the moment it's Magic and Ghost Stories side by side.

You mentioned you have worked with The Killers and Paul Normansell (who created the artwork for The Killers album, ‘Day & Age’) previously. How was your experience of working with Brandon and co?

We got Paul the commission by getting him in GQ, but we didn't work on that project. Paul's works multiplied many times in value because of the commission and we sold all his art in the years afterwards, which was great. But another company made the prints - which I thought was such a great idea that now we base our business model on it.

Who else would you like to work with in the future?

Florence and the Machine.

What’s your vision for the future of Album Artists? Can you see a long term relationship involving future Coldplay albums?

The music industry is at a point where is needs new revenue and we are a company that can help them to create it in a way that the fans love. So I've had meetings at 3 of the biggest labels in the world just this week- the future is bright.

Coldplay are very special creatively and they are very innovative, and it's a pleasure to work with the team who are professional and lovely, so I hope we will continue to help them in the future, because their music helps me so I like to return the favour :)

For the many fans heading over to London for the exhibition on the 4th December, what should they expect?

We are putting together as many interesting and inspiring works from the entire campaign into the show - we've gathered up everything from the 14 months of work (and even before it started), and presented it to Phil Harvey, who together with Mila and I have put together what we hope will be a fascinating insight into the creations of the art for Ghost Stories. So that includes the drawings Mila was working on in response to the lyrics Chris was sending her and the songs the band were sending over, some things that never made the album, and some wonderful surprises I can't yet mention.

Thank you very much Fraser, you have given us a great insight into the artistic side of the band and the important role of your work. See you at the Ghost Stories exhibition! (Starting from 4th December)

You're very welcome. As well as the original etchings and sketches that built up to the album art, we have some big surprises at the show, so my team and I look forward to meeting all the fans there.

Christopher Anthony John Martin, the frontman of the band which needs no introductions around here, was born 37 years ago within the historical city of Exeter, located in Devon, South West England. Chris, being the humble guy he is, has never forgotten his roots and this was very much evident when he backed the Exeter v Brazil theater play before the World Cup this year and in 2009, where Coldplay made a triumphant return to Chris' hometown for a close quarters Christmas show. In light of this, there is one inspired fan who is determined for Chris Martin to receive the highest honour from his hometown, 'the freedom of Exeter' for everything he has achieved in music and his great charity work over the years. We will take a look at the campaign that has created a large online buzz and the man the behind all!

The story, as we know it, started at the end of July 2014, after a breathtaking few days in the Royal Albert Hall at the start of that month, which was a source of inspiration for many fans who were lucky enough to get tickets for the London show. One idea began after the show which was to give the Coldplay frontman the recognition he deserves from his hometown which would be the freedom of Exeter award. The campaign was founded by Coldplayer, Mike Vinnicombe and immediately gained a following of at least 100 people on Facebook. Just a couple of days into the push, Chris Martin, during an interview with Kevin and Bean in the US, was advised of the new campaign for him to which he commented, "it sounds great!". The influential U2 frontman, Bono was namedropped by Chris as the Irish singer previously told the benefits of such an award which include the ability to move sheep across public land and the right to park anywhere! An e-petition was lodged on the Exeter council website which ended in August and had received a few hundred Coldplay fan signatures.

Since then, the campaign has moved forward and Mike, who is the sole admin of the campaign, assisted by a team of promoters across the social networks, has attracted media attention from various newspapers and local websites reporting on the rising campaign. The success of the movement so far is evident with the amount of followers on the social media pages, attracting over 2,500 followers across networks such as Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr. The main aim is to influence to Exeter council who can decide whether the Devon-shire born singer receives the important award, or not. Mike has been speaking to the representatives of the council and has been working very hard to get the ball moving. The council agreed to stage a meeting for the potential award to Chris Martin for October which was a landmark for the campaign. This has since been moved forward to December while 'things are still being discussed' as Mike assures us of the positive outlook!

The exclusive interview!

As the campaign is in full swing, with a positive vibe and hopefully bringing home the good news come December, its the perfect time to interview Mike Vinnicombe, the founder of the marvelous campaign which aims to give Chris Martin one of the most prestigious and personal awards he could receive!

My name is Marc, also known as Sparky, the site owner and article writer at ColdplayingHQ and I will be exclusively interviewing the founder of the Chris Martin for freedom of Exeter campaign, Mike Vinnicombe. Through his hard work and dedication, along with his team of helpers, the campaign has amassed a following of over 2,500 Coldplay fans since the end of July!

Marc : Hi Mike, thanks for taking out the time to chat with Coldplaying

Mike : Thanks Marc, it's an honour to be interviewed by Coldplay's number one fan site.

Marc : How did the idea for the campaign come to mind?

Mike : I first thought of starting a campaign to get Chris honoured by his home city after the Exeter homecoming gig in 2009, but due to work commitments and two young boys to raise I didn't have the time needed to devote to organising a campaign at that time. 5 years later, and after watching the band at The Royal Albert Hall I decided now was time.

Marc : Did you expect the campaign to take off so quickly?

Mike : I was overwhelmed with how quickly it all took off! The first couple days were amazing with so many fans adding their support on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr which then led to emails asking for interviews with the local press.

Marc : What was your reaction to Chris Martin's acknowledgement during the radio interview?

Mike : When you guys sent me the link from the radio interview with Chris I remember I was in bed! After I listened to it I think for around 10 minutes I was in shock! Then I didn't sleep at all! I think the interview was around 2 weeks after I started the campaign which just goes to show how fast things develop on the Internet, amazing!

Marc : So, 2,500 followers across the social networks in under 2 months, that's a number that isn't too far off from what we gain in such period with regular exposure. As you know, its much much harder for new/small pages to attract supporters. What is your secret?!

Mike : The secret to the success so far? Non stop campaigning! Regular posting of news regarding the campaign, going through the various social networking sites and 'friending' Coldplay fans from across the world and spreading the story of what the campaign is trying to achieve. Regular posting of Coldplay videos and stories and also some light hearted 'Chris' cartoons I've made up myself, just to keep the support growing.

Marc : How large is your team of dedicated helpers? We have noticed great support from @Coldplay_kid / Alycia in particular, who is constantly promoting the campaign with such enthusiasm!

Mike : How many people are in my support team?? It's just me! I've been running the campaign by myself but have had amazing support from all the supporters of the campaign but I have to give a special mention to Alycia, she has been a great help. She was there from day one and was the first person to support the campaign and is always on hand if there are any Coldplay facts I need help with. I think she must be Coldplays number 1 fan! Also, you guys have been amazing too so thanks for all your support.

Marc : Aside from Chris Martin's recognition, what has been your favourite moment of the campaign so far?

My favourite moment of the campaign so far? This is something that I wish I could share with you but let's just say, someone very important in America emailed me less than a week ago!

Marc : Tell us your Coldplay story! When did you become a massive fan and what's your favourite Coldplay album to date?

Mike : My love of Coldplay started at the beginning of their career, I think Shiver was the first song I heard them sing then obviously Yellow, Don't Panic and Trouble. Also, being an Exeter lad (like Chris) and to have someone from my hometown releasing some amazing music was brilliant. At that time, pop stars came from London or Manchester not sleepy Devon!! My favourite album? I love them all but if I have to choose one then it has to be A Rush Of Blood To The Head, this album made them worldwide stars!

Marc : If Chris Martin received the freedom of Exeter award, (which we all wish for!) what message would you give to Chris?

Mike : My message to Chris would be, your music has inspired not only me but millions of people around the world.

Exeter is really proud to have you representing the city. On behalf of all the supporters of the campaign we hope that you get the recognition that you fully deserve with The Freedom Of Exeter honour

Thanks for the chat Mike, best of luck for the meeting in December and we all hope to hear the great news!

Mike : Thankyou Marc and everyone at Coldplaying for your continued and amazing support. I hope to have an early 'Christmas present' for you all after I've attended the important meeting in December.

Please continue your great support!

Thanks to the viewers and posters on Coldplaying who have supported the Chris Martin campaign so far. Please share this article on the social network of your choice using the share buttons below. Please like the campaign on Facebook and follow on Twitter for more updates from Mike.