It could be a happy holiday season for Coldplay fans if what Chris Martin says is true - Coldplay hopes to have a new record out by December. However according to a BBC 6 Music News twitter source (BBC6 music of all places) - and it is the ONLY source so far - EMI have quashed the idea that Coldplay will be releasing any new material under their label in the next 9 months at least. No official word has been released by EMI, and no other sources to suggest that BBC6 Music are correct. It's not even on their website today!
We'd appreciate it if you would vote in our latest poll in the Coldplay forum - we're asking whether Chris Martin's hopes of a Christmas album release is realistic or whether you think EMIs grip on Coldplay is just that little bit tighter for the band's liking. In other words - who do you believe? Here are some of the latest comments by Coldplayers over the recent developments regarding the new album. Thanks for all the contributions so far - keep them coming!
I'd say that Coldplay wanted to start the rumours and raise the expectations for the next album. But there's obviously something in the EMI - Coldplay relationship, this was almost as to mark that the band can't go around saying anything they want, that the label is still in charge. Dunno why though, just made this whole thing so much bigger than it should've been. [thanks trimp]
I wouldn't read too much into this. Look at the wording. Chris says sort of casually in an interview that they're hoping to finish the album in time to release it before Christmas. In other words that's their personal deadline, and nothing has been formally scheduled at EMI yet. Chris was saying Christmas 2009 over a year ago and that didn't work out for them. They always need more time than they say at first. It's just how they work. The quote gets spread around, and of course like a giant game of telephone, it gets warped. Headlines proclaiming the certainty of a December release date abound: "Chris Martin Confirms New Coldplay By Christmas" "Coldplay to release new album this year" (NME) "Coldplay Return Before Christmas" (Also in a case of definitely not paying attention - Chris said they AREN'T worried about a leak: "Coldplay worried about album leak" ). So the BBC, being what seems like the last occasionally responsible journalists on the planet do the responsible thing: The call EMI to see if the release date is definite. Of course it isn't officially on the books yet, because Chris himself only said that date was a hopeful one, so EMI says no, it isn't coming out then. The article quashed, the BBC relegates the EMI response to a tweet. It doesn't mean there's necessarily any friction between band and label, or even a misunderstanding. It may come out in December, and it might not. It depends on when the boys actually finish the album, and how much time EMI wants for marketing after that. [thanks Space Cadet]
Interesting theories as to why EMI would immediately respond to this. Let's face it, other than to us uberfans, this was a insignificant mention which could have easily slipped under the radar. EMI's quick & emphatic denial gives the story wings. I don't know enough about business to understand why a struggling business would hold back one of their biggest assets. However, I do know that there is a difference between recording an album and releasing an album so that means that both EMI & Chris could be correct. The band could have the album in the can, sealed & finished by Christmas but that doesn't mean EMI has to release it then. Who knows what's going on behind closed doors at EMI. Are they negotiating with outside investors, dangling a new Coldplay album at a specific time? Who knows? Also, does anyone know -- when a band contracts for a certain number of albums, is it spelled out how many of those releases must be new material? Can then fulfill their obligation by throwing in a live and/or greatest hits CD? And one last thought (sorry, I'm running my mouth...), I do think the boys were a little too visible for a little too long. I've friends who are casual fans and they were getting tired of seeing/hearing them everywhere. I think it will do them good to "disappear" for a bit -- and, trust me, it pains me to admit this! [thanks Pink]
Unfortunately, the label markets the album, not to mention pays for its production. They probably have more say in when it gets released than the band itself does, especially considering how much of a dump they're in economically. They'll want to release this album at the most profitable time. [thanks motoi]
EMI isn't doing so well lately. They really need to get their act together. Chris Martin is more of an enthusiast. So, I don't know who to believe. I think I am going to go with Chris. He seems more reliable. [thanks flickahidalgo]
There's absolutely no way on earth it'll be ready by Christmas, since when do Coldplay keep deadlines? But who are EMI to deny what the lead singer says, as ridiculously optimistic as it may be. Pissing off the biggest act left on your struggling label = baaaad idea [thanks mimixxx]
EMI probably released a statement because it's not on their release sheet, so they didn't know about it. Or, maybe they want to push it for next year if another big artist is releasing something in that period, and they don't want competition. [thanks anniea89]
At first I was thinking the same thing about EMI: why wouldn't they want the boys to release LP5 as soon as possible, i.e., by the end of the year, since EMI needs the money? But, it could be that EMI might actually benefit from a later release date. I'm not familiar with all the details involved with such contracts, but I'm guessing EMI gets loads of residuals from record sales, concert sales, merchandise sales, etc. So, the longer they have the boys under their wing, the more they get. The monetary present value of these residuals with a later release date might actually be greater than the present value of an earlier release date. It's hard to tell. Plus, aren't the boys free agents after LP5 anyway? If they're itching to get out of EMI (which may be sarcasm from Chris in the interview about being "owned"), then they definitely would want to release it sooner. That would also be why EMI would want them to release it later, because EMI would want to keep the boys around as long as possible. Just a thought. [thanks NumbersGirl]
That's the music business, and the world of business in general. But I don't think that means the band can't RECORD whenever they want...they can have five full albums in the can ready to go if they want, but that definitely doesn't mean they can release whatever they want when they want--only label-free bands like Radiohead have any kind of leeway like that. Which is kinda why I want record labels to die...I think the music market would explode with all kinds of good things creativity wise when a good chunk of the big business is taken out of the picture. I've learned to believe nothing that comes out of Chris's mouth regarding releases/the band unless it's in writing on coldplay.com . I love the man to death, but I don't think I'll ever believe anything he says in an interview. Unless it's "I love Chelsea." I might have to take his word for it on that one. [thanks ApproximatelyInfinite]
I would like to believe Chris but anyhow the final word has the record company.
Considering all the promotion that has to be done before the release it is also very expensive to bring out a new album from a such a big act like Coldplay. I'm also worried about the quality of the next album - if the record company is in trouble they will probably demand from CP that they will not change their style that much and I am not so fond of Viva la vida part 2.... [thanks Sparks22]
So I suppose they're really recording a new album and it could be done by Christmas, but I think it will come out next year, so it's more waited, because they have all that problems with EMI, and it's also said that it won't be realised by EMI so maybe they are still arguing about it.... don't know.... hope it come by next year so they ome to BCN by summer, because that's another thing, do you think they will do another tour next year, after two years aut of home... my good they have family! [thanks Koala]
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