Coldplay’s Chris Martin recently spoke with NME about the release of the band’s latest album, Moon Music, sharing insights on how younger acts like Fontaines D.C., Little Simz, and IDLES continue to influence and inspire him. In the interview, Martin emphasized the importance of commitment to one’s craft, expressing how artists like Fontaines D.C. remind him that “you can never phone it in.”
Discussing the impact of new music on Coldplay’s approach, Martin said, “When Fontaines or Little Simz come along, you’re just reminded that you can never phone it in. Even if you’re making something that you think no one is going to like, you have to be so sure that you do, and that you poured every last ounce of energy into it.”
Martin, whose band just released its tenth album last Friday (October 4), explained that watching newer artists reinvigorates his own creative process. He specifically cited Fontaines D.C.’s track “Starburster” as an example. “When I hear that song or something by IDLES, I’m like, ‘Shit!’ We’re not just talking about bands; we’re talking about Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Beyoncé—anyone you can feel is just working so hard.”
The conversation also touched on Coldplay’s decision to collaborate with artists outside of the typical rock sphere for Moon Music. This time around, they worked with Little Simz, Burna Boy, Elyanna, and Tini on the track “We Pray.” Martin explained the importance of diversifying their influences and collaborators, sharing, “We don’t need any more middle-aged white guys, really. It’s fun to expand the band into other cultures, countries, genders, and sexualities. That’s really what we believe in.”
On the topic of Fontaines D.C.’s music, Martin also expressed admiration for their evolution and drive. He recalled listening to their latest album, Romance, saying, “I listened to it and got insanely jealous, which is my highest compliment. I thought Skinty Fia was a masterpiece, and I was eager to hear Romance and ‘Starburster’. It shows how you become a brilliant band over a long period of time. It’s brave, it’s forward-thinking, it’s got soul, the lyrics are incredible, the melodies are incredible, the production is incredible. You can play it last in a set when no one even knows it, and it will hold up. It’s perfect.”
Fontaines D.C. is scheduled to perform in Montreal at MTelus on October 12, offering fans a chance to experience the intensity Martin so admires in person.
Grian Chatten of Fontaines D.C. and Chris Martin of Coldplay. CREDIT: Joseph Okpako and Kevin Winter/Getty Images
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