How Coldplay Writes A Melody | The Artists Series S1E6

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The way the music industry is structured today, you’re lucky if you write just one song that reaches the charts. But imagine what would have to happen for you to stay there for 15 years, to sell 80 Million records and to become one of the most successful bands in the world. This doesn’t happen just like that. There’s clearly a concept behind of all this that’s worth analysing so today, we are taking a look at Coldplay.
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Equipment used:
Panasonic Lumix FZ1000: bit.ly/panasoni...
Softbox Set: bit.ly/2softboxes
Written & Directed by Friedemann Findeisen
Edited by Joanna Kiolbassa

[@JohnPaul-oq6ud]

Even their name has hints of both sad (cold) and happy (play) lol

[@Holistic-songwriting]

Argh, I should have noticed that! Good comment, thanks :)

[@rolandomotadelcampo.5494]

John Paul Hohenshilt Coldplay is sold out Band Becouse Chris Martin is a Hot Brit Man, tall with blue eyes. Plus he is the smartest musician of his generation.

[@SoChilledOutGuy]

But they did't come up with the name, they took it from another band who didn't want it anymore

[@CarlyWiccanandColdplay]

Geez at least we some educated people

[@steveempiremantra2120]

They took the name from a band that didn't need it anymore lmao

[@RM-ys1bn]

I've listened to Coldplay since Parachutes. That's a long time and I never saw them in concert until 2016. Man... I was missing out on more from them. The show made that vacation to best in my short 31 years of life. Coldplay has a special place in my heart.

[@amiesherman9595]

I just became a fan last year and have enjoyed all their albums! I was missing out! Saw them 3 times last year and had a blast each time. Loved their concerts! Wish I were a fan from the start😊

[@rva]

I think Chris has a beautiful soul. And thats it.

[@noursarhan8695]

Amen to that

[@AlanKey86]

Post Brit-pop --> Alternative Rock --> Art Rock --> Pop --> .... PROGRESSIVE METAL!!! Come on Coldplay. The world is ready.

[@jackhead115]

ohh yeah i would be down for that

[@acharich]

👀 👀 👀

[@WordChicken-mk7el]

AlanKey86 Nah, jazz metal synth fusion.

[@danegonzales5651]

That'd be reaaally interesting. Let's wait and see.

[@josh44026]

AlanKey86 you forgot pop rock.

[@jmorresi]

4:50 Question is so subjective, and in the same way, so real. Im a psychologist and I believe that music and personality have so much in common. People dont realize it at first glance. Each and everyone of us, have our own soundtrack, and is a reflection of the emotions that we feel connected to. Love this channel. Greeting from Argentina.

[@TangentCougar]

You can't predict a Coldplay song, or say how to right one, cause there's no guidline. Have u listened their music, they do everything, rock, alternative, pop, ambient, everythingggg

[@Dante-xf1mu]

There is no rock in Coldplay

[@kouignamann8691]

@@Dante-xf1mu that's because you don't listen all the coldplay's song. Or you just don't know what is the rock =p

[@Dante-xf1mu]

@@kouignamann8691 Definitely know way more about rock than as person who finds coldplay interesting. FYI I am classical musician, so don't teach me about music.

[@kouignamann8691]

@@Dante-xf1mu ahah ok. You are so arrogant that I don't know what to say exept don't judge my taste in music and also, that it's not you who decide what kind of music coldplay is making. Some of coldplay's song are rock and that's a fact. Also i think I know very well music, and classical music is a part of my knowledge.

[@Dante-xf1mu]

@@kouignamann8691 You sound way more arrogant than me. I was just mentioning facts. Some songs do sound like alternative rock but much shittier. And you mean except but a person like could mean anything. You listen to coldplay so you definitely don't know much about music,you might think that you know but even Miley cyrus fans think they know something about music , so... and unless you are trained in classical you don't know shit, just as your reply proves.

[@ClaRa124100]

Amazing. Finally an interesting video about this topic. And without smashing the band! Kudos.

[@iammayyz]

@Bitte Bilden naah

[@iammayyz]

@Bitte Bilden yeah but i also think that bands change with time... it's like you can't wear the same shirt everyday right? and i like parachutes but most of those songs aren't a good fit for stadium shows or big events... but their newer albums have more songs that fits the more big time stuff if u know what i mean.

[@bdinaravideo]

Coldplay is versatile and it made me think of Linkin Park, as you know, their last album is something that doesn't sound like any of their previous works. LP basically challenge themselves to experiment with sound. It would be interesting to see how you review their music. I'm sure it will bring some curious notices

[@MusicLover-kz6rc]

LP are lyrically better than Coldplay imo, but overall Coldplay take the cake.

[@andrewwarriner3552]

The melodies are from the heart and soul! Chris doesn’t sit down and use music theory to write a hit melody. He puts his heart and soul on show, that’s where hit melodies come from. I believe some writers are gifted in that way.

[@RyanlovesTh]

His melodies comes from the heart or his soul but he definitely use music theory to perfect the melody and to hook the listeners

[@MusicLover-kz6rc]

@@RyanlovesTh How do you know? What if their songwriting chemistry is just genius.

[@vincec4832]

u need music theory period and he knows music theory if you ever tried playing his melodies on the piano. He puts together real chords to form that melody @@MusicLover-kz6rc

[@FebindaTito]

i only watched piece of clips of their music videos in this video and still got goosebumps, ugh their mind it amazes me

[@marvicklentz2857]

I didn't understand half of the video, but I will still subscribe because Coldplay

[@seancharrie8512]

I love the way you talk and present your content. No overexplination, but it's not rushed and you make yourself very clear.

[@bugeyedmudafuka2]

Muse,the beatles,pink floyd,radiohead would be some good ones

[@TechsquirrelMe]

Muse, yessss!

[@Mark95876]

I mainly agree with this list (+ the Beach Boys and The Doors) but the music of the Beatles is waaaaaaay too complex to explain in a video. Musicologists spent decades trying to explain what was going on in just 2 bars of an early Beatles song called 'Not a Second Time'!

[@clockdockfree]

The beatles were strumming guitars and putting together chords they had no Idea why they worked. Ask a jazz musician, what they were doing can be explained with modal interchange. Their music is packed with non musical attitude and psuedo-intellectual production concepts. They basically made a weird form of jazz pop without realizing it. However, they revolutionized the sound of rock and pop. Brian Wilson of the beach boys on the other hand was a whole other world of songwriting. I cant even compare him to the beatles, because the beatles made folky rock and brian wilson was really just a composer. He was in another realm in terms of songwriting. Not a better realm just way more music based one. He was a really simplified and modern Bach. His organization of frequencies and harmony is still unobtainable. Listen to Pet Sounds, listen extra extra close. Close your eyes and don't distract yourself, compare the intervals and bass relative to the vocals. It's otherworldy.

[@Mark95876]

Good reply - I agree.

[@Timliu92]

Fitztas Mavich I love The Beatles and they are my favorite band, but I have to agree with you - The Beach Boys are otherworldly.

[@lari8738]

Chris is a fantastic musical genius! I love him and all the band with all my life! My dream is to attend their concert someday!!

[@MarcosRodriguezVarela]

This is fucking awesome dude. Just keep bringing more. Muse next??

[@cristiynda]

yes please!

[@SurfingSerpent]

I immediately thought of Sugar by Maroon 5. Yes PLEASE!

[@gary_cairns]

Muse, yes please!

[@pacorka9943]

Yes! Muse!!!!!

[@ybot1]

Yes Muse please!!!

[@jonfostbai6779]

Aurora is an awesome artist and her music is ridiculously modern and relevant from a songwriting and production perspective. Her music taps into an old tradition as well with makes it super interesting from a songwriting perspective.

[@kasares17]

YES!! This channel is among the highest quality content on youtube! I love you man!

[@ralphy3393]

This is phenomenal! As an very amateur songwriter this is EXACTLY what I was looking for!

[@NickAstalos]

Imagine Dragons would be a great one. The differences between their first and second albums are insane yet they still sound so "imagine dragonsy". The 3 singles from their new record, out next month, are even more different yet somehow the same in a way i can't explain. love these videos, very interesting, keep it up!!

[@Frst2nxt]

Imagine dragons and 21 pilots.

[@gitawulandari9389]

imagine dragons is a shitty band. period. it's shitcunt.

[@miguelpereira9859]

The lamest band ever

[@miguelpereira9859]

The lamest band ever

[@tamelashafer8852]

Music is very personal... obviously 🙄 opinions are like @ holes.... For instance... The only band I just can’t stand and I’m not a hater or negative person, in general... The Beach Boys 😣 ugh.... Give me Imagine Dragons any day over them....

[@Pulse2AM]

Nice! Thanks for taking the time to analyze their songs.

[@adritr]

this channel is FANTASTIC How I didn't find you before?? I would like to see your analysis of... Steven Wilson. I know, maybe I'll be the only one to ask this, but I'll try!! Thank you for this channel

[@Holistic-songwriting]

Thanks Adriano :)

[@timodelange]

That would be awsome!

[@OHG1997]

You're not the only one! I would love a breakdown of Steven Wilsons song writing!

[@filipmoz3346]

If you want some real musical analysis, then check out Rick Beatos channel

[@darkflamev]

Still waiting for a Steven Wilson analysis :)

[@rainingsideways6001]

I keep coming back to this one.... I wasn't a Coldplay fan and now I am. I am applying little bits here and there in my Songs. Cheers!

[@rbeckzz]

I can't believe this video exists. this is genius. literally psychoanalyzing Chris Martin

[@magnavision207]

Songwriting analysis reminds me of record label meetings where they ask you “What makes your music original, unique and still marketable?” Then deliver some really great analysis lines from this video with real sincerity. The truth is when we trained in theory songwriters sit down to write a song we try different things until we are actually moved emotionally by the music and words that accompany them. If it gives us goosebumps it will resonate with the audience.

[@cronocloudx1993]

Amazing series, thinking of doing some of Radiohead in the future?

[@Holistic-songwriting]

I am :)

[@DanSainz]

Holistic Songwriting YESSS!! Radiohead fUCC YEAH

[@maxiris1240]

true!!!! coldplay and RHead!

[@syndddd]

Oh great! Really excited for that one!

[@Caleb5617]

I wouldn't mind seeing an analysis of Bon Iver, something about Justin Vernon's songwriting reminds me of Coldplay. Especially their earlier stuff.

[@pauldevereaux5537]

Every time I hear those opening lines of Fix You, it hits me right in the face. So powerful!

[@adriansamudio3856]

MUSE NEXT PLEASE!!!!!

[@gabriellevillar886]

I feel like the points in this video really ring true. Intuitively as a fan, I've always felt like there was something tying Coldplay's music together, no matter what style they're in. I just never really knew what it was. There's always been a mix of sad and happy with their songs, and I love that.

[@mustafizmohosin6059]

B O N I V E R ! ! !

[@DanSainz]

Mustafiz Mohosin also do this

[@montsego4493]

YES JESUS

[@GeorgieaMeg]

I'm not a songwriter, and understanding music has never come naturally to me, but I'm loving this series. So well done, easy to follow and fascinating. Also, I'd personally love to see an episode on Hozier at some point.

[@emerson_vettel]

I'd be really interested in Damon Albarn/Gorillaz. Especially how he sings in "Charger" and "Out of Body" is just so weird (in a very good way). Also Frank Ocean and Alex Turner (Arctic Monkeys, Last Shadow Puppets...) are two I'd be really looking forward to see a video about. Anyway, great video, keep it up

[@calvinyap5124]

0:57 makes me so feel so happy because Coldplay and twenty one pilots are my favourite bands. this is the first time I've ever heard someone point out a similarity between the two!

[@jamespatmore9744]

Can you do Muse next?

[@7os400]

Coldplay's music has helped me so much! The beat band there will ever be!

[@ethanthemusician]

I have found another channel to watch endlessly...

[@Raven135]

I am so thrilled to find this chanel! I'm so fascinated with music, every part of it. I've never seen anyone teach the mechanics of the music. Thank you. Made my day!

[@matteomarazzi8294]

This kind of video is wonderful. Why don't you analyze Radiohead? (Analyze, like Thom Yorke song! :D)

[@archuletawsn]

I´ve been listening my whole life Coldplay, this video is absolutely amazing.

[@Bodyknowledge77]

Consider doing an analysis of ABBA (older but still influential ) and/or my songs..Only slightly being cheeky with one of them..:-)

[@javiercurrea694]

Its awesome to see how your videos are waaay more professional now.

[@aminebencheikh6403]

Muse next would be amazing

[@albinojonh]

Hi there! Thanks so much for videos like this. It's the first time I see a video like this in youtube, talking about music, from a musician, for musicians (the real ones.. who studied music academically at least). It's really surprising how you understand the context of each musician you talk about, and how you show how this (sadly) music business works nowadays; and I can realize that most of it, it's set to get the major sales, tranforming the sound to the one which most people would like, loosing the style in the whirlwind. Greetings from Argentina!

[@Holistic-songwriting]

Thanks Caro for the comment, appreciate it :)

[@ngoozi]

his style is literally a cold play.

[@hplcsound5707]

I'm so happy I found this channel just as I started writing music. Keep up the good stuff!

[@andrehschw]

Another awesome one! Cheers for the great content, and as a lot of guys are suggesting, Muse will be a great one to review.

[@Holistic-songwriting]

Muse WILL happen! :)

[@gary_cairns]

👆🏾Yaaas 😏

[@badboy14132]

Frank Ocean for the love of God. He's connected to Mayer and Coldplay

[@ronniegrace2162]

I feel like you put so much research in all your videos, and it shows because every video you do goes really in dept, not only musically and melodically but also I see the effort to try and interpret the artist's philosophy behind their songwriting. Again, congrats for the amazing job!

[@Holistic-songwriting]

Thank you Ronnie :)

[@elijahschwindt7403]

Soundgarden! Please do it in tribute of Chris Cornell's death!!

[@Kibriana]

Love it! This explains why their music affects so many people on a deeply emotional level (me, too, btw). Tnx!

[@xxxinfusionsxxx1172]

U2 next pls

[@karljakowitsch9981]

never thought id subscribe to a youtube channel but you might be the one and only I ever do. Thanks again and keep up the great work

[@Holistic-songwriting]

Thank you so much! That means a lot :)

[@muhammadlingga8342]

as i say previously, muse will be good

[@newrider4201]

Didn't understand too much but I can realize that all the songs are played in the same scale, only the notes are changing. And always after the bridge of the song he intensifies the notes and the chorus making a supermasive explosion of feelings and sounds! :D

[@Sambrex]

MUSE (btw they just released Madn... whoops I meant Dig Down)

[@elcucumber2847]

*twiggered*

[@missluckyducky07]

I was expecting a bashing of coldplay but I was delightfully informed and enlightened!

[@andressalassalitas]

SIA, please!!!! and/or TAME IMPALA... because of their sources in music, and high scalating to fame... its trivial for me

[@mandalaqueen828]

YES TO SIA!

[@jonfostbai6779]

Especially if he includes Zero 7!

[@NonJohns]

I don't know what going on but I find myself thinking, "Yeah that's right I hadn't noticed that!" Nice work dude and it's pleasant to see the patterns come to light I thought analysis would dull the music but it just brings a new angle to it

[@Holistic-songwriting]

My thinking exactly :)

[@mikecraig2062]

please do Frank Ocean

[@badboy14132]

It's surprising he hasn't done Frank yet. He already did Mayer and now Coldplay. Frank's a songwriting genius. He made Strawberry Swings sound like his own song.

[@frekesandgekes]

Honestly I'd be fine if he did another series on rappers starting with Tyler, the creator and Earl sweatshirt, To name other members of OF that he should do

[@revoltagainstthemachine4015]

we need frank ocean already!!!!!!

[@calebringger8703]

PLEASE

[@Kernel15]

I've never actually thought about it - but when you played The Scientist in the video, I thought it was clearly in D minor, but was thrown completely off by the F triad! That's quite amazing hahaha

[@theoneimakecommentson5365]

Do Green Day. That'd be pretty interesting I personally think, as the chords are so simple but the songs sound so different each time.

[@MusicLover-kz6rc]

Green Day are the goats hands down.

[@Nethseaar]

As an amateur composer, these videos have been super interesting! Thank you! I'd love to see one about Fleet Foxes.

[@KlairedelysArt]

Cat Stevens next, please! :D

[@manualvarado2212]

I was actually very reluctant about watching videos from this channel. But this was great, thank you!

[@alfredoaran3372]

David Bowie...please

[@arielyemini4221]

alfredo aran yes!

[@jumaanecabrera8091]

Great melody breakdown!!! I always wondered how Coldplay obtained such a relaxing and catchy sound. Landing on the 2nd, 6th, and 7th. So cool!

[@brandongummow4743]

Please do Muse!

[@McCartyPistorius]

U2 would be incredible. Especially given Chris Martin's joking question to U2 during their recent Q&A session for the Joshua Tree anniversary concert.

[@RodrigoHernandez-hl3fi]

I want one video about Queen or The Beatles

[@maxiris1240]

yessss!!

[@MimMdance]

They are the best! So many styles and quality songs.

[@grimminatorXYZ]

Muse would be awesome

[@bullsquid42]

I'm not a mucitian and I don't know much about music. Yet these videos are quite fascinating, thanks :)

[@waterglas21]

Please do A Radiohead or Beatles episode, BTW this was fantastic!

[@RRollWithIt]

I love this series, thank you for doing this. Can you please do Gorrillaz next?

[@dantesurra]

Can you do The Beatles at some point? This may be impossible as they fluctuate so much album to album, song to song, but can you do such based on each songwriter over certain periods of time?

[@bilyanaconsulova405]

cool series. it shows in depth how coherent the artists are unintentionally or intentionally. i would love to see a Hozier analysis

[@tikitooks]

Do Florence and the machine!!

[@tommoda9589]

Mia K I agree! ☝️

[@unpelagato]

yes

[@JL-dk3te]

Great coverage. Learning and seeing music writing in a different light/view. Radiohead. Daft Punk. Bon Iver. City & Colour. The Smiths. Sade. just to name a few.

[@tamarat.charriez3631]

Pleasee do MUSE

[@MrNikolasFORUM]

Thank you for shareing your knowledge to the world! Great and inspiring! Thank you!

[@thedesicut7309]

This was brilliant. Do MUSEEE.

[@RemcoPeggeman]

If people say stuff like “the artist wasn’t thinking about it that hard!” they should know that music theory is often descriptive, not prescriptive. By looking at certain pieces and analyzing them you can see why stuff works the way it does and maybe even use that if you want to invoke a similar feel. Music theory is not about rules you have to follow.

[@FaceItGrace]

When you see someone spell the name as Cold Play: 😫 When you see someone spell the name as Coldplay: 😄

[@RishabhSawant]

This is such a fresh and awesome idea for a KZbin channel!

[@bbu33]

When you talk about using the third in their melodies, are you talking about the 3rd of the chord being played at that time or the 3rd scale degree of the song's key?

[@bitchimgayasfuck171]

I could be wrong about this, but I'm pretty sure he's talking about the 3rd scale degree of the *key*, because the examples he gave for coldplay's use of the third were: 1. HYPNOTIZED - key of F# major - the note indicated as the third *(A#)* is also the third scale degree of this key 2. VIVA LA VIDA - key of Ab major - the note indicated as the third *(C)* is also the third scale degree of this key 3. LOVERS IN JAPAN - key of Ab major - the note indicated as the third *(C)* is also the third scale degree of this key 4. YELLOW - key of C major - the note indicated as the third *(E)* is also the third scale degree of this key 5. UP & UP - key of F# major (or D# minor) - the note indicated as the third *(B)* is *not* the third scale degree of *either* of the keys, so I actually have no idea about this one ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 6. CHARLIE BROWN - key of Bb major - the note indicated as the third *(D)* is also the third scale degree of this key 7. SPEED OF SOUND - key of A major - the note indicated as the third *(C#)* is also the third scale degree of this key 8. IN MY PLACE - key of A major - the note indicated as the third *(C#)* is also the third scale degree of this key (I hope that made sense cuz I think I worded it kinda awkwardly lmao)

[@bbu33]

Would the major 3rd interval of the key really convey the emotions he is refering to when played during any other chord than the tonic? Or does it only work because the chords are changing rapidly? Thanks for the awesome answer btw.

[@bitchimgayasfuck171]

Tbh I really don't know, you'd have to get someone much better at music theory than me to answer that 😂 I'm curious about that too though, so if anyone else could answer that, that'd be sweet! and no problem! (also sorry I couldn't answer your other questions!)

[@leyonleo]

tbh I think it has to be the 3rd of the chord because he talks about the major 3rd and in Minor Keys there is no major 3rd

[@bbu33]

leyonleo He actually talked about this in his new video.

[@EvilMadh8a]

I wonder how long these take you... They're very well put together, easy to watch and informative. Honest, brilliant job. Much love man. It'd be good to see Frank Ocean or Radiohead next.

[@TheLais17]

arcade fire, metallica, PINK FLOYD

[@jayray2813]

I agree now the unexplainable explained hope more about coldplay came out fron you and dig deeper from it

[@NikeOleen]

PARAMORE

[@yvonnehanmusic]

NikeOleen yes! Paramore fans unite!!!!

[@megancannon2342]

Yvonne Han yes!!!

[@miguelluciotto2378]

But they're older stuff, like Riot!

[@swanw.7909]

Hell yeah

[@cheta822]

NikeOleen yes pls

[@JD43232]

Thank you sir. I always think about this stuff and its awesome to analyze music. This is great stuff for musicians and other people with a passion for music.

[@braydenwhite8192]

Do a video on Muse

[@KingPhoenixx]

This is so interesting to think about, makes me wanna write a song

[@MikaelFahreYe]

MUSE

[@justinmac7231]

the hook checklist looks awesome

[@EliteFleet1337]

Please do Bastille next!

[@bitchimgayasfuck171]

yes!!!!!!!

[@JoshuaHenryOfficial]

incredible content!!

[@daniella96]

PARAMORE PLEASE!

[@Simrasil_]

great channel, I'm glad I stumbled upon your videos! I hope you find the time to continue this series soon, it's really well produced and comprehensive. Thank you :D

[@kingkoshtnex]

3:13 "Spiegel" - Never heard someone pronounce something in german so accurate. Or is he German?

[@TimD.Morand]

The moderator's name is Friedemann Findeisen, he's German and hails from Stuttgart.

[@BristanKeller]

Terrific video series. It's really helping me with my songwriting.

[@RodrigoHernandez-hl3fi]

Muse? Adele? Led Zepellin?

[@popodopulus3826]

Led Zeppelin

[@gary_cairns]

Muse

[@popodopulus3826]

superblonde you have shitty taste in music. fact

[@RodrigoHernandez-hl3fi]

Well, Tutorial about Carlos Gardel and Pavarotti.

[@DrummerDaan]

Hey guys, this is a fantastic video. I love your channel and it helps steppin' up my songwriting game. Thanks!