The Man Who Made Coldplay Cool by Telling Them to Stop Trying

For many bands, finding the right producer is the key to unlocking their true potential. For Coldplay, that pivotal moment came with Brian Eno, the legendary producer who helped steer the band into uncharted musical territory. Their collaboration, which began with Coldplay’s fourth album Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends, fundamentally changed the band’s sound and creative outlook.

Chris Martin, Coldplay’s lead vocalist, has credited Eno with more than just refining their music. The producer encouraged the band to completely abandon any notions of trying to be “cool,” a revelation that had a profound effect on the band’s creative freedom. In Martin’s words, Eno helped him “completely abandon the concept of trying to be cool,” instead nurturing a sense of wonder and enthusiasm in their music-making process. This shift in mindset allowed Coldplay to evolve into one of the most adventurous and successful bands of the 21st century.

Eno’s influence extended well beyond the traditional producer role. Known for his avant-garde approach to music production, Eno wasn’t just behind the mixing desk — he was often in the thick of the creative process, collaborating directly with the band. Martin has described him as being like another member of Coldplay, often joining in their jam sessions. “He loves to just stand in the circle and play with the band,” Martin shared, reflecting the deep, organic collaboration between the two.

One of Eno’s most unconventional methods involved separating Martin from the band during early recording sessions, a move designed to shake up the band’s dynamic and encourage new, more organic creativity. By removing the frontman from the equation, Eno allowed the band to explore their music without the constraints of familiar roles. This method worked wonders, bringing a fresh vitality to Coldplay’s sound.

Their creative partnership didn’t stop with Viva la Vida — it continued to thrive on subsequent projects. One notable example is the Kaleidoscope EP, where Eno co-wrote and produced the track “Aliens,” a song that echoes the band’s commitment to addressing global issues. Proceeds from the track were donated to the Migrant Offshore Aid Station, reflecting the band’s desire to use their music for a greater cause.

For Martin, Eno’s influence has been both personal and artistic. He has often referred to the producer as his “Gandalf,” underscoring the mentor-mentee relationship that has been integral to his growth, both as a musician and as an individual. It’s clear that Eno’s impact on Coldplay cannot be overstated — the band’s sound and approach would be drastically different without his guidance, and it’s likely that their evolution into one of the world’s most beloved acts owes much to the simple, yet profound advice: “Stop trying to be cool.”