The distribution system for releasing new music to the public has been tested quite often this year. A growing number of artists have started to sell their new records for nothing, to push up release dates without notice and even to abandon the use of record labels.
Following this new trend, British band Coldplay recently announced on its Web site that it will be offering a download of the single, “Violet Hill,” off its upcoming new record “Viva La Vida.” The best part about this recent news: The song can be downloaded for free.
Coldplay’s new album could be argued as the most anticipated new record worldwide. The band’s previous discography holds albums “Parachutes” and “A Rush of Blood to the Head,” that were celebrated as modern masterpieces.
For almost a decade now, Coldplay has been one of the frontrunners in America’s music invasion by Britain, surpassing many English bands that are still acknowledged, but did not make as much in our country as Coldplay.
Although lead singer Chris Martin’s marriage to actress Gwyneth Paltrow did bolster rather than burden the band’s reputation as a legitimate band, it didn’t paint over the talent they had to begin with.
With the emergence of Coldplay in 2000 with its hit “Yellow,” the band was well received by music fans all over the world. The quartet stood out at the time of their arrival because of the originality of its music, being the breath of fresh air that the British music industry needed. Radiohead and Oasis seemed to be at standstills in their careers, and the timing for a new band couldn’t have been better.
Taking Britain by storm with its first album, “Parachutes,” Coldplay followed up with the even more popular “A Rush of Blood to the Head” in 2001, with megahits “Clocks” and “The Scientist” earning the band Grammys and sold-out global tours.
After taking a brief hiatus, with Chris Martin marrying Paltrow and starting a family, the group got back together to record the long awaited “X&Y” in summer 2005, topping the charts worldwide.
Now, three years later, Coldplay is almost ready to release its fourth album, “Viva La Vida,” raising questions before the record has even been heard. The band won’t reveal what meaning they’re referring to; “viva la vida” in Spanish means “Live Life” or “To Live the Life.”
Interestingly enough, “Viva La Vida” is also the title of the last painting of artist Frida Kahlo. Regardless, the album will feature 10 tracks and is set to drop on June 17 on Capitol Records.
The free single will be available to download on the band’s Web site starting today at 7:15 a.m. ET, for one week only. So if you’re interested in hearing some brand new Coldplay, you’ve got seven days and counting to legally download it for free.
