Coldplay

[Jane.M]

Would you say Coldplay is classed as indie or rock? A dispute between me and my boss...

[rocinante40]

well indie was originally used to describe bands signed to independent labels but if you are asking about the style I'd say neither it's morose banal shite

[Waterwolf]

Sorry Jane, I think this is a dispute you're unlikely to resolve. As rociante40 says, 'indie' really means music released on an independent label. Maybe ten or fifteen years ago it could have been used to describe a particular style, but I don't think it can now. Describing Coldplay as one and not the other strikes me as elitism rather than a serious attempt to define their style (e.g. 'Coldplay are indie because they're too good to be rock' or vice versa). So my answer is: Coldplay make music with guitars and drums. How you define that is purely a matter of personal taste.

[welchman60]

Yes but they did when best rock band at the MTV Europe Music Awards last month.

[couchy]

Like rocinante says indie music was always associated with bands on independent labels, bands like New Order, James, Supergrass, Primal Scream and the Manics were all classed as indie groups back in the late 80's and early 90's but commercial success atracts the interest of major labels. As such they are no longer "indie bands" but does that really alter the music? in most cases no. The Stone Roses first album was a work of genius whilst on a indie label whilst the 2nd was disapointing given the money and time they had for it. As for Coldplay, they have the vibe of a indie band with mass commercial success and appeal. MTV have to pigeon hole music for their awards, I pay no attention to them. Eminem is classified as a dance artist - he clearly isnt what the UK music scene would call a dance artist he is a rapper. What is rock anyway? - is it Bill Hayley, Queen, Bon Jovi or Coldplay?.

[boognish76]

They're pop.

[mikewith]

Surely no 'indie' band worth its salt would set out to become a 21st century REO Speedwagon by peddling such awful middle-of-the-road cure-for-insomnia cack? (Or in other words -- music is pretty subjective... and you can therefore apply your own labels to the music you like or hate!)

[requiem]

If they're on an independent label, they're indie. It's not a description of their music, although many people use it as one. If it's from an independent label, it's indie. I don't know if coldplay are, but I doubt it what with their american success they'd probably need a big label to distribute their records. Thus, they are not indie. It's Nu-Soulful-Rock.

[holger]

its not indie but its not rock like bon jovi is rock or matchbox20 is rock these are mainstream rock bands. i would call coldplay a alternative rock band or a soft and harmonic indie band with a big sales potential. its not that they try to make it into radio or to sell out its just good music that a lot of people like. that is nothing wrong. big selling and still indie is possible. the music is not getting worse at the moment a band sells more record. the music is still they same as it ever was. i can not understand people who stop loving bands at the moment when more than 150 people go to their shows.