= Coldplay =

In lecture this week we discussed three types of Christian bands and/or musicians. I could not help but think of where to place my favorite band, Coldplay. Coldplay is know to have come from a Christian background and include Christian elements in many of their songs, but their purpose if purely musical. Coldplay is certainly a transformationist band, interested in music as music, but include the praise and struggle with God in many of their lyrics. In their new album Mylo Xyloto, almost all of their songs have direct or symbolic religious lyrics. For example, “Us Against the World,” begins with the lyric: “Oh morning come bursting, the clouds, Amen.” The song, about a couple struggling to make their relationship work, includes the element of temptation by the devil: “the devil as he's talking with those angel's eyes”. The song also has direct reference to the Biblical story of Daniel and the lions den [Daniel 6].  

Coldplay has also been a proud advocator of Oxfam in support of fair trade, for over six years. Chris Martin, the bands lead vocalist, often wears the Make Trade Fair symbol of an equal sign on his hand to public events, in music videos, and at their concerts. The band has also written “Make Trade Fair” or “MTF” on the side of their piano while on tour, promoting the program at each show.

This year, Martin has been sporting the Oxfam symbol as a patch on his shirt, over his heart. 
Below are photos from Coldplay's music video for "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall," and the 2012 Grammy performance with Rihanna:

Martin, a spokesperson for Oxfam, went to Ghana in 2005, and created a video to the tune of his band’s song “What If”. The video, part of the Make Trade Fair campaign, highlights the importance of fair trade to fight against poverty and hunger. 

Check out the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACkEM19FEho

Some could argue Martin is promoting his band since the video is to the tune of a Coldplay song, however, I do not feel particularly suspicious of Martin’s sincerity.

What do you think of the Coldplay/Chris Martin's sincerity?