Moon Music

Moon Music (full title Music of the Spheres Vol. II: Moon Music) is the tenth studio album by the British rock band Coldplay, released on October 4, 2024, by Parlophone in the United Kingdom and Atlantic Records in the United States. Serving as the sequel to From Earth with Love (2021), this album continues Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres project, which has been an ambitious exploration of cosmic themes and sonic experimentation. The release of both albums is being supported by the ongoing Music of the Spheres World Tour. With notable guest appearances by Jon Hopkins, Burna Boy, Little Simz, Elyanna, Tini, and Ayra Starr, Moon Music presents an eclectic mix of genres, from alternative rock and indie pop to afrobeats and electronic music.

Production of Moon Music was spearheaded by Bill Rahko, Dan Green, Michael Ilbert, and Max Martin, who played a significant role in shaping the sonic landscape of the album. Additional production came from Jon Hopkins, Ilya Salmanzadeh, Oscar Holter, and The Chainsmokers, lending the project an expansive sound that pushes boundaries, blending Coldplay’s trademark anthemic style with electronic textures and world music influences. This combination brings a new depth to the band’s discography.

Coldplay officially announced Moon Music on June 17, 2024, via social media, revealing the album’s thematic focus on life’s various phases and challenges. Chris Martin elaborated on the title, explaining that it represents the acceptance of life’s ebb and flow, as well as the idea of “shining your light without expecting anything in return.” The band recorded the album in various locations, including a two-week session at their Punta Paloma studio in Tarifa, Spain, between July and August 2024, using it as their base while performing concerts across Europe.

The album’s artwork features a stunning moonbow photograph taken by Argentine photographer Matías Alonso Revelli in 2020. Coldplay personally reached out to Revelli, opting to use his shot despite other potential choices. The rest of the packaging was designed by longtime collaborator Pilar Zeta, further enriching the cosmic aesthetic of the project. In an effort to promote sustainability, CD editions of Moon Music are being sold on EcoCDs, which are made from 90% recycled materials, continuing Coldplay’s ongoing commitment to environmental causes.

Promotion for Moon Music has been extensive and innovative. The album’s lead single, “Feels Like I’m Falling in Love,” was released on June 21, 2024, with its high-budget music video shot at the historic Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens, Greece. On August 23, 2024, Coldplay dropped their second single, “We Pray,” a collaboration featuring Little Simz, Burna Boy, Elyanna, and Tini. As part of their promotional strategy, Coldplay organized immersive listening pop-up events in cities like Auckland, London, and Beijing, as well as the Valley of the Moon in San Juan, from October 1 to 7, 2024. Additionally, Coldplay partnered with indie record stores across the U.S. for special listening parties in conjunction with Record Store Day, further cementing their global appeal.

Moon Music is a bold continuation of Coldplay’s journey into universal themes, blending personal reflection with a broader cosmic perspective. With its diverse guest appearances, ambitious production, and ethereal visual aesthetic, the album showcases the band’s versatility while staying true to their emotive core. The record’s positive critical reception further cements Coldplay’s position as one of the most influential and forward-thinking bands in contemporary music.