coldplay

Chris Martin Explains the Etymology of ‘Mylo Xyloto’

Photo: Mary-Louise Price; Photos: Getty Images
Photo: Mary-Louise Price; Photos: Getty Images

As previously noted, Coldplay’s upcoming album, Mylo Xyloto, was conceived as a sort of rock opera (in Chris Martin’s own words: “a romance in an oppressive environment”). Details have been scarce, but we know that Rihanna will guest on a track, and that very large teardrops will feature prominently. Now, from Martin himself, some clarity on the album’s title: Mylo is, as we’d guessed, just a name (“a great name,” says the father of Apple and Moses), but Xyloto? “Music comes from a place we don’t know,” he told the New York Times. “It sort of comes through the fingers and toes. So we came up with the idea of, what if you had musical digits, like xylo toes.” Xylophone toes! It’s even better than Vulture dared to dream. And it sets up the very real possibility of a music video starring a tap-dancing xylophone. Don’t squander this, Coldplay. Make the magic happen. [NYT]

Chris Martin Explains the Etymology of ‘Mylo Xyloto’