Why have three of ColdPlay songs been removed from streaming platforms?… 

Why have three of ColdPlay songs been removed from streaming platforms?… 

In recent years, Coldplay has made notable decisions to withhold certain albums from streaming platforms, a strategy known as “windowing.” This approach involves delaying the availability of new releases on streaming services to encourage direct purchases and maximize initial sales.

Upon its release in October 2011, Coldplay’s album “Mylo Xyloto” was notably absent from streaming services like Spotify and Rhapsody. This decision was made to encourage fans to purchase the album directly, as streaming platforms typically offer lower per-play royalties to artists. EMI, the band’s label at the time, stated, “We always work with our artists and their management on a case-by-case basis to deliver the best outcome for each release.”

Similarly, in May 2014, Coldplay’s album “Ghost Stories” was withheld from Spotify and other streaming services. The album was initially available for purchase and on Apple’s iTunes store, but streaming platforms were excluded. Spotify addressed this by displaying a message to users: “The artist or their representatives have decided not to release this album on Spotify. We are working on it and hope they will change their mind soon.”


In December 2015, Coldplay’s album “A Head Full of Dreams” was withheld from free, on-demand streaming services like Spotify. However, it was made available on subscription-based services such as Apple Music. This decision was part of a broader strategy to limit the album’s availability on free platforms, reflecting the band’s stance against free on-demand streaming.

These instances highlight Coldplay’s strategic approach to album releases, aiming to balance direct sales with streaming availability. By withholding albums from streaming platforms initially, the band seeks to maximize initial sales and maintain control over how their music is consumed.

While this strategy has been effective in driving album sales, it has also sparked discussions about the evolving dynamics between artists, record labels, and streaming services. The debate centers on the value of streaming platforms in promoting music and the fair compensation of artists in the digital age.

As the music industry continues to evolve, Coldplay’s decisions serve as a case study in navigating the complex relationship between traditional album sales and the growing dominance of streaming platforms. Their approach underscores the ongoing challenges artists face in balancing commercial interests with the desire to reach a broad audience through streaming services

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