The Chainsmokers got Chris Martin's opinion on their new songs when they worked with Coldplay on their collaboration 'Something Just Like This'.
The Chainsmokers on NME cover
The electronic pop duo - Alex Pall and Drew Taggart - were thrilled when they got to work with their idols on the EDM track which will feature on their upcoming debut album 'Memories... Do Not Open' and which they unveiled at the BRIT Awards in February.
When they had Chris, 40, in the studio they took the opportunity to play him some of their other songs but didn't always take his advice.
In an interview with NME magazine, Alex said: "We're writing songs about ourselves that feel raw ... and those guys all did that at one point. But their music's become global. Chris would be like, 'This is a great song. But does the world need this song?' And I'd be like, 'I guess not. But it's important to us.' "
Praising Chris' backcatalogue of classic hits, such as 'Fix You', 'The Scientist' and Paradise', Drew added: "As a songwriter he nails that hopeful, melancholy feeling that I grew up on."
Drew, 27, who writes most of The Chainsmokers songs, wrote 'Closer' about the sense of regret after hooking up with an ex. And he has promised that the tracks on the new album will document more real life dilemmas.
He said: "There are songs about great moments and ugly moments and tempting moments. There are people who'll hear a song and have an idea it's about them. It's Drew writing Drew. Talking about those times when you're not your best self and owning it. No one should feel that they have to be perfect. And we can be role models if we own our mistakes."
Meanwhile Alex, 31, has acknowledged the importance of using the band's fame to make a difference.
He explained: "I think it's important that we use our platform to do good and our music to connect with people on a real level. For example, yesterday, we got this email about a nine-year-old kid who was diagnosed with... I don't want to say a terminal disease, but he was going to be incredibly ill for the rest of his life. His brain was unresponsive and the parents were devastated. But they played a video of us performing 'Closer' and it was the first time that he responded to anything. He was dancing around in his wheelchair. And the parents were crying."
He added: "I can't believe our music made this moment. The song means something so different to that family than it does to the frat kid in Delaware."
Tagged in Chris Martin