Coldplay tried hypnosis while recording new album

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Page last updated at 08:48 GMT, Thursday, 27 October 2011 09:48 UK

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Coldplay have said they tried recording under hypnosis after a suggestion by producer Brian Eno.

Bassist Guy Berryman admitted that they were put into a trance during sessions for new album Mylo Xyloto but that it didn't have any effect on their music.

"You try 10 ideas and only one works. But nothing is too stupid for us," said Berryman before the band's show at Madrid's bullring on Wednesday night.

Eno is well known for using unusual techniques to help bands experiment.

"We're not afraid to try different things. Brian Eno brought a friend in and the four of us were playing music under hypnosis," explained Berryman.

"It didn't really come to anything."

Coldplay also worked with Eno on their last album, Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends.

The producer is known for using "oblique strategies" - a set of cards with random instructions on - to help musicians try new things and boost creativity.

'No X Factor'

Speaking before their Madrid gig, the four-piece also ruled out ever appearing on The X Factor as guests or mentors.

Coldplay played a packed gig at Madrid's bullring on Wednesday

But singer Chris Martin did admit the band were fans of the show and had voted for Stacey Solomon during the 2009 series.

"We all watch The X Factor, but I don't think we could go on it. I think it's just that we do something very different to that," he said.

Martin also told reporters he was pleased, both as a fan and businessman, that The Stone Roses were re-forming.

The band have invested in a film about their famous Spike Island gig being directed by Mat Whitecross, who has also directed some of Coldplay's videos.

"We just put some money into that film," said the singer. "So as film investors we're very thrilled that the band have decided to get back together because it means the box office will be much bigger."

Mylo Xyloto, Coldplay's fifth studio album, was released earlier this week and is heading for the top of the charts on both sides of the Atlantic.

It has sold 122,000 during its first three days on sale in the UK, according to the Official Chart Update, and Billboard is also reporting the record is on course for number one in America.