Back in 2016, The Chainsmokers were riding high. Their hit single ‘Closer’ had skyrocketed them into global fame, and the hits were pouring in. But one phone call changed everything: Coldplay wanted to collaborate. The duo, Alex Pall and Drew Taggart, were stunned. “We were just two guys from the dance music scene,” Alex shared on LinkedIn, “and they were international stars.”
Within days, they found themselves in a Malibu studio overlooking the ocean—a far cry from the dimly lit rooms they were used to. And there he was, Chris Martin, the legendary frontman of Coldplay, welcoming them with open arms. Excitement quickly gave way to pressure. Hours of playing chords and brainstorming lyrics led to...nothing. The magic just wasn’t happening. Chris left mid-session to tuck his kids into bed, leaving Alex and Drew wondering if this collaboration was destined to fail.
When Chris returned, they wrapped things up, resigned to the idea that today wasn’t their day. They called an Uber to leave—but fate had other plans. The Uber was late. As they waited, Chris casually asked if they had anything else. Drew opened his laptop and played the intro to ‘Paris.’ Chris lit up. “Anything else like that?” he asked.
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Drew hesitated but took a shot, playing a rough, forgotten piano loop. That’s when the magic finally sparked. “The next few hours, we watched him dance around the room, mumbling lyrics and building melodies on the spot,” Alex recalled. “We just sat there, trying not to break the vibe, watching one of the best in the world create magic in real time.”
By the end of the night, they had ‘Something Just Like This,’ a track that would go on to become a global sensation. Released on February 22, 2017, it soared to the Top 10 in charts worldwide, was performed at iconic events like the Brit Awards and One Love Manchester, and even snagged a Grammy nomination.
Reflecting on that surreal night, Alex wrote: “It was one of those moments you dream about—completely surreal, humbling, and a reminder of what’s possible with a lot of luck and some preparation. Success doesn’t always come on the first try. Don’t give up until you’ve exhausted all resources.” Sometimes, all it takes is a missed Uber to create a masterpiece.
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