EMPORIUM release new single 'Gloomy Shadows' - November 6th 2015

Emporium have an eclectic collection of recordings and releases behind their back. Their music is kaleidoscopic and diverse, as they keep finding new ways to express themselves through a broad sonic palette.

Originally formed in Edinburgh but now London based, composer and producer Ewan McKenzie is finalizing a new Emporium mini album and working towards some live dates with a full band.

New single Gloomy Shadows is a very engaging track. On one hand, the title might suggest a dark and mellow mood, whereas the song is actually pretty cheerful and uplifting.

The melodies and tempo have a very 60s feel, with a slightly psychedelic pop twist. This song makes me think of The Beatles jamming with Tangerine Dream.

Emporium have once again managed to come up with a catchy track that still has depth in terms of arrangement and composition. (Peter Vidani)

'Gloomy Shadows' is released 6^th November 2015 on Whimsical Records

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http://whimsicalrecords.yolasite.com/emporium.php (Full profile)

THE OK SOCIAL CLUB - New Single 'Threads'

It’s been 12 months since The OK Social Club released their debut album 'Nothing In Common'. The album yielded 3 singles - 'The Shape Of Things To Come', 'The Late 90’s' and 'Gezellig', with their music appearing on various TV and Radio shows including Soccer AM, Sunday Brunch, Hollyoaks, BBC Radio One Introducing and ‘Single of the month’ on BBC’s The Janice Forsyth Show. The band also won Steve Lamacq’s Rebel Playlist feature.

They spent most of 2013 playing around the UK and Europe including appearances at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, and The Wickerman festival in Scotland. They also won Best Live Act at the Scottish AIternative Music Awards. They are now back in the studio recording their follow up to be released later this year.

The first single to be released from their second album is 'Threads' accompanied by b-side 'Made In The Shade'.

The band felt that 'Threads' was received well while on tour and decided it would be a great introduction to the new album. Frontman Raff Eragona said “Of all the new songs, ‘Threads’ is the closest thing to anything from ‘Nothing In Common’ but has hints of what to expect from our next record. We’re all very excited to release new music.”

The OK Social Club: Raff Eragona - Vocals, Guitars Chris Finn - Guitars, Backing Vocals Gordy Burn - Bass Jordan Harvey - Drums

The new single ‘Threads’ is released on Platform Records - available at all download stores from March 17th 2014.

CHOCKSY signs with Platform

London based Chocksy (Real name David James) is an eclectic artist who has set out to deliver his own take on electronic music.

Blending elements as diverse as techno, new wave and indie pop, it’s all about vintage-sounding drum machines, lush synth pads and colourful melodies, with influences from the 1980's including bands like Soft Cell, Shannon and Pet Shop Boys, as well as Italian Disco and Acid House music. '' I love retro stuff, even down to the old fashioned 'one armed bandits' you find at funfairs and old seaside towns '' he says.

Brand new single YOUR TOWN is a powerful track with a cool staggered 808 style groove. The bass synth lines and the vocals interact with each other brilliantly, creating really cool patterns and harmonies.

In addition to the new single, Chocksy is aiming to complete an albums worth of songs this year. '' I will continue to write from what I experience in this crazy twisted city of London. I would love to have a club anthem playing in my favourite venue!'' he says.

Chocksy's debut single 'Your Town' is released on Platform Records - available at all download stores from April 28th 2014.

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https://soundcloud.com/platform-whimsical/chocksy-your-town

THE URCHINS sign with Platform Records.

Formed in 2012, THE URCHINS are an eclectic indie rock band from the outskirts of Glasgow, consisting of two sets of brothers and a close friend. All members are born from a shared vision of creativity and a burning ambition to be the biggest band In the world.

The band's gritty rock and roll tunes along with some indie acoustics give a foundation for a mesmerizing sound which almost takes you on a journey back to the 60's. Haunting and open synth melodies create intricate patterns with electric guitars and a steady, funk-inspired rhythm section.

The Urchins refuse to get stuck in a box, preferring instead to experiment with their music and push their sound to new directions. You can expect anything from a jangly 60's pop hook to something more experimental and 'out-there'. Although they manage to create songs with different concepts and ideas, there is always a blueprint, a 'stamp' imprinting the band’s personality over the song.

From the O2 to The Barrowlands, they have covered most of the city's top venues for up and coming acts. With a catalogue of songs which have blossomed over the years, The Urchins undoubtedly consider songwriting their main drive behind the push they're making into the guitar music scene.

Debut single 'I Feel A Fall Coming' is released on Platform Records - available at all download stores from April 7th 2014.

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The Urchins:
Steven O'Neill – Vocals
Simon Regan - Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals
Chrissy O'Neill - Lead Guitar
Martyn Regan - Drums
Jonny Carroll - Bass Guitar

STOP PRESS sign to Platform Songs

STOP PRESS! sign to Platform Songs.

STOP PRESS! are a soulful ska/indie 4 piece from London and South East England.

Recently signed to Platform Songs, the band draw influence from technical indie and authentic 1st wave ska/reggae movements to create an inventive blend of contemporary summer vibes. Devoted to their inspirations, the band aim to enlighten minds and lighten moods with the music they have to offer.

With a fondness for staggered patterns and upbeat rhythms, new single 'Somewhere Far' makes you think of a scenario involving early Red Hot Chili Peppers or Arctic Monkeys borrowing some gear from a classic ska band (think The Specials) and starting a spontaneous, but articulated jam session; moving from upbeat indie rock vibes to groovy and lush dub breakdowns; topped by bright and compelling female vocals.

'Somewhere Far' depicts a solid and cohesive band, dedicated to an eclectic and forward-thinking sound, refusing to get stuck in a box!

'Somewhere Far' is available from all download stores. Impact date is March 10th 2014.

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Natasha England's 1982 version of 'Iko Iko' has been licensed to the soundtrack of 'UN BOSS IN SALOTTO', a new comedy feature film produced by Cattleya in collaboration with Warner Bros. Entertainment Italy - released on January 1st 2014. Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures Italy

See the Official Trailer here:

Natasha England's 'Iko Iko' licensed to Sony Music UK compilation 'Candy Candy'

Natasha England's take on much-covered New Orleans song 'Iko Iko' is the most successful charting version in the UK, reaching number 10 in the summer of 1982.The track also reached number 5 in New Zealand and number 7 in Ireland.

The master tape was mislaid for decades and the recording has only in recent years been made available digitally, firstly via Platform Records.

Sony Music Germany recently licensed the track from us to their 80's compilation 'Musikladen', and now Sony Music UK have included it on 3-CD hits collection 'Candy Candy', released September 9th 2013: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Candy-Various/dp/tracks/B00DTWUK74/ref=dp_tracks_all_3#disc_3

With Tony Blackburn recently airplaying the track on his BBC 'Pick Of The Pops' show on June 29th, the track is once again receiving the attention it deserves!