LIVE ACTS / LIVE BANDS

Fans of the mighty Platipus Records will be only too aware of the extensive musical output of top act Art Of Trance (AOT). Since 1993, they've been unearthing gems of unparalleled purity. However, delve a little deeper and be astonished and amazed by just how linked to the label the act really is. For the AOT is none other than Platipus owner and Tai Pan - Simon Berry

From humble beginnings in the English countryside, Simon's attention was turned from agriculture and rolling around in haystacks by the progressive sounds coming from Detroit in the late 80s. His peers' love of Rock and Indie meant the countryside could offer little in the way of musical stimulation so it was logical for him to get the next tractor out of town. He was London bound...

A musical epiphany occurred at legendary clubs, "Troll" and "Chemistry", where Simon heard music that ignited his soul. Hardfloor's seminal classic "Acperience" blew this country boy’s mind and gave rise to Simon's first and foremost recording project as Art of Trance - the "Deeper Than Deep EP", released on the newly assembled Platipus Records label, set up as a vehicle for his and like-minded others' music. The second release on the label was Poltergeist's "Vicious Circles"- a secret Simon project. While at the Drum Club one night Simon met Darren Emerson, Charlie Hall and Carl Cox. All asked for new copies of the record having worn out their acetates. Simon was flabbergasted that these DJs he respected were all after his record. Carl Cox loved it so much that he offered to remix the track and it was re-released in early 1995 making number 34 in the UK National charts.

Art Of Trance reworked several Platipus tracks, including a driving take on John Occlusion’s ‘Psycho Drums’ and his darkly melodic reworking of Jan Johnston’s ‘Calling Your Name’ as well as nurturing the talents of Neo & Farina (favourite of Radio 1s Dave Pearce) and Tony Rapacioli (under numerous aliases Kansai, Praha, Ratio, Rouge and Space Brothers) w Rapacioli had been duly crowned with two consecutive DJ Mag Sure Player awards - Kansai’s ‘Rococo’ was hailed as: ‘a melodic trance record you can drop anywhere, anytime’.

2004 produced what is popularly considered as Art Of Trance's defining moment, in the form of 'Mongoose'. closely followed by the public demand re-issue of Cygnus X remix of Madagascar & Monsoon - both of which were out of press for some time. Art Of Trance spent the earlier part of the year compiling & mixing a new series called Tales Of The Unexpected, a whole new chapter in the 12 years young of Platipus Records. This went on to be a top seller for the label.

The Art Of Chill 2 - a firm friend of many an 'all back to mine' session was compiled by Simon Berry & mixed by soundtrack extraordinaire Jon Hopkins while Art of Trance remixed of the classic Union Jack track 'Two Full Moons & A Trout' as well as collaboration with Transglobal Underground vocalist Natasha Atlas, entitled 'Persia'.

Simon mixed and compiled 'Tales of The Unexpected Chapter 2' and started a new series entitled 'The Big Freeze' which was released in February 2007 to critical acclaim.

The classic albums by Art Of Trance and Union Jack are about to hit the shelves yet again , re-released with a host of new mixes, and live version as well as another working of the classic Madagascar with new remixes by Richard Durand and Phil Crawf as a follow up to the outstanding 'Swarm' - not only a classic track but a must see video on YouTube too.

Recent brilliant remixes of the Vangelis classic Chung Kao have been gracing superstar DJ sets worldwide during 2012, a sure sign that you just can't hold a good Art of Trance down.

Choose from Art of Trance or coupled with Paul Brogden of POB/Seismic Records as the reincarnated and very awesome Union Jack.

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London born singer/songwriter and DJ Maxine Hardcastle is not restrained by genre, having written soulful/ funky house tracks for Hed Kandi and The Ministry of Sound as well as a number of smooth jazz releases, reaching #1 on the US Billboard chart. It would be difficult not to claim that music runs thought her veins - her father, the legendary 80s popster Paul Hardcastle, made his mark revolutionising the sound of pop with the record '19', with subsequently Simon Fuller named the company '19 Management'. Mr. Hardcastle continues to dominate the American charts with countless hit albums. If that wasn't enough to claim artistic heritage, Maxine's brother Paul Jr. is a saxophonist and songwriter who is currently jamming to the loyal dance music crowds of Ibiza. Louis Hardcastle, her grandfather, was a credible jazz / soul musician performing his way around the world until the fine age of 80. So it's no surprise that Maxine has spent her youth immersed in all things musical, finding time also to . train in classical, ballroom and Latin dancing and gaining a diploma in theater arts at the famed 'Italia Conti Academy'.  She sang in the Spice Girls Movie, danced on S-Club television, appearing in the series I-Dream, and sang live at the Royal Albert Hall as well as co-writing and performing on 'Hardcastle 4' - and all that before the age of 18!  

Maxine has concentrated on writing and producing her own solo material, teaching herself digital music production and setting up her own studio, and teaching herself a professional music program.  From an early age she was determined to become musically self-sufficient and be able to be involved involved in each step of making music. Maxine wrote her first house track 'It's Gonna Happen' in 2007, which was snapped up by global label/club brand Hed Kandi, released on the 'Summer Sampler' and 'Beach House 2007', following up with 'Another Chance' to Wez Clarke's instrumental on which she also played keyboards. The track smashed dancefloors everywhere and Hed Kandi obliged again for her second signing, releasing the track on several albums including 'A Winters Taste', 'Kandi Lounge', 'Beach House 2008', 'Live Verbier' and 'American' Ministry of Sound Album. Established producer Richard Earnshaw provided a remix on further albums. Two further tracks were signed with Hed Kandi proving very successful - 'Walking With A Smile', originally written by Maxine is a soul/funk number, was remixed by Wez Clarke into the catchy house track that now features on several albums. 'Bringing Me Back', was released on the 'Beach House 2009' album and several albums Stateside. The 'Mr. Vasovski Mix' was released on Discopolis records and featured on 'Born To Dance Presents Essential House Miami Twenty Ten'.  Maxine performs her tracks live in venues all over the world, including Pacha London, Pacha Lithuania, Russia and The Maldives.

As Miss Hardcastle breezed through the audition for dance/pop sensation 'Alice DJ' her work with other producers at Violent Music sparked a fascination with Ableton Live throwing her headlong into the world of digital DJing. Composing her own remixes/bootlegs she showcased her favourite house and electro tracks to audiences weaving her live vocal talents into her set. Maxine may be relatively new blood on the DJ scene but she has already sparked a lot of industry interest - not many DJs we know leave the decks looping and get down onto the floor to sing in the crowd.

Recent highlights include touring for 'Pink Poison' in Lithuania, as well as appearances at Egg London, Kuredu Island Maldives, Dreamers Marbella, Dance Crusade festival, Mac Store Regent Street, The National Polo Championships 'Sandbanks Rocks' alongside Dane Bowers and Brandon Block, and has played beside Kiss 100 DJs and Ibiza Residents and has billed at highly respected club nights Dance Aid, Blow, Miss Moneypennies, Wired, Be Sombody, Femme Fatale, DiscoTech, MotherFunkers, Pukka Up, Undetected, Dirtbox, Tutti-Frutti, and the Thursday Night Project

Away from the decks and dance scene Maxine finds relaxation from the hard beats and hectic life of a DJ by writing accoustic, easy listening music. She has co-written and performed on several of her fathers #1 smooth jazz albums and recently co-wrote and sang the track 'A Different Kind Of Love' with American artist Nate Harasim, voted 'Up and Coming Smooth Jazz artist of the Year. The track features on his album which is due to be released shortly.

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Since its U.S. release, "I See You Baby - Shakin' Dat Ass" has warranted international acclaim and is climbing the national record charts as well as selling thousands of the funky derriere'ed re-end Renault hatch. This accomplished songwriter also contributed to Foxy Brown's multi-Platinum CHYNA DOLL album (Def Jam) by penning and performing on "The Birth Of Foxy Brown." GRAM'MA FUNK also wrote and is the feature vocalist on "In My Bones," another song on Groove Armada´s VERTIGO album.

GRAM'MA FUNK´s vocals and unique style has created a demand for the women behind the funk! Already, the single has been licensed out to "Top of The Pops Vol.1", the Warner Bro´s film "Romeo Must Die," "Mitsubishi Spitfire 2000" car commercial, ABC TV shows "Third Watch, DreamWorks film "Road Trip" with MTV´s Tom Green, HBO TV "The Sopranos," Paramount Pictures film "What Women Want" with Mel Gibson, to name just a few.

Until returning to Miami in 2006, GRAM'MA FUNK has been working and living on the white isle of Ibiza, where she has been dubbed "The Funk Hostess Wit´ Da Mostess" to the "rich and naughty" at some of the hottest international clubs and special events. GRAM'MA FUNK´s magical vocals and talented song writing skills have contributed to two highly talked about singles, "Universal Unfolding" on DJ Pippi´s Undiscovered Ibiza CD Vol. 2 and the latest club stopper tune "Cheeky Armada" with Illicit on Azuli\Yola records

Perhaps it was the fast-pace of New York City, or the instant celebrity she became on opening the revered Funk Hut, but it caused GRAM'MA FUNK to leave her mark wherever she goes!

So the next time you're partying and you hear "I See You Baby…" remember who gave it too you "The Funk Hostess Wit´ Da Mostess"- GRAM'MA FUNK!

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Joy Joseph is a musical artist like no other. An electrifying percussionist, steel pan player, kit drummer and a hugely talented singer – this girl has it all.

Joy has made her name as an in demand live percussionist on the London club scene, working with a diverse range of DJs including DJ Disciple, Danny Rampling, Boy George, Booker T, Rap Saunders, and Paul ‘Trouble’ Anderson, lending her considerable energy and charisma as well as her musical skills to countless club nights, festivals and parties.including London residences at Soul Fierce, Trade, Fiction , A: M, Beyond, Later, Drama, Orange, Bootylicious, Bleached, Dreams, Soul divine, Soulmates, Detox and various private parties

In recent years Joy has added to her reputation on the drums by making a huge name for herself as a vocalist, working with many groups but most notably alongside Mr Hudson (recently appearing at number 2 on the UK chart).

Over the past few of years alone Joy Joseph has worked with the biggest names in the industry, performing alongside: Kanye West, Amy Winehouse, Groove Armada, Calvin Harris, The Police, Erika Badu, Mika, and many more. She has toured all the biggest festivals, which have included Glastonbury, V Festival, the iTunes Festival, T in The Park, and Lovebox, to name but a few. Alongside this, Joy has had major success and exposure on TV and radio, appearing numerous times on BBC Radio (with Zane Lowe, Jo Whiley, Jools Holland, Ras Kwame, & Dermot O’Leary), and performing on MTV, live at the MOBO’s, on the Alan Carr Show, The Mercury Sessions, and so much more.

Joy Joseph made her long-awaited debut as solo artist with the single ‘Our Love Is Taking Us Through’ b/w ‘Out Of All The Boys & The Girls’ which came out on FRIZZ in August 2010. The A-side shows off Joy’s Rocksteady and Lovers’ Rock roots, whilst the flip is an intoxicating slice of 21st century Psychedelic Soul. Both are collaborations with her Mr Hudson & The Library band-mates Raphael Mann and Wilkie Wilkinson, and are the first taste of her upcoming solo LP

With style and quality in abundance, whether Joy is behind the drums, a mic, on TV, or in a club – the experience never fails to excite, amaze, and enrapture a crowd.

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Danielle was born in Hull but did most of her growing up in Essex which is probably where she soaked up the brash outgoing and sassy vocal style that reaches deep into the soul. From early beginnings of Chetwood Primary School Choir leading to a desire to belt out top 40 hits from the Sunday R1 chart show Danielle developed an increasingly wider appreciation of music.

Numerous karaoke forays later lead to Danielle being approached by cabaret singer Dave to form a club vocal duo 'Twogether'.  Her professional repertoire increased from 5 to 25 songs and 'Twogether' toured the cabaret, pub and working mens club circuit and despite a more traditional performence content still found a following in younger venues, and Danielle realised that she had a very commerical vocal talent and decided to get some wider exposure. Danielle produced a demo CD of cover songs and started working with many different producers on original songs to showcase her style after being offered an opportunity to sing in London at 'POPSHOW'.

Danielle needed original songs and received hundreds of responses from writers in answer to an advert, choosing Gerard Magee and Phil Harris tracks which stood out from very many ballards.After hearing Danielle's Demo CD** and then seeing her perform live Kenny Azeez of VHP Records contracted her to record 3 tracks on a double dance album released at the beginning 2004. "You've Got The Love" was her first track with VHP, the second was "Independent Girl".

 In 2002 Danielle recorded 'Out Of Luck' for Chicken Soup Music. who were so impressed with her vocals and professionalism that they invited her to record a further 2 tracks including the second "You and me Baby". Danielle sings all genres well and after responding to an ad in the Stage Magazine also collaborated on a project with Pete Deveraux (the Artful Dodger), but sadly this never came to fruition.  The Wah-Brothers also asked Danielle to produce a pre-production vocal guide for them for their hit song "Say Hello Wave Goodbye".Danielle biggest audience to date has been performing to 3000 people for Comic Relief at the London Fun Run - described as "one of the best experiences to date, I really loved it, though it was a touch chillier on stage than I'm usually used to!".

Danielle has trained professionally at Brighton Institute of Modern Music (BIMM) getting a Distinction for the course and received voical coaching from Carleen Anderson (ex Brand New Heavies) and Roger Kain, Kate Cammeron (vocalist for Fatboy Slim, Paul Oakenfold etc.) as well as some good old fashion rock and roll hands on hands on training with a rock band and some excellent semi-professional musicians for 9 months. Danielle was the first to sing at all the weekly "Live Performance Workshops" at Concorde 2 each week with material from Skunk Anansie through No Doubt & Coldplay to Foo Fighters, ed Hot Chillie Peppers, and AC/DC. She also met and jammed with Alex......, Vinnie L...(Emma Bunton, Robbie Williams) and Mark Richardson (drummer for FEEDER) and many more.

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Lovetrain are the UK's leading professional genre tribute band having developed their profile over 10+ years from humble beginnings as a covers band to the premier full touring performance show of the genre - swirling with the sound and imagery of the glamorous era of 70's / 80's Disco and entertaining approx 50,000 very fans and customers nationally every year including performances for Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, for Zara Phillips 21st party & the Royal Family, including The Queen at Windsor Castle, Sir Paul McCartney's "Back In The World Tour" at the new Cavern in Liverpool the former Beatle performing "Let It Be" with Lovetrain backing him, Sting and Elton John,at the MacMillan Trust Ball, Kate Magnier's wedding, Antony Costa's engagement, Formula 1, Goodwood and Cowes Week and Sandhurst, Disneyland Paris, Versaille, and Sporting Club Monaco events

Lovetrain have entertained at many well known Awards Ceremonies, and have appeared alongside music and show biz celebrities Rod Stewart, Ronan Keating, Brian Ferry, Dame Edna Everage, Jimmy Tarbuck, Tony Blackburn, Stephen Fry and Jonathan Ross!<

All this as well as headlining major corporate events for Yahoo, BT, Marks & Spencer, National Trust, Vodaphone, Anne Summers/Gold Group Int. Daimler/Chrysler, The Boots Group, Cap Gemini, Audi, Carphone Warehouse, Safeway, Sainsburys, Churchill Insurance, The British Red Cross, Majestic Wine, Interbrew, Siemens and many many more.

Their slick, fun, feel-good shows have delighted thousands of fans across the UK, and won them rave reviews across a wide demographic fan base that continues to grow with each performance at clubs, festivals, charity balls award ceremonies and the many prestige private and major corporate events they are a regular feature of.

Lucy Hope-Smith - GSP UK, specialists in Event Management and Production "They were fab! The client loved them and wanted more!"

Sally Lomax – Charity Ball Organiser“Thank you so much for such a fantastic show on Satuday night. I have had so many people contact me telling how great they thought Lovetrain were. They made the ball!! Thank you again.”

Theresa Giffard – Starlight Design, Event Production “Please pass on huge thanks to the Love Train boys (plus Ged and Fred your sound guys) who were brilliant again!”

Ruth Pavion – Head of Production, Simply Experience “The band were fantastic!”

Katherine Crawford - The Turner Agency, Event Management“Lovetrain were great! Music was wonderful, they adapted to the venue & to the guests - everyone has just said that they were superb!”

Lisa Pennington – Definitive Events Limited “I would just like to thank the band for their exceptional performance ... everyone loved the evening and I've heard nothing but fantastic comments about the band.”

Sue Coggins – Director, JB Communications “It really is a great success when the dance floor is filled from the first song and people still asking for more at the end of the evening!”

Pat Pinchbeck - McLeod Holden Enterprises Ltd, Professional Event & Entertainment Services The lead singer worked really hard to get the customers up dancing, they have always been a difficult bunch to move but Lovetrain managed it – no problem!

Tracy Collins – emap B2B media group “Lovetrain were brilliant again at the weekend. This is the second year they've performed at the Cannes Lions Closing Gala, and once again really got the party atmosphere going, and made sure the crowd were up and dancing all night!”

Lucy Alexander – TV Presenter "Homes Under the Hammer" “Lovetrain were absolutely fantastic - kept us all rocking till the wee hours and everyone loved them.”

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Sharon May Linn started singing professionally at the age of 17 - a backing vocalist she proved too talented to hide on the backlines and began a solo career stretching across several bands and often clocking up over a hundred live performances a year - from reggae to rock to 70s-80s cover bands and acid jazz groups, she becomes a great interpreter of big soul names like Aretha Franklin, Tina.Turner and many others.

At the same time Sharon was busy cutting tracks and developing her own creativity writing lyrics and learning the production aspects of music and for 10 years has been adding her own style as a free-style vocalist and 'posh' MC over the deck talents of many well known House DJs at some of the Worlds best clubs, first in Italy and then also Ibiza, Mexico, England, Poland, Switzerland and Germany, Russia and many more.

Although Sharon had released many tracks it wasn't until the summer of 2005 when her vocals for Lil Love's LITTLE LOVE shot to the top of the charts that she really hit the worlds stage with one of the best known house vocals ever

Her 2003 self-penned 'DESTINATION UNKNOWN' also became a hit ironically thanks to vocals by diva Crystal Waters. Todays clubbers are also enjoying the excellent remix , released under the title 'DESTINATION CALABRIA'.  Two further releases followed WaWa feat. Sharon May Linn 'SUNSHINE', including a version by House producer and DJ Jerry Ropero -(Blanco y Negro/Vendetta, Spain) and Blu Lipstick (Sharon May Linn & Magilla) 'HEAD OVER HEELS', including an Alex Gaudino version (Riserec/TIMErecords, Italy) which found it's way onto the cult club HED KANDI 2006 compilation.

In December 2006 "Burning Desire" written and sung by Sharon on the grooves of italian DJs, Domenico Baldoni and Lauro Predieri, was released under the project named FRIENDS ELECTRIC by Wicked & Wild records... Already on Traxsource and soon on Beatport as well. With the same team Sharon wrote and sang "THERE'S NO REASON" which will also be available soon!

It is very likely that Sharon has another smash hit on her hands as 'I GOT FEVER' a similarly infectious vocal track , written and produced with DJ Sergio D'Angelo, has just been released on Lemans recordings, Germany; including a real "bomb" version and a dub one created by the super energic WaWa bros!!!! Another soulfull track 'DON'T KEEP ME HANGING ON also with Sergio D'Angelo has been released on Equal Records, Italy, while MOVE IT OUT a track released under the project name of Smack it, which are Sharon, dj Stefano Pain and Marcello Lepore, has already hit the top of the Italian dance charts on Stereo Seven records, Italy).

Recently Sharon May Linn has been touring with the re-formed Italian house icons FPI Project ('Rich in Paradise', 'Back To My Roots') , to rapturous crowd reaction at some of Europes biggest dance music venues, and is recording a new album with them

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