Platipus Records

It was back in 1993 that Rave ad salesman Simon Berry (Art Of Trance) began work on the label, from his flat above his favourite East End brothel. Realizing from his neighbours that the world of prostitution had its ins-and-outs, he opted to throw his energies into creating a stable outlet for the music and artists he loved. Simon’s love of electronic music had been fired up by an early purchase of a low quality synthesizer from a bloke with a beard out of Fairport Convention.

It was a life changing moment (for Simon, less so for the synthesizer seller presumably). Riding on the vibe of the music he ended up a regular at clubs like Troll, Drum Club and Chemistry. Fired up, the first Art Of Trance record “Deeper Than Deep” launched the label, immediately identified by a certain quality and depth of production. Indeed this still continues today. It was with early records such as the Union Jack “Two Full Moons And A Trout” and Poltergeist’s “Vicious Circles” that resulted in Platipus standing out head and shoulders above the rest of the pack.

The quietly successful and prolific label was rocked however in 94 by the release of a certain record called “Children” by the then unknown Robert Miles. "We were in the Firestone Club in Orlando," explains Simon, "listening to Florida jock Kimble Collins. He dropped one of only two acetates in existence at the time of Robert Miles Children on Italy’s DBX. We rushed back to England, signed it and had a hit on our hands.

It got so big that we eventually had to sell it on to BMG. We couldn't handle the volume." Huge wasn’t the word. A track that blew the scene open, with everybody and their mother whistling the tune in the street. A huge multi platinum success and the sound of 95. Setting up a more secure basis for the label was perhaps the most important result of this success, enabling album and artist development as well as allowing Simon to indulge more in his original passion (music not the knocking shop).

It was later in the 90’s that trance became synonymous with a more banging, European style of production. Although contributing to this scene with the anthemic Ferry Corsten production of Art of Trance’s “Madagascar” (an update of the earlier Cygnus X remix), Platipus weren’t about to compromise the label philosophy to follow the more “production line” vibe of the new sound. Tracks like Libra’s “Calling Your Name” and Oliver Lieb’s various guises maintained the consistent quality of the labels releases. Platipus artists began to look to a new generation for the sounds of the future, Swiss youngster Moogwai’s euphoric but subtle sound and Pob’s highly advanced progressive tracks being fine examples of the labels philosophy in action.

Moving into the 21st century saw Platipus diving into deeper waters with modern progressive tracks like Innate’s “Changes” and Star’s “Rock Rose” sounding different to what you might expect but keeping true to the vibe. 2001 highlighted this shift towards the darker and more tribal orientated sounds, with Praha’s “Pachinko” being a stand out track in this genre. The old guard were still in evidence, with Art Of Trance bringing out his first single since “Madagascar”, “Killamanjaro”. Platipus further embraced the new underground styles with the birth of the Gekko highlight, with tracks from Groovahlic, Rouge and Karuma all hitting hard.

2002 promised and delivered so much more. This was the year when Platipus reached it’s landmark 100th release. The label celebrated accordingly by releasing the superb 10 Squared compilation, mixed by globetrotting superstar DJs Parks & Wilson (aka Tilt). 2002 also saw Platipus changing with the times and leaning towards a more streamlined, musical sound. Tracks like ‘In My Veins’ by Indiana, another alias for Yoshitoshi superstar Dino Lenny, showcased this vibe perfectly. The label was clearly heading in the right direction as big-name jocks Sasha and Steve Lawler hammered releases like Leama’s ‘Melodica’ and ‘Into Sea’ by Adam Dived, another Dino Lenny alias.

As for 2003, with something of a renaissance of the trance sound that helped popularise the label tracks like Kansai’s ‘Rococco’ were making waves at clubs like Peach, where Graham Gold made the track something of an unofficial anthem!!!

Another significant event was the birth of Platipus:Euro. This new direction for Platipus focused on a slightly tougher and more - would you believe it - European sound! The label launched with an awesome track by M.I.K.E PUSH under his Solar Factor guise, then continued with bombshells from R.O.O.S and trance wunderkinds Neo & Farina. Two RAH (Airbase) double A sides 12"s followed and long standing fan of Platipus Albert Vorne made his debut. The 8th release was from Holland, namely Silverblue 'Step Back' a record Platipus had been keeping a watchful eye on for some time.

2006 came and went with 'Persia,' a collaboration between Art Of Trance & Natacha Atlas of Trans Global Underground fame. History in the making & history repeating itself in the form of Union Jack's landmark record 'Two Full Moons & A Trout' got a much overdue & long anticipated re-release. New interpretations by Chab, Luke Chable & tektonik^ bought this bang up to date, with Caspar Pound's mix added to the vinyl format as a nostalgic tribute.

Its 2007 and again Platipus is forging a new path. Currently releasing more mix albums than singles, Platipus is looking to reinvent itself once again with its diverse selection of compilations.

Art of Chill is now on its 4th volume, previous albums compiled and mixed by Altitude, Jon Hopkins and System 7, Volume 4 gives you an insight into the mad world of Alex Paterson from The Orb. Tracks from David Bowie, Brian Eno, PCO and Steve Hillage are amongst the amazing selection.

Addicted is back and looking to be a belter. Volume 2 is currently being mixed by Brazialian wunderkind Gui Boratto - watch this space!

With other new exciting mix albums to come Platipus is definitely your one stop shop for quality chill and electronica.