KAY RUSSELL - 'WALKING IN SPACE' - 13 Track Album & Single, released Sept 29th 2025

 ''A posthumous release brings the quiet brilliance of a songwriter into focus, reflecting on dislocation, memory, and the enduring spirit of 1980s pop'' (The Bandcamp Diaries)

On September 29th, 2025, exactly one year after her passing, a 13-track album titled 'Walking In Space' is released as a tribute to singer-songwriter Kay Russell. The album collects both demos and finished tracks recorded primarily in the 1980s. Eleven of the thirteen songs feature Russell’s music & lyrics, though she sings on all the tracks. Some of the songs will be familiar to fans of Fassbender-Russell, though 9 of these tracks are making their debut release.

Kay first came into the public eye in the early 1980s as one half of Fassbender-Russell, alongside her musical partner Susan Fassbender. Their 1981 single 'Twilight Café' reached number 21 on the UK Singles Chart and earned them two appearances on Top of the Pops.

After the Fassbender-Russell era, Kay Russell continued to write and record, occasionally releasing music and collaborating with other artists, including her partner Phil Brown. In later years, she formed a songwriting partnership with musician Ewan McKenzie, resulting in two albums under the name The McKenzie FIX. Despite never returning to the charts, Russell remained creatively active for decades, writing with consistency and clarity even as her profile faded from the mainstream.

This posthumous release is both a celebration of her legacy and a reminder of how much artistry can exist outside the spotlight.

The album’s title track 'Walking In Space', also released as a single, is a slow-burning reflection on emotional drift and the struggle to find grounding in an ever-shifting world. There is beauty, but it is haunted. There is defiance, but it is quiet. There is longing, but it is shaped by lived experience. It does not reach for answers, nor does it pretend to have any. Instead, it accepts dislocation as part of life. In that way, Walking In Space resonates just as much now as it would have in the time it was written.

Kay Russell passed away on September 29th, 2024, at the age of 72, following a brief illness. Her career may not have followed a traditional arc of fame and longevity, but her creative voice remained strong throughout. This collection is not just a tribute, but a reminder of how much can live in the quiet corners of the music world, waiting to be heard. Kay Russell may have walked in space, as her lyrics suggest, but this album brings her legacy firmly down to earth.

'Walking In Space' - the album and single, are released on Platform Records, 29/9/25.

Check out the official 2025 video for the single, below!  

www.platformrecords.co.uk  platformrecords@hotmail.co.uk  

For further information on the career of Kay Russell, visit these links: https://kayrussellmusician.wordpress.com  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susan_Fassbender https://open.spotify.com/artist/636R83dpiuHJlDcJwksIMP

The Shermans return after lengthy hiatus with 'Silhouette'

Following a lengthy hiatus, The Shermans have returned to the studio, embracing the freedom to create with a renewed sense of maturity and collaboration. Their latest single Silhouette (released November 29th 2024) reflects the band’s evolution, balancing their signature melodies with a newfound depth and polish in both sound and emotion. 

Silhouette takes listeners on a journey through nostalgia and introspection, with lyrics that contrast carefree memories against the reflective solitude of the present. 

Shaun Aitchison's vocals capture the contemplative spirit of the track, supported by Chris Kerr’s dynamic lead guitar and Nick Cheetham’s rich rhythm guitar, which together add warmth and cohesion. Dave Cumming’s seasoned percussion builds momentum, underscoring shifts in mood, while Kenny McDonald’s resonant bass lines add layers of resonance to the soundscape.

Based in Stirling, Scotland, Indie-Rock 5-piece The Shermans have previously scored two UK Indie Chart and Scottish chart singles with 'Calling It Wrong' and 'Venom', the latter reaching the top 10 in both charts.

With themes of growth, resilience, and life’s quiet miracles, Silhouette showcases the band at the height of their artistic maturity—honest, melodic, and unforgettable!

Silhouette is released November 29th 2024, on Platform Records.

Platform artist LONELY LOST BOY reaches #10 on the iTunes Singer-Songwriter chart for August 16th 2021

 

Natasha England returns with new single and 13 track album 'Somehow'

AUGUST 2018

Natasha England returns with a brand new 13 track album and 2 track single Somehow. Released on August 10th 2018, the album incorporates theatrical flourishes into the mix, drawing from electronica, jazz, blues, classical and pop. From the shadowy, film-noir-like title-track opener to the fantastic energy busting finale of Hook Line And Sinker, Somehow shows off the undeniable chops of Natasha England in producing a whole, fully realised realm - one that simply stuns! 

The Somehow single release leads with a more contemporary mix of the album’s title track, and the second track is a more laid back edit of the album version. 

Natasha says: It’s been a long time coming, with numerous obstacles along the way...... But now I am relieved and excited to be able to share with you my new music - an eclectic collection of some of the many songs I’ve written over the years and up until now...... It’s a very personal and intimate album  exposing genuine feelings, fears and emotions surrounding the highs and lows of most relationships and what matters most in life - love , but ultimately with an optimistic outlook.....I hope these songs and lyrics will help inspire others to be positive and rise above adversity, move on and be stronger for the experience (worked for me!).

I’m very proud of this album – take a listen (first single/video is below).....judge for yourselves.....Natasha x

BUY ALBUM

BUY SINGLE

Platform celebrate 10 years with 15 track various artists compilation album (December 9th 2016)

  Platform celebrate 10 years with 15 song compilation This Is Not A Game

To mark our first decade, rather than just 'looking back', Platform is releasing a 15-track various artists compilation including bands, singers and songs very recently signed to our business. The album contains just under an hour of indie-pop and indie-rock music. 

Courtesy of Beachsloth.com, here we have a track-by-track review of the album:

Late Hala taps into a late summer vibe on the laid-back “Good Thing”. Reminiscent of Real Estate’s mellowed atmosphere the song possesses a loose, tender feeling to it. The honeyed chorus works wonders adding to the overall dreamy quality to the piece.

“Prehistoric Skies” shows Warm Winters updating psychedelic rock for the indie set. Rather beautiful the song simply soars into the sky, accompanied by a driving rhythm. Vocals have just the right hint of disaffection as they continue in a gorgeous haze.

Energy pours out of the triumphant work of “Chemicals”. With “Chemicals” Rayne present a passionate take on the complicated work that relationships require. Simply lovely the way the song unfurls gives it a naturalistic hue.

On “Safe Forever” Ross Trigwell sings straight from the heart. A sparse arrangement and tense rhythm reinforces the anxiety that defines the piece. Layer upon layer of sound slowly come together to create a sound that teems with life.

A western twang informs the spaciousness of Bobo & The Demeraras’ “She”. Light on its feet, the song brings together elements of indie rock, ambient, and country into a satisfying whole. Cinematic in scope the song is quite glorious.

Tapping into a rainy-day mood is the affectionate “The Home Song” where Gregory Clark’s vocals are front and centre. Poetic in tone the piece has a warmth to it. Right in the thick of it is an inviting melody of which everything revolves around.

Reminiscent of Arcade Fire’s work is the majestic performance of Jon Vautier’s “Leave The City Dead”. Deeply satisfying the song taps into the spirit of simply escaping the awful mundanity that can define too much time away from nature. Offering a full-on sound, the big band feeling is all-encompassing.

Light and airy is the casual work of George Diaz’s “Can’t Say”. Stripped down to the essentials the song’s effortless grace is undeniable. At times the way the song comes together gives it a bossa nova flavor.

Brightly coloured is the joyous “Magical Things” by Emporium. The sound is otherworldly as the reverent approach works to Emporium’s favour. Celebrating creativity, the song’s careful narrative is compelling.

The Ultra dive into a late 80's post-punk sound with “Universe In Two”. Pitch perfect, the darkened hues work to its favour. Rather mysterious in tone, the song at times feels akin to a long-lost Joy Division track.

Reggae inflected grooves dominates the languid tempos of Indiana Foxx’s “Spectre”. Vocals add to the overall spaciousness of the dub-influenced bass lines which are infused with a catchy melody. Trapped in a daze the song’s spirit is strong as it slowly unfolds revealing a great plethora of intricate details.

The Buddha Pests tap into an aggressive post-rock spirit on the nimble “Tanker”. Attention to detail works wonders as the drums kick into overdrive leading the way forward. Rhythms, counter-rhythms, the entire thing has a spaced-out manic feel to it. Vocals swim through the sea of sound giving a voice to the giddy chaos.

Nostalgic in nature is James Blames’ “The Bad Old Days Are Back”. Gleaming guitar work adds to the rather playful mood that dominates the song. Vocals are delivered with just the right kind of emphasis as the song has a communal spirit to it.

Jazzy is the sprawling work of Voodoo Rays’ “Wider Sea”. Offering an exploratory nature to their approach the song works on a deep, emotional level. The organ work is perfect as the guitar punctuates the piece in all the right places. Easily the highlight is the deadpan vocal delivery which further emphasises the overall mood of the song.

Triumph reigns on Liquorice River’s “Back To the Beginning”. An 80's-pop vibe dominates the track. Everything works from the clever lyricism to the steady rhythm. 

Listen to 14 of the tracks at  
https://soundcloud.com/user-521711140/sets/this-is-not-a-game/s-Yd02P 
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'This Is Not A Game' is released on Platform Records - December 9th 2016. 

The Ultra sign to Platform for debut single 'Universe In Two'

     THE ULTRA release stunning debut single Universe In Two 

The Ultra are an atmospheric electro/rock duo comprising Joel Alexander (vocals/lyrics) and Paul Dogra (guitar/synths/programming) , formed 18 months ago in Walthamstow, East London.

As a soundscape, The Ultra resonates Joel and Paul's diverse life experiences and eclectic musical influences, infused with echoes of Bowie, Depeche Mode, U2, and Radiohead.

Their debut single Universe In Two (relased October 7th 2016) is the lead song from EP 'When The World Turns Out Its Lights'. The band updates past creative explorations and influences to craft a track thick with atmosphere and sonic suspense, comprising dark melodic hooks, an organic-sounding piano line, profound lyrics and sweet background harmonies - simply mesmerizing!

The Ultra are currently writing and recording at their London studio and rehearsing for live gigs.
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The Ultra's debut single 'Universe In Two' and EP 'When The World Turns Out Its Lights' are released on Platform Records - available at all download stores from October 7th 2016.

https://www.facebook.com/ultrabanduk 
https://twitter.com/ultrabanduk
http://theultra.co.uk

Susan Fassbender & Kay Russell - Building A Dream (The Demo Collection Volume 2) - released June 17th 2016

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Building A Dream follows up the highly successful 2012 release Twilight Café - (The Demo Collection 1981-1985) which received glowing reviews in Record Collector magazine and on Pennyblackmusic (‘‘one of the best collections of songs you will hear all year’’).

This new release brings together further recordings by Susan Fassbender and Kay Russell including demos remastered from cassette as well as some vinyl tracks.

In addition to this second volume of studio performances, June 17th also sees the release of a 10 track live album, recorded in 1981. Once again, these recordings are released with approval of both the Fassbender family and Kay Russell.

Listen to the title track - 'Building A Dream'

Gabriella Baggio writes:

I remember when my sisters, my dad and I went to visit Kay in Castleford. I was about 14 at the time and we sat in Kay’s living room watching VHS tapes of Fassbender-Russell television footage. It was amazing to see our mother, Susan Fassbender, and Kay Russell in action with such energy on stage as we laughed and sang along to their hit, ‘Twilight Café‘. They were such a talented pair and I began to wonder about how much music they must have written and recorded that perhaps would never be heard again.

Ten years later, ‘The Demo Collection’ was released – a 20 track album containing 16 tracks I had never heard. It brought me great pleasure to hear the fruit of my mother’s talent and creativity, something I never thought would happen.

I was in disbelief when Platform Records got in touch again to say that they would like to release a further two albums in 2016. I was elated at the prospect of hearing more music and couldn’t wait to listen. It is a blessing and a huge privilege to be able to hear more of my late mother’s work, and for the possibility of hearing her voice whenever I like. It gives me enormous pride to present two fantastic, digitally remastered albums, which showcase the incredibly diverse range of talent and genres that Susan Fassbender and Kay Russell experimented with in the early 80s. Thank you to Platform Records for making this possible and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.


Listen to 'Sky Flier'

Kay Russell (aka Kay Brown) recalls her partnership with Susan:

I met Susan Fassbender by chance in 1980. She wanted me to hear her play the piano. I was interested, as I could only play guitar. She astonished me with her ability.

We decided to write songs together. At first, there were only the two of us, composing. I took her to a music shop to try out a synthesizer, whilst I played guitar. A man walked in and listened. He became our first manager. He found us three places to rehearse.

Our manager brought in a team of salesmen. They didn't like what we were playing, because it was too 'heavy metal' sounding. So we played them 'Twilight Cafe'. It was released on vinyl, and charted, to an extent.

We undertook a short tour of the U.K, with some media appearances in Europe. The best recording studio we used was called 'Farmyard', and the producer was Mike Howlett. Two singles followed, but were not as successful.

We had written a full album of songs, but the recording contract was cancelled. The band split up, after which Susan and I got married to our boyfriends and had children. But we did continue to compose together until Susan died at a young age. I shall never forget this immensely talented person. And I don't think others will either.

It is thanks to Platform Records that the remaining songs are being given a digital release.

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Building A Dream (The Demo Collection Volume 2) and Live in Concert (1981) by Susan Fassbender & Kay Russell, are released on Platform Records - June 17th 2016. Available from all major download outlets.

Pre-Order Links: 
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/building-dream-demo-collection/id1113050168    https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/live-in-concert-1981/id1113969095

Sound processing, mastering, track compilation and packshot design by Ewan McKenzie. With thanks to Kay Russell and the Baggio family. www.platformrecords.co.uk

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