The Platforms were Austin Chronicle critics' choice for Best New Local Band 2004. Owing to influences that include The Kinks and The Stooges, their original music, described by one critic as "sweet chunks of libidinous hooks, features crunchy guitars and bawdy lyrics. Playfully described as Josie & the Pussycats meet KISS, bring earplugs and your voyeuristic curiosity for maximum pleasure.

Bio:

They may look like good girls, but the music says, "I wanna be bad . . . !!"  Once playfully described as Josie and the Pussycats meet Kiss, The Platforms mix noisy but melodic rock with a flair for 60's and 70's inspired fashion.  In 2001, guitarist Junie Tune hatched the idea of a band that merged the wild-girl persona embodied in garage and glam music with a sense of style tinged with mod girl flair a la Edie Sedgewick.  The first incarnation came together in early 2002 in the form of an all-girl ensemble.  After performing only a year, The Platforms enjoyed both popular and critical acclaim in the musical hot-bed of Austin, Texas.  The band received recognition as the Best New Local Act 2004 in the Austin Music Critics Poll (the only band named on multiple ballots).  Also within a year, the band released both a demo EP and a full-length CD, while securing a coveted showcase at SXSW 2005.  No easy feat for such a young band. 

The Platforms have now evolved into a saucy mix of youthful spirit and experienced musicianship with a man's steady touch on drums.  Inspired by a loud and steady backbeat, band founder Junie Tune serves up the crunchy hooks on guitar, while beauty queen Tia Tiara bangs out fuzz-infused, butt-bumping bass lines.  Front and center features the swagger and strut of New York native and provocateur Dee Licious on lead vocals.  If you doubt whether a chick can swagger, witness as Ms. Licious simultaneously cajoles and commands the objects of her considerable affection.  New drummer "Professor" Vaughn Zipper teaches local Austin kids how to rock and can play almost anything on bass, guitar or drums.  The Professor brings a wealth of experience and knowledge that one can only acquire at such a young age by being a performing musician since the age of 3.  While the vibe onstage remains that of a tequila-drenched bachelorette party, the girls have let a boy into the clubhouse.  And he is enjoying the view! 

Though the Platforms love playing dress-up onstage, the band's costumes and visual antics are certainly not the first priority.  From the beginning skeletal chord progressions and lyrics the girls scratched out on pink Hello Kitty notebook paper, the singular goal was to develop melodic songs that rock and reflect a fun, carefree spirit.  The Platforms approach songwriting on a collaborative basis.  A number of experienced songwriters have even written songs specifically for the band.  The music is inspired by everything from The Kinks and Stooges to T-Rex and AC/DC.  The band's first original, "Bang Me," is a roaring anthem about a girl getting what *she* wants.  An appropriate follow-up, practiced daily on college campuses everywhere, is unanimous crowd-favorite "Walk of Shame."  Both appear on the band's first full-length CD, "Kicked Off," launched in late 2004.  Produced by Amsterdam-based Mike Stewart (Poi Dog Pondering, True Believers, Jewel in the Mire -- www.texasmike.com), the disc also includes the original, "Strange," a song inspired by members of contemporary garage bands The Mooney Suzuki and The Raveonettes (admired at a 2002 SXSW showcase), and an impromptu cover of punk classic, "Wimp," that was originally released by Southern California's The Zeroes and written by Javier Escovedo.  The self-released CD was the subject of a successful college radio campaign in collaboration with Minneapolis-based Tinderbox Music (www.tinderboxmusic.com). 

The Platforms have been busy writing new songs and planning a recording session for a new EP.  They are currently booking more shows and a brief Midwest Tour for the Fall of 2005.  Having enjoyed some success at home, the girls (and boy) are ready to take this act on the road!  Beyond the sweet faces, fab hairdos and ankle-breaking stilettos, The Platforms pulsate a raucous fury of crunchy guitars, pounding beats and bawdy lyrics.  Bring your voyeuristic curiosity and some earplugs for maximum pleasure . . . you'll be shaken *and* stirred.

Song Clips:

Strange

Walk of Shame