Hubbry Logo
search
logo

Planet 1999

logo
Community Hub0 Subscribers
Read side by side
from Wikipedia

Planet 1999 is a French synth-pop and shoegaze band based in London. The group consists of members Caro, Alex, and Charles,[1] who also operate as solo acts under the names ultra caro, DJ Kit (formerly City Links), and Ultralove, respectively. They were the first band to be signed to the record label PC Music.[2] They also occasionally act as songwriters and record producers for other artists.

Key Information

Alex described the defining characteristics of their music as a "minimalistic shoegaze loop with over-processed vocals on top of it."[1] The band has cited many shoegaze and krautrock artists as their inspirations.[3] Often featured in Planet 1999's visuals is a mascot named Zippy which was designed by artist Leomi Sadler.[4]

History

[edit]

Alex and Charles are brothers and previously have made music together.[1] Caro was born in Marseille but grew up further east along the coast[3] and made music mostly on her own. They met after Caro attended a psychedelic rock concert in Paris and found a flyer from Charles and Alex saying they were looking for a singer.[1] Together they formed the now defunct Dead Sea group with Julien Moreno. They were signed to PIAS Recordings, and released a handful of singles, as well as an EP titled Colorate in May 2018.[5]

In late 2018, Caro, Alex and Charles emailed A. G. Cook, head of record label PC Music, and after meeting with him were eventually signed to the label.[1]

Cook introduced Charli XCX to Planet 1999's music which led to them co-producing Charli XCX's song "February 2017"[6] and Nasty Cherry's "What Do You Like In Me?".[7] Planet 1999 also composed the score to the Netflix series about Nasty Cherry's come up.

Planet 1999 released their debut single "Spell" in September 2019.[2] In November 2019, they performed at fellow PC Music artist Hannah Diamond's concert in Paris during The Invisible Tour.[8] In early 2020, Planet 1999 released two more singles, "Party"[9] and "Replay",[10] "Party" was accompanied by a video featuring their mascot Zippy. Later in the year they released their EP "Devotion" in March 2020.[11] The group has named artists Cocteau Twins, Hannah Diamond, Frank Ocean, Croatian Amor, and Uli K as some of the biggest inspirations for the project.[12] In January 2021, they released a deluxe version of the EP, featuring 3 new remixes. This came with a CD release.

In August 2020, the band was featured on the song "Everyday, Everynight" by Anamanaguchi.[13]

In November 2020, Caro began releasing solo material under the moniker ultra caro (formerly caro♡).[14] She released her debut album Heartbeats/Heartbreaks in September 2021.[15] It was released alongside a Bandcamp exclusive bonus demo album titled the lost logic files vol.1.[16] A remix EP was released in January 2022, featuring remixes from PC Music affiliates Lil Data, Cecile Believe, Himera, Count Baldor, and more.

In May 2021, Planet 1999 produced for Australian singer Banoffee's single "Tapioca Cheeks".[17] Charles also produced multiple tracks off of her Tear Tracks album. They additionally announced a European 2022 tour with Anamanaguchi.

Planet 1999 unveiled details of their upcoming EP This Is Our Music in late March 2022,[18] additionally releasing the lead single from the EP, "crush".[19] The EP released in June 2022.[20] Alex also created his own record label, City Links Recordings.

Caro will release her second studio album Wild at ♡ in September 2023. It was supported by the singles "From the Heart <3" and "4ever1".[21][22] It will again be released alongside a Bandcamp exclusive bonus demo album titled the lost logic files vol.2.

Discography

[edit]

As a band

[edit]

EPs

[edit]

Devotion (2020)

No.TitleLength
1."Spell"2:15
2."Party"2:50
3."Awake"2:03
4."Replay"2:54
5."Haze"0:59
6."Night"2:03
7."Devotion"2:40
Total length:15:42

Devotion Deluxe (2021)

No.TitleLength
8."Awake" (Dinamarca Remix)2:52
9."Night" (DJ Lostboi Remix)4:20
10."Party" (A. G. Cook x Baseck Remix)8:00
Total length:30:52

This Is Our Music ♫ (2022)

No.TitleLength
1."Z:/"0:08
2."i<3u"1:36
3."dune"2:29
4."crush"2:28
5."gold"2:33
6."()-( : > )-<={|"0:35
Total length:9:51

Singles

[edit]
  • "Spell" (2019)
  • "Party" (2020)
  • "Replay" (2020)
  • "Everyday, Everynight" (2020) (with Anamanaguchi)
  • "crush" (2022)
  • "dune" (2022)

Remixes

[edit]
  • Orchin – "dRiVe" (2020)
  • Banoffee – "This Is For Me [baby blue]" (2020)

Other songs

[edit]
  • “May (Radish)” (2021)[23]

As solo artists

[edit]

ultra caro

[edit]
Albums
[edit]

Heartbeats/Heartbreaks (2021)

All tracks written and produced by Caroline Beatrix Maurin. All tracks are stylized in all lowercase, with the exception of "4U".

No.TitleLength
1."Le Grand Bleu"1:46
2."Hide Me Here"3:23
3."Moonrise"1:33
4."Over U"4:16
5."Heart in 2"4:10
6."Wild at Heart"4:06
7."Drop in the Ocean"4:57
8."Sad Song 33"3:11
9."4U"3:11
10."7 Waves"2:30
11."Sad Song 77"2:50
12."Marseille"3:07
13."20K Feet Under"2:43
14."Do You Believe in Forever"1:29
Total length:43:02

Wild at ♡ (2023)

All tracks written and produced by Caroline Beatrix Maurin. All tracks are stylized in all lowercase.

No.TitleLength
1."Behind the Clouds"3:08
2."4ever1"2:38
3."Under the Stars"1:49
4."Dreamersofdreams"3:28
5."Running w Wolves"2:36
6."Comet"3:12
7."In2u"3:21
8."Wildatheart Reload"0:49
9."Dive Like a Dove"2:47
10."In2 the Wild"4:25
11."From the Heart <3"4:14
Total length:32:31
Singles
[edit]

All tracks are stylized in all lowercase.

  • "Hide Me Here" (2020)
  • "Sad Song 77" (2021)
  • "Heart in 2" (2021)
  • "Over U" (2021)
  • "20K Feet Under" (2021)
  • "From the Heart <3" (2023)
  • "4ever1" (2023)
Guest appearances
[edit]
  • GUTTERRING – "cool" from BODYLEPSIS (2022)
Remixes
[edit]
  • Silly Boy Blue – "The Riddle" (2021)
  • A. G. Cook – "Drink Blood" (2021)
  • Namasenda – "Steel" (2021) (featuring Hannah Diamond)
  • Erika de Casier – "Better Than That" (2021) (co-remix with Hannah Diamond)
  • Wave Racer – "Look Up To Yourself" (2022)

Songwriting and production credits

[edit]
List of songs co-written and/or featuring production involvement from each individual member of Planet 1999
Title Year Lead artist Album Credit(s) Member(s) Notes
Writing Production Caro Alex Charles
"What Do You Like In Me" 2019 Nasty Cherry Non-album single Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Also mixers
"February 2017" Charli XCX Charli Yes Co Yes Yes Yes Featuring Clairo & Yaeji, co-produced with A. G. Cook
"Tapioca Cheeks" 2021 Banoffee Tear Tracks Yes Yes Yes Yes
"Enough" Yes Yes Charles is credited as 'Ultralove'
"I Hate It" Yes Yes
"Money" Yes Yes
"Tears" Yes Yes
"Unspoken" 2022 Tessa Dixson Unspoken EP Charles mixer
"Creep" Yes Yes Yes Charles also mixer
"Forget U" Yes Yes
"True" Yes Yes
"Bad Thoughts" Yes Yes
"I Gave U Everything" Charles mixer
"u&me" lagrima eyes still closed Yes Yes Alex also mixer, credited as 'City Links'
"This Feeling" Yes Yes
"Raindrops" Yes Yes
"Hide and Seek" Yes Yes
"Walking Away" LST Closer EP Yes Yes Charles is credited as 'Ultralove', additional production from and mixed by Shlohmo
"Nightdrive" Caro & Charles Yes Yes Charles is credited as 'Ultralove', additional production from Juice Jackal, Groundislava and Shlohmo, mixed by Shlohmo
"Take Care" Simili Gum 2He Alex Yes Yes Alex is credited as 'City Links'
"Helium" Alex Yes Yes
"Nightmares" 2023 lagrima Non-album single Alex mixer, credited as 'City Links', also co-artist
"Eclipse"
"Haunt" daine Shapeless Caro Yes Yes
"6 Kiss" Munix Left Out Yes Additional Alex also mixer, credited as 'DJ Kit'
"i Two" Yes Additional
"Belgium Angel" Yes Additional
"Long Gone" Yes Additional
"End Fall" Yes Additional
"10 Years" Yes Additional

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Planet 1999 is a three-piece synth-pop and shoegaze band originally from France but based in London, formed by vocalist Caro alongside brothers Charles and Alex.[1][2] The group draws influences from early 1990s shoegaze and dream pop, crafting lush, melancholic tracks with minimalistic loops, over-processed vocals, and a blend of futuristic pop elements.[1][2] Formed around 2018 in a setup inspired by bubblegum pop and nineties shoegaze, Planet 1999 gained prominence after signing with the London-based label PC Music in 2019, becoming the label's first band act.[3][4] Their debut single "Spell" marked their entry into the label, followed by "Party" in early 2020, which featured a lo-fi video and captured their signature upbeat yet introspective vibe.[1][3] The band's debut EP, Devotion, released on March 6, 2020, compiled these tracks alongside others like "Awake", establishing their sound within the hyper-futurist pop scene.[1][2][5] Planet 1999 expanded their profile through collaborations, including production work for Nasty Cherry on Netflix's I'm with the Band and contributing to Charli XCX's 2019 album Charli on the track "February 2017".[1] Their second EP, this is our music, arrived in June 2022 via PC Music, featuring six tracks such as "crush", "dune", and "i♡u", described as a concise love letter to music with dreamy, euphoric synth elements. The band also incorporates a mascot named Zippy in their visuals, adding a playful, conceptual layer to their aesthetic.[2] As of November 2025, Planet 1999 maintains a presence on platforms like Spotify and Bandcamp, with approximately 34,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, though the band has been less active as a group since 2022, with members pursuing solo work.[6][7]

Background

Formation

Dead Sea, the precursor to Planet 1999, was a Paris-based dream pop band formed in 2014 by vocalist Caroline Maurin (known as Caro or ultra caro), brothers Charles and Alexandre Teiller on production and synthesizers, and guitarist Julien Moreno.[8] The group drew initial inspirations from psychedelic rock and electronic elements, influenced by acts like Beach House and The Horrors, emphasizing emotional and atmospheric songwriting over topical themes.[9] Caro first connected with the Teiller brothers at a psychedelic rock festival in Paris, where they had distributed a flyer seeking a vocalist, leading to their collaboration in Dead Sea.[1] Signed to PIAS Recordings, Dead Sea released singles such as "Lotion" and "8.50" before issuing their debut EP Colorate on May 4, 2018, which featured tracks blending dreamy synths and reverb-heavy guitars.[10] The EP marked the band's most significant output, produced and mixed in Paris, but highlighted growing tensions in their creative direction amid the evolving local music scene.[11] Following Colorate's release, Dead Sea disbanded in 2019, with Moreno departing and the remaining core trio—Caro, Alex, and Charles—relocating to London to pursue a new project.[8] This transition, occurring in late 2018, shifted their sound from psychedelic dream pop toward a more pronounced synth-pop and shoegaze aesthetic, inspired by 1990s influences and the desire for escapist, melancholic electronic textures.[12] The trio formalized Planet 1999 during this period, emailing PC Music founder A.G. Cook in late 2018 to explore opportunities aligned with their evolving style.[1]

Members

Planet 1999 is a three-member band consisting of vocalist and primary songwriter Caroline Beatrix Christine Maurin (known as Caro), producer and instrumentalist Alexandre Teiller (known as Alex), and producer Charles Teiller (known as Charles).[13] The group originated from the earlier project Dead Sea.[4] Caroline Beatrix Christine Maurin, born in France, serves as the lead vocalist and primary songwriter for Planet 1999, contributing ethereal, over-processed vocals that define the band's sound.[1][14] She pursues solo work under the alias ultra caro.[14] Alexandre Teiller handles production and instrumentation, shaping the band's looping synth structures.[13] He releases music solo as DJ Kit, previously under the alias City Links.[15] Charles Teiller, Alexandre's brother, contributes additional production and instrumentation, enhancing the atmospheric layers.[13] His solo alias is Ultralove.[16] The members, who split their time between Paris and London, collaborate closely to craft Planet 1999's minimalistic shoegaze sound, characterized by simple synth loops and emotive vocal processing, with Caro providing the melodic core and the Teiller brothers building the instrumental foundation.[1][17]

Musical style

Genre and sound

Planet 1999's music primarily blends synth-pop and shoegaze, drawing on the label's hyperpop influences through their affiliation with PC Music.[1][18] This fusion creates a signature "bubble-gaze" sound, characterized by dreamy, ethereal textures that evoke early 1990s shoegaze while incorporating bubblegum-pop melodies.[17] The band's work often features minimalistic arrangements built around simple synth-based loops, fostering a hypnotic and subtle atmosphere.[1] Key sonic elements include over-processed vocals—frequently Auto-Tuned and pitched for an airy, obscured quality—and lush, reverb-heavy production that emphasizes emotional depth over complexity.[1] Synthesizers dominate the instrumentation, paired with subtle guitar elements to generate immersive, melancholic yet hopeful tones, while lyrics explore themes of devotion, yearning, and heartbreak through intimate, repetitive phrasing.[19] Their releases maintain brevity, with EPs like Devotion (15:42) and this is our music ♫ (9:49) averaging under 20 minutes, enhancing replay value and a sense of fleeting intimacy.[20][21] The band's production style has evolved from the raw, demo-like energy of their 2019 debut single "Spell" to more polished, bright studio arrangements in subsequent EPs, refining their shoegaze-synth-pop core into brighter, upbeat explorations without losing emotional subtlety.[1][18] This progression reflects a sharpening of melodic precision and vocal layering, transitioning from melancholic introspection to infectious, pop-infused radiance.[19]

Visual aesthetics

Planet 1999's visual identity is prominently anchored by their mascot Zippy, a 3D character designed by visual artist Leomi Sadler, who has contributed to much of the band's artwork and merchandise.[1][22] Zippy symbolizes the band's playful and escapist vibe, often appearing as a whimsical guide in their promotional materials.[19] The overall aesthetic draws from retro-futuristic elements, particularly evident in Y2K-inspired 3D environments that blend nostalgia with digital surrealism, influenced by the DIY ethos of London's underground scene and PC Music's signature hyperreal, internet-native gloss.[19][23] This integration creates a cohesive branding that emphasizes high-production whimsy alongside accessible, handmade touches, as seen in hand-printed merchandise collaborations with Sadler.[1] Music videos and artwork adopt a minimalist yet vibrant style, featuring the band members navigating ethereal, evolving 3D landscapes that evoke early computer graphics and dreamy escapism.[1][18] For instance, the "Party" video showcases Zippy alongside the group in a lo-fi, pixelated world directed by Aidan Zamiri and animated by Eamonn Freel, highlighting their focus on immersive digital realms.[24] The Devotion EP artwork, also by Sadler, captures this approach with simple, evocative designs that tie into the band's thematic universe.[25] These visuals enhance fan engagement by providing a layered, immersive complement to the band's presentations, fostering a sense of shared digital fantasy that deepens audience connection through playful symbolism and nostalgic futurism.[1][19]

Career

2018–2020

In late 2018, Planet 1999 contacted A.G. Cook via email, leading to their signing as the inaugural band to the PC Music label after a subsequent meeting months later.[1] This deal marked a shift for PC Music, traditionally focused on solo artists, toward incorporating a full band format into its hyper-futurist pop roster.[3] The band's debut single, "Spell," was released on September 3, 2019, introducing their signature blend of dreamy shoegaze and ethereal pop with lush, reverb-heavy production and introspective lyrics.[5] The track received positive attention for its nostalgic yet innovative sound, establishing Planet 1999 as a fresh voice within the label's experimental ecosystem.[3] Building on this momentum, Planet 1999 released their debut EP, Devotion, on March 6, 2020, comprising seven tracks including "Spell," "Party," "Awake," "Replay," "Haze," "Night," and the title track "Devotion."[5] The EP expanded on their hazy, romantic aesthetic, with songs like "Party" exploring themes of fleeting connections through shimmering synths and layered vocals, accompanied by a video directed by Aidan Zamiri featuring the band's mascot Zippy and A.G. Cook.[1] Additional singles from the period included "Replay" in early 2020, which highlighted their knack for concise, emotive hooks, and "Everyday, Everynight" in collaboration with Anamanaguchi on August 25, 2020, fusing chiptune elements with Planet 1999's dream-pop sensibilities.[5][26] During this formative phase, Planet 1999 also gained recognition through key production collaborations. They co-produced Charli XCX's "February 2017" (featuring Clairo and Yaeji) for her 2019 album Charli, contributing to its wistful, collaborative vibe alongside A.G. Cook.[27] In 2019, they produced Nasty Cherry's "What Do You Like in Me?" for the band's EP Season 1, infusing the track with their signature atmospheric textures.[28] Furthermore, Planet 1999 scored original music for the Netflix docuseries I'm with the Band: Nasty Cherry, supporting the all-female band's development under Charli XCX's mentorship.[1] These efforts underscored their growing role as versatile contributors in the PC Music and broader pop landscape.

2021–present

In January 2021, Planet 1999 released a deluxe edition of their debut EP Devotion, expanding the original tracklist with three new remixes, including versions of "Awake" by Dinamarca, "Party" by A. G. Cook and Baseck, and "Spell" by Namasenda.[29] This release, issued via PC Music on January 6, built on the band's early momentum by incorporating collaborations with prominent figures in the hyperpop and electronic scenes.[30] Later that year, in June 2021, the band announced a 2022 European and UK tour supporting American chiptune rock group Anamanaguchi. The tour, which included dates across the UK and continental Europe, highlighted Planet 1999's growing international presence and alignment with like-minded acts blending synth-pop with experimental elements.[31] Building toward their next project, Planet 1999 issued the single "crush" on March 31, 2022, a shimmering track characterized by hazy vocals and pulsating synths that evoked the emotional intensity of infatuation.[32] This was followed by "dune" on May 26, 2022, which featured ethereal production and lyrics exploring longing and escapism, further teasing the band's evolving sound.[33] Both singles served as precursors to their second EP, this is our music ♫, released on June 23, 2022, via PC Music.[34] The six-track collection, clocking in at around 10 minutes, included the aforementioned singles alongside "Z:/," "i<3u," "gold," and the brief instrumental "()-( : >)-<={|," presenting a cohesive "love letter to love and music itself" with lush, reverb-drenched arrangements written and produced entirely by the band.[34] Since the release of this is our music ♫, Planet 1999 has maintained their base in London, continuing as an active French synth-pop and shoegaze trio under PC Music.[6] No further band releases have been announced as of November 2025, though members have pursued individual production endeavors within the broader electronic music landscape.

Discography

EPs

Planet 1999's extended plays, released under the PC Music label, showcase the band's evolution from dreamy synthpop to more experimental hyperpop influences, with a focus on ethereal vocals and nostalgic aesthetics. Their debut EP, Devotion, marked their introduction to the label in 2020, emphasizing themes of longing, intimacy, and escapist reverie through hazy production and shoegaze-inspired textures.[5][35] Subsequent releases built on this foundation, incorporating remixes and bolder sonic explorations, receiving praise for blending PC Music's glossy hyperpop with tender, 90s dream-pop nostalgia.[20][36] Devotion, released on March 6, 2020, via PC Music, consists of seven tracks with a total duration of 15:42, capturing the band's signature blend of soft synths, reverb-drenched guitars, and whispered vocals that evoke emotional vulnerability and nocturnal introspection.[5][37] The tracklist is as follows:
  • "Spell" (2:15)
  • "Party" (2:50)
  • "Awake" (2:03)
  • "Replay" (2:54)
  • "Haze" (0:59)
  • "Night" (2:03)
  • "Devotion" (2:40)
Critics highlighted its cozy, comforting synthpop elements, drawing comparisons to Cocteau Twins for the ethereal, hard-to-parse lyrics and '90s shoegaze vibe, positioning it as a gentler counterpoint to PC Music's typically high-energy output.[35][38] The EP's themes revolve around romantic devotion and fleeting moments of joy, with tracks like "Party" and "Replay" standing out for their subtle emotional depth and modernized dream pop production.[20][36] In January 2021, PC Music issued Devotion Deluxe, an expanded edition adding three remixes to the original tracklist, extending the runtime to 30:52 across 10 tracks and enhancing the EP's replay value through collaborative reinterpretations.[29][39] The additional tracks feature contributions from notable producers: "Awake (Dinamarca Remix)," "Party (A.G. Cook & Baseck Remix)," and "Night (DJ Lostboi Remix)," which infuse the originals with glitchier electronics and heightened emotional intensity while preserving the core dreamy essence.[22] This version was lauded for bridging the band's intimate sound with PC Music's remix culture, offering fresh perspectives on themes of haze and connection without overshadowing the originals.[38] This Is Our Music, released on June 24, 2022, via PC Music, comprises six tracks totaling 9:51 and shifts toward a more fragmented, hyperpop-leaning style with ambient interludes and punchier synth hooks, reflecting the band's growing confidence in minimalistic yet evocative arrangements.[34][40] The tracklist includes:
  • "Z:/" (0:08)
  • "i<3u" (1:36)
  • "dune" (2:29)
  • "crush" (2:28)
  • "gold" (2:33)
  • "()-( : >)-<={|" (0:35)
Stylistically, it incorporates bubblegum bass and electropop elements, with standout tracks like "crush" praised for their infectious melodies and visual lyricism, earning acclaim as a concise evolution that amplifies the band's playful, futuristic nostalgia.[21][41] The EP's brevity underscores its focus on mood over excess, receiving positive notes for highlights that capture raw affection amid experimental soundscapes.[42]

Singles

Planet 1999's singles discography features a series of standalone releases that highlight the band's evolving synthpop and dream pop sound, often issued through PC Music. These tracks, primarily digital singles, served as lead-ins to their EPs and showcased collaborations, with visuals frequently incorporating their mascot Zippy designed by Leomi Sadler.[43] The band's debut single, "Spell," was released on September 5, 2019, via PC Music, marking their introduction as the label's first live band. This glittery electro-pop ballad, produced by A.G. Cook, explores themes of enchantment and vulnerability, accompanied by an official audio visualizer directed by the band itself, featuring early appearances of Zippy. It garnered positive reception for its shimmering shoegaze elements and fluorescent production.[3][44][45] "Party" followed on January 22, 2020, also on PC Music, as a promotional single for their debut EP Devotion. The upbeat yet melancholic track, described as an ode to escaping a party to stargaze, was praised for its 90s retro-pop vibe and surreal energy. Its official video, directed by Aidan Zamiri with 3D elements by Leomi Sadler, includes a cameo from A.G. Cook and prominently features Zippy in a lo-fi, cool aesthetic that complements the song's ethereal tone.[46][19][24] "Replay," released February 14, 2020, on PC Music, continued the buildup to Devotion with its dream pop and synthpop layers, evoking polished, nostalgic introspection. The official audio, again band-directed, emphasizes the track's corner-hitting momentum, receiving acclaim for its refined production and emotional depth ahead of the EP's March launch.[47][48][49] In August 2020, Planet 1999 collaborated with Anamanaguchi on "Everyday, Everynight," released as a single on Polyvinyl Record Co. on August 25. This electropop and bubblegum bass track blends the bands' styles in a playful, chiptune-infused narrative of perpetual routine and affection, marking Planet 1999's first major external feature and expanding their reach beyond PC Music.[50][26] The 2022 single "crush," issued March 31 via PC Music, captures the adrenaline of infatuation through video-game-inspired pop elements, with lyrics tracing the rush of newfound connection. Accompanied by an official lyric video, it was noted for its bubbly electropop hooks and emotional immediacy, contributing to the band's growing streaming presence.[51][32][52] "dune," released May 26, 2022, on PC Music, delves into unrequited love and acceptance of intangible affection, framed in alt-pop introspection. The official lyric video underscores its nostalgic yearning, and the track was highlighted for its thematic maturity, aligning with Planet 1999's post-Devotion evolution without charting specifics but boosting playlist inclusions.[53][54][55]

Other releases

Planet 1999 has contributed remixes to several artists outside their core discography. In July 2020, they released a remix of Banoffee's track "This Is For Me [baby blue]," transforming the original into a dreamy, synth-driven version emphasizing ethereal vocals and subtle electronic textures.[56] Similarly, in August 2020, the band provided a Balearic-inspired remix of ORCHiN's "dRiVe," infusing the song with wistful, emotion-evoking layers designed to evoke a range of feelings from laughter to heartbreak.[57][58] The group also appeared on the PC Music Christmas compilation Pop Caroler’s Songbook in December 2020, contributing a cover of Mariah Carey's "We Belong Together." This festive rendition, performed live at the label's Pop Carol event, features the band's signature melancholic pop style adapted to holiday themes, with proceeds from the release supporting The Trussell Trust charity.[59][60]

Solo projects

ultra caro

Ultra caro is the solo alias of Caroline Maurin, the vocalist and multi-instrumentalist known as Caro in the band Planet 1999.[61] Her debut album, Heartbeats/Heartbreaks, was released on September 3, 2021, via PC Music.[62] The album comprises 14 tracks with a total duration of 43:02 and delves into themes of love, sensitivity, and emotional vulnerability, as Maurin described it as embracing the idea that "it's okay to be super sensitive" amid heartbreak and affection. Key tracks include "Le Grand Bleu" (1:46), "Hide Me Here" (3:23), "Moonrise" (1:33), "Over U" (4:16), "Heart In 2" (4:10), "Wild At Heart" (4:06), "Drop In The Ocean" (4:57), and "Sad Song 33" (3:11), blending ethereal vocals with warm, earworm synth melodies.[63][64] Ultra caro's style extends the dream pop and shoegaze elements of Planet 1999 into a more personal, pop-oriented direction, characterized by ambient pop, synthpop, and alt-pop influences with rich, futuristic production.[61][1] The follow-up album, Wild at ♡, arrived on September 8, 2023, also through PC Music, marking an evolution toward greater intimacy and freedom in sound.[65] Featuring 11 tracks over 32:31, it continues exploring romantic and emotional liberation, with Maurin noting the title evokes "being free" in both emotional and physical senses.[66] Standout tracks include "Behind the Clouds," "4ever1," "Under the Stars," "Dreamersofdreams," "Running w Wolves," and "Comet," incorporating bubblegum bass and indietronica textures for a soothing yet dynamic feel.[67][68] In 2025, ultra caro released several singles, including the two-track counting sheep on June 4, featuring "my love would never fade" and "counting sheep"; the three-track ride or die in September; and "nightingale".[69][70][71] An upcoming album, moonlight diaries, is scheduled for release on November 21, 2025, via Bandcamp, including tracks such as "rêve de lune," "nightingale," "starlight" (feat. Hannah Diamond), "ride or die," and others.[72] Both Heartbeats/Heartbreaks and Wild at ♡ have received positive critical reception for their relaxing, magical atmospheres and innovative production, earning average ratings of 3.3 out of 5 on Rate Your Music and praise for balancing ambient vocals with creative energy.[73][68][74] They are available for streaming and purchase on Bandcamp, including high-resolution formats.[62][65]

Other members

Alexandre Teiller, known as Alex in Planet 1999 where he contributes synthesizer and production, has pursued solo endeavors under the alias DJ Kit, evolving from his earlier project City Links. As DJ Kit, he focuses on electronic sets blending ambient and club elements with influences from shoegaze, hip-hop, and punk rock. Key activities include producing tracks for Simili Gum's 2022 EP 2He, such as "helium" and "take care," which feature dreamy, atmospheric soundscapes reminiscent of Planet 1999's synth-pop textures. In 2023, he co-produced Munix's debut project Left Out, a six-track release emphasizing tormented, introspective electronic compositions that parallel the band's dream-pop sensibilities. These solo outputs allow Teiller to explore more experimental electronic production while maintaining sonic ties to the lush, reverb-heavy aesthetics of Planet 1999.[75][76][77] Charles Teiller, Planet 1999's primary producer and multi-instrumentalist, operates under the alias Ultralove for his solo production experiments, often venturing into electronic and sound design territories. Ultralove's work emphasizes innovative audio manipulation, including contributions to commercial sound design for brands like Netflix, Balenciaga, and Nike, where he crafts immersive, futuristic sonic environments. Notable outputs include his 2024 solo single "summerneverends.fm" released as bby3ksn7—a garage house track that experiments with upbeat, nostalgic rhythms—marking a shift toward more dance-oriented electronic forms. These projects highlight Teiller's experimental approach to production, echoing Planet 1999's blend of pop accessibility and shoegaze experimentation by incorporating layered synths and emotive textures in personal works.[78][79][80]

Production credits

Group contributions

Planet 1999's group production efforts began in 2019 with their contributions to the all-female band Nasty Cherry, formed under Charli XCX's mentorship for the Netflix docuseries I'm with the Band: Nasty Cherry. They produced the track "What Do You Like In Me?", a sleek alt-pop single released in May 2019 that showcased their signature synth-driven sound blending shoegaze and bubblegum elements.[28] Additionally, the group composed and produced original music for the series' soundtrack, providing the full scoring to underscore the band's formation and dynamics throughout the eight-episode documentary.[1] That same year, Planet 1999 co-produced "February 2017" for Charli XCX's album Charli, featuring vocals from Clairo and Yaeji; the track, released as a single in September 2019, explores themes of heartbreak and reconciliation with a hazy, emotive production layered over subtle electronic beats.[81] Their collaborative work extended into 2021 with the production of Banoffee's single "Tapioca Cheeks", a glistening pop track about vulnerability in love, recorded during a Los Angeles session and released in May; the song highlights the group's ability to craft ethereal, fear-tinged atmospheres.[82] Planet 1999 continued their joint productions with Belgian artist Tessa Dixson, handling arrangement, production, and mixing for her 2021 single "Creep" from the Unspoken EP, which delves into obsessive emotions with dreamy synths and introspective lyrics written by Dixson.[83] In 2022, they repeated this role for Dixson's "Forget U", another standalone single emphasizing emotional detachment through sparse, atmospheric electronic arrangements.[84] These credits from 2019 to 2022 illustrate Planet 1999's cohesive unit approach to supporting PC Music-adjacent artists with innovative, mood-focused productions.

Individual credits

Caro, performing as ultra caro, co-produced and provided additional vocals on the remix of Erika de Casier's "Better Than That" alongside Hannah Diamond, released in 2021.[85] In 2025, she contributed vocals and production to the track “____, close to you.” in collaboration with es.cher, blending vaporwave elements with raw lyricism.[86] Alex, under his alias DJ Kit (previously City Links), co-produced and mixed all tracks on Munix's 2023 EP Left Out, incorporating ambient, club, shoegaze, and hip-hop influences.[87] Charles, as Ultralove, handled production duties on several tracks for Banoffee's 2021 album Teartracks, marking a key external collaboration that highlighted his instrumental expertise in synth-pop arrangements.[88]

References

User Avatar
No comments yet.