Planets: Beyond the Stars, Into the Dark

NEW SINGLE '' Last Trade '' OUT NOW

Alternative Rock Duo Talks New Single, The Creative Process, and Finding Strength in Shared Vulnerability

Planets is an alternative rock duo originally hailing from opposite sides of the country.

“Planets music is all about emotion and taking listeners for a journey,” says Hector. “We live under the heavy rock umbrella, but we want peaks and troughs, and we want light and shade. So you’re gonna get huge dynamic leaps from verse to chorus, hooky riffs, thumpy drums, and a bridge to take you somewhere else before Charlotte’s lead vocal takes your head off – you definitely won’t feel short changed!”

The band's celestial name has an amusing origin rooted in their relationship. Hector reveals, "Charlotte’s well into astrology... When it came to thinking of a name, I half-jokingly proposed 'Planets, with the tag, yet to be discovered.' To my surprise, Charlotte actually quite liked it, so we went for it."

Kent-based alternative rock duo Planets—comprising vocalist Charlotte King and guitarist Hector Castro—are making a powerful return to the scene. Having met a couple of years ago and quickly forging a songwriting and romantic partnership, they took flight with their debut single "Red Earth" in July 2024, followed by "SIGNS" in October. Now, after a brief spell off-radar, they are back and ready to ascend with their latest release, “The Last Trade”, a raw, deeply personal track confronting the long shadow of abuse.

“The Last Trade" turns to the world of abuse and the eternal grasp it can have over victims," explains Hector. "It’s a deep one for us—inspired by those who don’t become who they fear most."

He continues to share the deeply personal nature of the track: "This is especially close to home because my mum lived in fear of her own mother, who physically abused her from a young age. Like many, she wears the scars for her younger siblings. It was always intended to be one for victims who don’t become who they fear most."

Fans can expect the signature Planets sound: "We always try to connect personal subject matter with heavy guitar tones, rich melodic harmonies and Charlotte's soaring lead vocal," Hector notes. "You can also expect punchy ‘caveman’ like drums, bouncing the groove with real attitude and aggression. We really feel like we’re carving our sound and maturing as songwriters; so expect the best thing we’ve done to date."

When it comes to pre-show nerves and routines, the duo has distinct approaches. “We’re quite different pre-show,” Hector admits. “I tend to go really quiet before gigs and Charlotte loves to be sociable with the crowd and other bands backstage. But we both take it really seriously and rehearse a lot.”

When asked about the band’s strengths, Hector points to their chemistry and skill: “Our musicianship is probably our greatest asset. A lot of the development in our songs comes from our ability to confidently improvise... I know Charlotte can sing many different styles of music with a lot of authenticity, and, similarly, I play all different types of music as a classical guitarist.”

Their greatest weakness? “We’re in a relationship, so things can get pretty heated at times! Creative differences can spiral out of control… But we’ve got a lot better at treating Planets like a business, and not just our passion.”

Planets finds inspiration across the musical spectrum, taking influence from bands with "a lot of attitude and a massive point to prove," such as Soft Play, Wolf Alice, St Vincent, and Sleep Token, as well as classic greats like Metallica, Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchell, and Pink Floyd.

Looking ahead, their dream collaboration is with the fast-rising gothic rock band Castle Rat. "They’re really making waves in the scene and we love their brand," says Hector. "We want to embody that same sense of showmanship, but in our own way."

The duo has set ambitious plans for the close of 2025 and into 2026. “We’re in the studio on the 1st of November to record our next release, scheduled to be dropped mid-December," Hector shares. Following that, they have more studio dates set for a February release.

Crucially, they are dedicated to building their online community. “In the last couple of weeks, Charlotte has managed to increase our followers on TikTok from less than 80 to over 1,600. This is massive for us!” The aim is clear: "Identify the audience... by covering all bases, and ensuring they’re given regular content to listen to."

For now, Planets is focused on delivering their hard-hitting, emotionally resonant alternative rock. They are confident they are "carving out our own sound in the heavy rock/alternative scene," and with their latest release, “The Last Trade”, they are proving they are a force to be discovered.

The Ten Desert Island Tracks Planet's Can't Live Without

Charlotte’s List: