NEW SINGLE BADTAB

Te Whanganui-a-Tara’s BADTAB are carving out their own kaleidoscopic corner of the music world. Weaving together synthesisers and swirling guitar strums with rock-inflected, jazz inspired drum beats, BADTAB creates a unique and refreshing sound. The neo-psychedelic project of multi-instrumentalists Ethan Downing (Vox & Gat), Hamish Mckinley (Drums), Manaaki Tibble (Bass), Kahukuranui Hunter-brown (keys) and Louis Nixon (synths), has been turning heads since their formation in 2022, quickly establishing themselves as one of Wellington’s exciting emerging acts.

After a year-long release hiatus, deep in the creative cave writing for their upcoming album, comes the first single Cannibal for release Friday 21st November. Cannibal was one of the first tracks to emerge from their writing sessions, a successful attempt to craft something soulful and sexy. It started with Manaaki laying down a smooth bass line, which immediately set the tone for the track. Louis began experimenting with a Roland organ drum machine and tape delay, giving the track a lo-fi dub feel, until Hamish hopped on the kit and the track found its soul. What followed was a magic evening of writing where everything clicked, building on the song collaboratively.

Cannibal reflects a period when money was dominating the band’s conversations. With some members hunting for work, others landing jobs, and a few remained stuck in the ones they hated. The song captures that strange relationship we have with cash, how consuming it is once it starts to flow and how quickly it disappears. Cannibal captures the fleeting nature of something we’re taught to value above almost everything else, delivered with BADTABs signature blend of groove and finesse.