PICKLE DARLING shares new single ‘Human Bean Instruction Manual’

LISTEN | WATCH

There are songs that sound like they were built in the light, and then there are songs like ‘Human Bean Instruction Manual’, the kind that feel like they’ve been carefully gathered from the corners of a dim bedroom, reconstructed out of old voicemails, broken keys, and a vague but pressing sense of dread.

Pickle Darling, the project of Christchurch’s Lukas Mayo, has always operated at a remove from convention. On ‘Human Bean Instruction Manual’ - which follows recent single ‘Massive Everything’ - they return with a song that’s more like a signal flare from a life stage no one prepared us for. “I just turned 30 and there’s no damn manual for this,” Mayo says. “Transitioning out of being a young adult in 2025 is like suddenly landing on a hostile planet our bodies haven’t adapted to.” The result is a track that’s equal parts anxious transmission and quiet communion—a fuzzy, deeply human dispatch from the edge of adulthood.

This is not a song about finding answers, but about relishing in the ambiguity. As Mayo puts it: “Everything we thought was important doesn’t mean shit. Everything is out to attack us, so all we can do is form our alliances and hang on tight.”

In a musical landscape dominated by gloss and churn, ‘Human Bean Instruction Manual’ reminds us of the power of staying weird and staying soft. It’s a song that doesn’t resolve so much as persists tenderly.

"This was one that I built from early fragments I had recorded years ago, which I then stripped for parts and assembled into a new song," Lukas says of the track. "I always write with a kind of dream logic and never towards any sort of end goal, but I was on the cusp of turning 30 when I wrote this song and I remember feeling completely lost and unprepared and wishing there were some kind of manual. Lots of stressed out dreams, fears of never being able to afford a house or never being able to retire, realising there’s no steady path to a comfortable future, you just need to form your alliances and see how far through this life you can get! I realise a near 7 minute song about being stressed about money isn’t really fun cool sexy playlist material, but that’s Pickle Darling."

BB & THE BULLETS THIRD SINGLE - “I WANT YOU/SHE’S SO HEAVY”

Things are building up for Whanganui band BB & The Bullets. After an excellent reception and some radio attention from their first two singles, “Something In The Water” and “High Tide”, plus a brief side trip to Chicago, the blues/rock three piece are releasing another track from their debut album. This one is a version of the Beatles classic from the Abbey Rd album - “I Want You/She’s So Heavy”. It’s a head turning show stopper from their live set and this one sees the band really showing off their groove. The song highlights some excellent guitar work from Brian Baker strains of Buddy Guy with a definite Jeff Beck influence. Brian says, “We’ve tried to be respectful of the original John Lennon song but also put the Bullets stamp on it - I have no idea why this song hasn’t been covered by more contemporary blues artists. It’s such a perfect storm.” Guitars, drums and bass are all featured - Stu Duncan on bass in particular shines on the BB & The Bullets version. “Who the hell are these guys?” You may find yourself asking when you hear this recording. Well the world is about to find out when their debut album “High Tide” drops in September.

The band is signed to iconic French Record label Dixie Frog Records and will be released in Europe, The UK, The US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand on vinyl, CD and digital.

The album was recorded in Whanganui at producer and band leader Brian Baker’s Nixon Street recording studio after the band had established itself by gigging around the local circuit. They’ve also been busy creating very nice videos to support their releases - check out their You Tube channel. The film clip for “I Want You/She’s So Heavy” was filmed at the Whanganui Opera House. Band members Brad McMillan (drums), Stu Duncan (bass) and Brian Baker (guitar and vocals) couldn’t be happier “Working with Dixie Frog, seeing our record released in Europe, UK, The States and New Zealand is a dream come true for our little Whanganui band” We hope everybody comes along for the ride!”

ADAM HATTAWAY & THE HAUNTERS RELEASE NEW SINGLE + STOP MOTION VIDEO TED DANSON

Ted Danson seems like a nice guy — but this track isn’t about him.

Adam Hattaway returns with The Haunters to release the first single from their upcoming album Hot Variety.

Ted Danson is three minutes of rock ’n’ roll lost at the disco. It all started when a big ol’ organ — one that took up half the car — was hauled into the hills of Ōtiake, just to use its built-in drum machine. That beat lays the foundation for a swampy Fender Rhodes bubbling beneath busted guitars, pounding congas, signature Haunters fuzz, and, inexplicably, a vacuum cleaner — all captured on glorious 2” 16-track tape.

The release is accompanied by a meticulously chaotic and slightly disturbing stop -motion video by Maya Templer and Jack O’Connell (Rough On Rats) starring a surreal lineup of Bob Dylan, Richard Nixon and yep… Ted Danson.

Hot Variety is out September 5th on all streaming platforms and a very limited release of 100 vinyl via Leather Jacket Records.

Adam Hattaway & The Haunters Live

04/07

Ōhinehou / Lyttelton

Lyttelton Arts Festival / Lyttelton Arts Factory

Tickets Here

10/07

Pōneke / Wellington

Rogue & Vagabond

Free entry

Lucky Break: The Chapel Studio In association with AllGoood Absolute Alternative Records Announce Exclusive Music Competition for Emerging NZ Artists

The Chapel Studio (Auckland), in partnership with AllGood Absolute Alternative Records (AAA Records) and Luma ATMOS Studios, is proud to present Lucky Break — an exciting opportunity for New Zealand’s rising music talent to take their careers to the next level.

Open to NZ residents aged 16 and over, Lucky Break winners will receive professional studio time, Mastering and Dolby Atmos Mixing, artist career development mentorship, and official release opportunities for unsigned artists and bands.

This is an opportunity of a lifetime for unsigned up and coming talent!

Prizes:

First Prize (valued at $10,000.00):

• Professionally Produced and recorded EP over 3 full days of Recording Time at The Chapel Studio, including artist accommodation.

• Fully mixed 

• Stereo Master plus Dolby Atmos Immersive mix

• Official release through AAA Records

• 2-hour artist development consultation with TeMatera Smith of AAA Records

Second Prize (valued at $4,000.00):

• Professionally recorded single completed in 1 day

• Fully mixed

• Stereo Master plus Dolby Atmos Immersive mix

• 1-hour artist development consultation with TeMatera Smith of AAA Records

Third Prize:

• 1-hour consultation with TeMatera Smith

• 25% discount voucher for a future booking at The Chapel Studio or Luma Atmos Studio

Key Conditions:

• Prizes must be completed within 6 months of winner notification and are subject to studio availability.

• Travel are the responsibility of winners. 

• Prizes are non-transferable and not redeemable for cash.

Judging & Selection:

Winners will be selected by an expert panel including Chapel Studio staff and industry professionals.

• Creative potential

• Alignment with the studio’s artistic ethos

• Technical readiness to undertake recording and release

The panel’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Winners will be contacted by Friday, 8 August 2025 via email. If unresponsive within 5 working days, prizes may be reassigned.

By entering, artists consent to the use of their name, likeness, and provided content for promotional purposes related to the competition.

For full terms, conditions, and entry form:

chapelstudio.co.nz/luckybreak

This is your chance to record, release and grow with some of the best in the New Zealand music scene.

Don’t miss your Lucky Break — submit your entry before August 1st!

Entry Details:

• Entries open: 12:00am, Tuesday 1 July 2025

• Entries close: 11:59pm, Friday 1 August 2025 (NZT)

Enter on the “Lucky Break” page at www.chapelstudio.co.nz/luckybreak  by completing the official entry form, supplying a demo track and other tasks listed.

Emily Bateman Unveils Moody New Single 'Sixth Sense'

Emily Bateman's latest release, Sixth Sense, marks a textural and tonal shift in her sound. A moody bossa nova-inspired track, Sixth Sense reflects on the quiet unraveling of a relationship. Driven by an electronic drum loop and layered, sultry vocals, Emily explores the fear and uncertainty of starting over.

The single is the fifth and final release from her upcoming second EP, due out in the coming months. Written solo at home on her acoustic guitar, Emily teamed up with collaborator Andrew Isdale to bring the track to life. The result is a minimal yet captivating production-combining electronic percussion, atmospheric effects, and a spacious arrangement that highlights Emily's vocals.

With multiple Spotify editorial placements under her belt, an opening slot at Auckland's Powerstation, and a sophomore EP on the horizon, Emily Bateman continues to carve out a name for herself in the city's thriving indie scene.

Announcing the release of “Summer” by Don and The Divorcees

“Summer” by Don and the Divorcees goes live on all major online platforms from 26 June.  This is the 3rd (and last) of 3 single releases ahead of  the online release of the full “Bit Payers” album scheduled for July.  

Written by Don Mackay, who also does lead vocal,  “Summer” is a song about a summer roadie, where the destination may be less important than “what it is he is running away from”. 

Don and the Divorcees is a collaboration among Te Whanganui a Tara singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Don Mackay, Hollie Wright and Beans Wright (no relation).  

The three friends began working together together as a trio in mid 2023. Each brings their own compositions to the table and then the team works together to make the most of them. 

As we each tend to write a slightly different style of song, the unifying element of our sound comes from the arrangements featuring tight vocal harmonies over multiple stringed instruments.  While this gives breadth and variety to our live performances, it does make us, in marketing terms, seriously genre non-compliant.  

We are a bit “old school”.   Our songs are strongly centred on the lyrics, which tell stories or paint pictures, and are designed to be listened to.  The instrumentation is built around a variety of acoustic stringed instruments (guitars, violin, mandolin, cello and bass).  The whole approach is pretty “wooden” and low tech. We see ourselves as “spiritual folkies” performing contemporary songs.

The Story so far and what next?

The “Bit Players” album was recorded and mixed by Warwick Donald over the winter of 2024, and the recordings were mastered by Mike Gibson.  

The first single “Seventeen” was released online on 21 March 2025, with a limited edition CD release of the complete album in April and the second single “Afterglow” released online on 16 May.  

The full album (7 songs) is scheduled to  be released on 26 July.   

RINGLETS RELEASE THEIR SOPHOMORE ALBUM ‘THE LORD IS MY GERMAN SHEPHERD (TIME FOR WALKIES)’

Today, Ringlets share their sophomore album The Lord Is My German Shepherd (Time for Walkies) via Flying Nun Records and Leather Jacket Records and announce a tour of Aotearoa in support - with shows in Ōhinehou, Ōtepoti, Te Whanganui-a-Tara and Tāmaki Makaurau this August.

Friday 1 August - Wunderbar, Ōhinehou

Saturday 2 August - Secret Show, Ōtepoti

Friday 8 August - Meow, Te Whanganui a-Tara

Saturday 9 August - Whammy Bar, Tāmaki Makaurau

TICKETS ON SALE NOW FROM RINGLETS.CO.NZ

The Lord Is My German Shepherd (Time for Walkies) is the band's shimmering follow-up to their distinct eponymous debut in 2023 and a vibrant expression of their singular song craft.

Produced by Ringlets - Arabella Poulsen (bass & vocals), Arlo Grey (drums), László Reynolds (guitar & vocals) and Leith Towers (lead-vocalist) -  in Auckland at The Lab alongside Michael Logie (The Mint Chicks) and mixed by Isaac Keating at Abbey Road Studios, The Lord Is My German Shepherd (Time for Walkies) conjures mystic visions; takes raucous, unkempt yet solely committed turns, twists, and tiptoes delicately between the absurd and the divine.

The Lord Is My German Shepherd (Time for Walkies) is available for purchase now on Translucent Green Vinyl with Obi Strip and on Exclusive Flying Nun Black. Order or save the album here.

IN THE SHALLOWS | NEW ERA. NEW TOUR.

Led by the ethereal voice of Welsh songwriter Danni Davis, In The Shallows has journeyed from an intimate folk duo to a festival-ready indie-folk-pop outfit, racking up over 90 shows nationwide in just a few years; steadily capturing hearts with their emotive songwriting and lush, harmony-drenched performances.

Following a spellbinding hometown show at St Peter’s Hall, Paekākāriki, filmed for a special upcoming concert release for Mood.live (JuiceTV) the band is now poised to take their evolved, pop-infused indie-folk sound on the road this winter. Check out 'Not The One' HERE ... What a performance! 

This new tour sees Danni joined by long-time live bassist Shane Hamill and fresh talent Ben Brunskill (Guitar/Vocals), Arna Wnek (Keys/Vocals), and Sam Holdom (Drums), with special guests Michelle Velvin (Harp), Janet Holborrow (Cello) and Shona Juanas (Violin) joining in for the Auckland and Wellington shows.

With a brand new lineup, a forthcoming album (due summer 25/26) produced by Steve Rokosh (Emmylou Harris, Sass Jordan), and a string of critically acclaimed studio releases to their name, In The Shallows has built a reputation for live performances that captivate both critics and audiences. Named among the ‘Top 10 Live Shows of 2021’ (Muzic.net.nz), the band delivers a dynamic, emotionally-charged set.

.We know times are tough for many right now, so we’ve teamed up with as many venues as possible to offer a rare chance to see the full band line up for free at selected shows across the North Island… because music should be for everyone!!

Just 2 weeks before they hit the road, they will also be releasing their next Deluxe single ‘Remember Me’ on May 30th. A deeply personal, raw and emotionally-charged reflection on love, betrayal, and the struggle of trying to hold on when everything is slipping away. The edgy pop version and stripped-back  acoustic take deliver two sides of the same story, exploring the complexities of a relationship built on half truths and unspoken pain. 

In The Shallows - Winter 2025 Tour Dates

13.06 RSC, RAUMATI - FREE SHOW

14.06 SPACE STUDIO, WHANGANUI

27.06 FIREBIRD, LEVIN - FREE SHOW

28.06 COMMON ROOM, HASTINGS 

05.07 MEOW, WELLINGTON **With Strings & Harp

11.07 KINGS, OHAKUNE - FREE SHOW

12.07 MOST FM, NEW PLYMOUTH

25.07 ROSEMARYS BAR, TAUPO - FREE SHOW

26.07 THE TUNING FORK, AUCKLAND **With Strings & Harp

07.08 HOKOWHITU BOWLING CLUB, P.N

08.08 PAISLEY STAGE, NAPIER

TICKETS & MORE INFO HERE

More about In The Shallows…

Danni has been incredibly privileged to have worked and recorded alongside some of Aotearoa's finest musicians, including;  Lance Shepherd (Martina Topley Bird ex Tricky, UK), Andrew Bain (Fur Patrol, NZ), Nick Brown (Eb & Sparrow, Vorn, NZ), Michael Barker (John Butler Trio, AU, Tim Finn, NZ, Split Enz, NZ), Ben Brunskill (The BOSS, NZ/AU) TK Paradza (Rhombus, NZ), Bonnie Schwarz (Good Habits, UK), Davey Dubman (Taos Sound, NZ) and Jeremiah Ross, (Module, NZ). Michelle Velvin (Wellington Orchestra, NZSO NZ), Janet & Shona Holborrow (Crimson Club, NZ). Andrew Downes (Fur Patrol, Don McGlashan, Shihad, Louis Baker).

On the bands debut album release tour, they made it onto the 'Top 10 Live shows of 2021' list by Kev Rowland of Muzic.net.nz and the singles that followed received glowing 5* reviews. ‘Let's Not Start a War’ received a 10/10 review from UK's House of Prog , ‘There You Are’ released Dec 21 premiered on ‘The Hits’ with Estelle, received a 5* review from Muzic.net.nz  and was placed in their ‘Top 10 Singles of 2021’. Both tracks have been reviewed enthusiastically by many media outlets around the world, including HappyMag AU, BuzzMusic LA and many other international blogs. 

More recently, In The Shallows signed with Grant Hislop’s new music company ‘Mood’, an off-shoot of JuiceTV, NZ's & Australia’s only music television channel (Hislop founded The Rock, co-founded Radioworks (now MediaWorks) and was previously head of labels and A&R at Warner Music, label managing Anika Moa, Fur Patrol, Shihad and Weta. He also worked with Goodshirt, Pluto, Opshop, Goldenhorse, Tadpole and Jordan Luck as manager and booking agent.

The band have been working again with Canadian producer Steve Rokosh on their upcoming album (clients include Emmylou Harris, Sass Jordan, Ruben Young, Jocelyn Alice, ABC Family, Electronic Arts and Universal Music.)