New Single from Te Whanganui-a-Tara’s BADTAB: ‘Cannibal’
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.
BADTABs music is a sonic journey through genre-blending territory, fusing together Psych Rock, Electronic, Neo-Soul & Funk Pop, all filtered through a distinctly neo-psychedelic lens. Their layered approach to composition creates immersive soundscapes where dreamy vocal harmonies float over groove-heavy rhythms, with each track unfolding like a carefully curated trip through shifting sounds.
Drawing inspirations from the likes of Tame Impala, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Crumb, Connan Mockasin and King Krule. BADTAB have synthesized these influences into something uniquely their own, a sound that honors psychedelia’s past while boldly pushing it forward.
The band made their mark in 2024 with a prolific run of releases that showcased their creative range and ambition. September saw the drop of The Pōneke Sessions, collaborative EP born from a chance encounter with German Hip-hop, Jazz, and Soul musician Cellz. The collaboration came together after Cellz stumbled upon the band busking in Wellington. What started as an impromptu jam session quickly revealed a natural chemistry, with Cellz hip-hop & soul sensibilities melding perfectly with BADTABs psychedelic foundation. The resulting EP captures the raw energy and experimental spirit of their first jam.
December brought Echo Chambers Of…, their full-length debut album that was two years in the making. The album began with demos that Ethan & Kahu had been working on, which then evolved as the full band came together and began writing collaboratively. Produced throughout their time at university, the album captured that particular period of their lives as it unfolded. The title itself reflects the creative process, an echo chamber of all their thoughts, influences, and shared experiences merging together into one cohesive work. It’s expansive, textured, and deliberately different from what was coming out of Wellington at the time. Overall the album is a collection of tracks which shift between laid-back psychedelic grooves with moments of high-energy psych rock. Since this release, they have been deep in the works on their sophomore album, which is anticipated for a 2026 summer release.
Beyond the studio, BADTAB have been making waves in the live circuit, playing Newtown Festival 2025, Great Sounds Great festival 2025, multiple sold out shows at a variety of Wellington’s independent venues, RadioActive Active Live session at Massey University & are excited to play Twisted Frequency 2025/2026. With their DIY spirit and commitment to pushing psychedelic music into new territories, BADTAB are quickly establishing themselves as ones to watch in Aotearoa’s ever-evolving music scene.
