Pickle Darling’s Latest Single Embraces the Challenges of Turning 30
A New Release from Pickle Darling
The indie-pop scene welcomes another single from Pickle Darling, the Christchurch-based artist who never fails to surprise. Their latest track, "Human Bean Instruction Manual," weaves together remnants of old voicemails, broken keys, and an underlying sense of unease.
The Story Behind the Song
Crafted from early snippets recorded by Lukas Mayo, the creative mind behind Pickle Darling, this piece exemplifies a DIY aesthetic. The inspiration for "Human Bean Instruction Manual" struck as Mayo approached their 30th birthday, realizing the absence of a guide to navigate adulthood.
Personal Reflections
Mayo eloquently describes their transition into this new phase of life: “It feels like landing on a hostile planet our bodies haven’t adapted to.” The song captures the essence of anxiety that accompanies this monumental shift, emphasizing a world where prior assumptions hold no weight.
Themes of Anxiety and Reality
In a candid moment, Mayo shared, “Everything we thought was important doesn’t mean shit. Everything is out to attack us.” This raw honesty reflects the process of forming connections and hanging on tight as we maneuver through life’s uncertainties.
The artist’s creative philosophy leans towards dream logic rather than chasing specific outcomes. Yet, on the brink of turning 30, they felt a profound sense of aimlessness and yearned for some form of guidance.
Exploring Life’s Pressures
Mayo elaborates on the anxieties that inform their music, admitting that while a nearly seven-minute song about financial stress might not fit the conventional idea of playlist material, it’s quintessentially Pickle Darling.
Recent Works and Collaborations
"Human Bean Instruction Manual" follows last month’s release of "Massive Everything," which marked their first original single since a collaboration on a Postal Service cover with The Beths. Reflecting on the previous track, Mayo described it as perhaps their first true “pop” song, focusing on clear and direct communication.
Engaging with Fans Through Gaming
Additionally, Pickle Darling recently launched a lo-fi video game titled Pickle Darling: The Game, where players embark on a quest to find a lost album. This interactive experience includes 8-bit versions of songs like “Bicycle Weather” and “King of Joy,” integrating their music with retro gaming.
A Rising Star
Lukas Mayo, previously a cult figure on Bandcamp, has garnered attention with their album Laundromat, which highlighted the best of their work and marked a significant moment in their artistic journey.
Is "Human Bean Instruction Manual" a reflection of your own experiences crossing into adulthood? Share your thoughts!
