It's New Zealand Music Month; the concept still seems a bit strange to me.

I get the idea of course. Lest New Zealand music be lost in the glut of overseas sounds let's set aside a particular month to just focus on the local. Something like Maori Language Week.

In reaction people often point out that every month (or week) should be those things. Fair enough too. But I guess if NZ Music Month means that record labels here are going to push their local signings a bit more then there's nothing wrong with it.

As to whether acts not on record labels (i.e. ninety eight per cent of New Zealand bands) releasing music in New Zealand Music Month is a good idea, I'd probably say no. The increased advertising from record labels tends to eclipse smaller releases so, ironically, independent bands are probably be best avoiding NZMM.

However, many bands are enthusiastically embracing it. Salmonella Dub have an album due in a little while, Return To The Kowhai, perhaps named because the band's Kaikoura studio is surrounded by Kowhai trees, and are using NZMM as advance promotion.

They are releasing a six track vinyl EP, Soul Love Trippa, as well as a new digital single each Tuesday in May, starting this week with the 7' mix of Soul Love Trippa. That's a rather mind-bending concept really: this 7' mix is only available digitally or part of a 12' EP. So why is it called the 7' mix?

COSTLY VINYL

Life really is too short to think about these things, but as an aside: the six track 12' vinyl EP costs $40. Is anyone beginning to miss the relatively low price of CDs? Oh, that's right, I remember – vinyl is better because it has bigger cover art. Just as well – you'll be wanting to frame it at that price (consumer warning: frame not included in EP price).

On to other things...

There are a pile of gigs in May. At Totara Street the legendary Chills are visiting on May 13 and new indie rockers The Butlers and Muroki play on May 21, while on May 28 Dan Sharp wraps up his nationwide tour in the company of Adam McLean, Leighton Fairlie and Wildlanes.

Meanwhile, at the Jam Factory the schedule is so hectic that I'm going to do a list in a minute in case I don't get back to all these in upcoming weeks.

First let me mention two of next weekend's shows there. On the Saturday, Wellington's Miles Calder returns with his band. He was here in December promoting a single, this time he has the full album, Autopilot Life, his first solo outing. It's intelligent pop/rock with hints of psychedelia and he has a great band that comprises Nick George (drums), Steve Moodie (bass), Chris Armour (electric guitar) and Dayle Jellyman (synths, electric piano).

He's on Saturday 15: things kick off at 7pm; tickets cost $25 (from Eventspronto or maybe the door).

MERK

The following night there's something a little stranger and more exotic in the form of Merk, a fascinating proponent of quirky modern pop.

Legend has it that Merk (real name Mark Perkins) recorded his debut album Swordfish (2017) at a makeshift studio in a store basement at Roundhead Studios, where Perkins was learning about recording and producing at the feet of the rather famous Neil Finn. Swordfish went on to win Best Debut Album at the Taite Music Prize and led to tours with Cub Sport, Marlon Williams and Julia Jacklin in Australia and New Zealand.

He now has a second album out, Infinite Youth, and it's fantastic, bright and poppy and filled with interesting instrumentation (it's largely keyboard-based) and cool catchy songs, both playful and thoughtful. It reminds me of the great obscure American singer/songwriter Benji Hughes. Again, 7pm, tickets $20 from Eventspronto, $25 on the door.

But like I say, there is so much happening at the Jam Factory you might want to check it out yourself. In May alone there's also Derek Toner, a Bob Dylan show, Gitbox Rebellion, Chris Thompson and more. See the full programme on their website: www.theincubator.co.nz/the-jam-factory-music