Well recognised as one of New Zealand’s established songwriting stars, indie-folk singer songwriter Mel Parsons’ star is on the rise. Following the success of both her debut album Over My Shoulder in 2009, and sophomore offering Red Grey Blue in 2011, Parsons released her third full length record Drylands in 2015.
The Kiwi singer/songwriter and two time NZ Music Award (VNZMA) finalist for Folk Album of the Year, has released the first single from Drylands – the gutsy & rhythmic audience favourite originally performed with Fly My Pretties, Far Away. With a dynamite live show, solo or with her band, Parsons is an engaging performer with a natural emotive voice that allows the listener to become part of the story.
With home as a hotel room and a suitcase, Parsons has built up her fan base the old fashioned way – winning over audiences on the live circuit. The only New Zealand artist invited to showcase at Folk Alliance International in Kansas City, USA in 2014 & 2015, Parsons has also had recent tours in Australia, UK, Ireland, and Germany. She is also a cast member of Kiwi musical collective Fly My Pretties, with tours and festival performances including the prestigious Byron Bay Bluesfest at Easter 2015.
Closer to home, along with her own shows, Parsons has double-billed sold out tours of NZ wool sheds with comedy duo The Bitches' Box performing over 100 shows together in some of the country’s most remote rural areas.
Her second album Red Grey Blue was called “one of New Zealand’s finest releases”*, and spent 28 weeks in the NZ independent album charts. Parsons is signed to Australian-based publisher Native Tongue, and has released both of her records in NZ on Border Music & DRM.
An adventurer at heart, Parsons grew up on a farm at Cape Foulwind near the small West Coast town of Westport, and her adventures to date have taken her all over the world – highlights including a year living on the edge of the Atacama desert in Chile, and two years in the Rocky Mountains of British Colombia. When not on the road Parsons is currently based out of Christchurch.
Drylands was released via Parsons’ own label Cape Road (via DRM & Border Music) on April 10th 2015.
Band Members:
Mel Parsons (vocals, guitar)
Shaun Elley (drums, percussion, vocals, guitar)
Aaron Stewart (double bass)
Ed Zucollo (piano, rhodes, organ)
Neil Watson (dobro, slide, guitar)
Kath Bee (harmonies)
The Sami Sisters (harmonies)
Lisa Tomlins (harmonies)
Don McGlashan (euphonium, celeste)
REVIEW: Gig Review: Small Hall Sessions w/ Mel Parsons @ Otane Town Hall, Otane - 09/10/2024 Submitted by HBRob |
10 Oct 2024 |
REVIEW: Album Review: Sabotage Submitted by catherinedaisy |
6 Jun 2024 |
REVIEW: Gig Review: Mel Parsons @ Meow, Wellington - 28/05/2023 Submitted by Cathy Elizabeth |
30 May 2023 |
REVIEW: Gig Review: Mel Parsons @ Galatos, Auckland - 19/05/2023 Submitted by LouClementine |
22 May 2023 |
REVIEW: Gig Review: Mel Parsons @ Hollywood Avondale, Auckland - 15/10/2022 Submitted by roger.bowie |
16 Oct 2022 |
REVIEW: Album Review: Slow Burn Submitted by roger.bowie |
15 Sep 2022 |
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Shade
muzic.net.nz Admin Joined: 17/07/02 Posts: 5069 Location: Manawatu View Profile |
Mel Parsons touring in Europe - 2013 Posted: Tue Jun 18, 2013 2:57 pm 2013 Outward Sound Phase One recipient Mel Parsons is currently touring in Europe. The singer songwriter is about to start on the German leg of her tour, which has already taken in 13 dates in the UK and Ireland, including showcases at The Great Escape Festival in Brighton. Highlights so far have been supporting Charlie Parr (US) in London, and sharing a bill with Del Barber (CAN) in Ireland. Parsons’ 2nd album ‘Red Grey Blue’ has recently been released in Ireland/UK via Blue Grace Music, and has been play-listed on Ireland’s national station RTE Radio 1. Parsons will return to NZ in early July for a brief stint at home before heading back to Europe to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August with comedy act The Bitches’ Box. 2013 has been a busy one for Parsons, who was touring in Australia prior to the European shows. Germany Tour Dates - June 2013 Fri 14th - Kamen - Tix & info 02307 234078 Sat 15th - Bonen - Gaststätte Stoltefuß Sun 16th - Groningen, (NL) - O'Ceallaigh’s Thurs 20th - Halle - Goldene Rose Fri 21st - Berlin - Art.Gerecht Sat 22nd - Berlin - Zimmer 16 Mon 24th - Hamburg - Monday Music Tues 25th - Bremen - Meisenfrei Weds 26th - Munster - Café Arte Thurs 27th - Witten - Maschinchen Buntes Fri 28th - Overath - Tix & info 02204 473490 Sat 29th - Cologne - Lichtung UK / Ireland Dates May/June 2013 Fri 17th - Brighton - The Haunt, The Great Escape Festival Sat 18th - Brighton - Komedia Studio, The Great Escape Festival Mon 20th - London - Dublin Castle Tues 21st - London - The Buffalo Bar Weds 22nd - Dublin - Whelans Thurs 23rd - Limerick City - Dolans Fri 24th - Galway City - The Townhouse (with Del Barber) Sun 26th - Cork City - Mother Jones’ Tues 28th - Dublin - Ruby Sessions, Weds 29th - Clonakilty - De Barras Thurs 30th - Clifden - Mullarky's Tues 4th June - Kemerton (UK) - The Crown Inn Weds 5th June - London - The Slaughtered Lamb (supporting Charlie Parr) |
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