22 Dec 2024
Mel Parsons - Mel Parsons Newsletter Interview
07 Jun 2009 // An interview by Shade
What is the best gig you have ever performed at, and why?
I think my favourite recently was our show in Westport at the Buller Workingmens Club on the release tour. Hard to pinpoint why as it is not the ideal venue but we just had a ball there. I think it's all about the crowd and the vibe onstage - we had a super lovely crowd there and just had heaps of fun.
What is your favourite NZ venue?
There are a few places that I always love playing.. The Wine Cellar in Auckland is great, always a nice crowd, great atmostphere, great sound and lots of wine! Being a country kid I also love playing at special venues out in the provinces like The Mussel Inn, Eggsentric Cafe, The Crooked Mile Theatre and Leigh Sawmill.
What NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?
I would actually love to see more of Neil Finn, maybe a special acoustic show at Vector?! I love Neil's songwriting and often I will come away from gigs inspired to write. I'm a bit of a fan of the classics, so artists like Dave Dobbyn as well. Also I am looking forward to hearing the Opensouls again when they tour their new album.
What is your most embarrassing on tour/gig moment?
I had a pretty bad one many years ago at The Temple on Queen St in Auckland... I had just been gifted a very fancy effects pedal and after thinking I had it sounding pretty sweet at home turned up to my gig with this new blazing technology. Long story short I was rather red faced after a terrible gig in a washy sea of feedback and way over the top effects. Classy.
What inspires you when writing your lyrics?
Usually my lyrics come from feeling either really high or really low... The inspiration behind them is whatever is making me feel like that!
How do you describe your music?
I would love it if I could give a single word answer to this question!! I draw pretty heavily on folk and pop influences, and the simplicity of country has definitely had a big impact on my writing in recent years... so, a combination of these would be pretty close.
What can we expect to see from you over the next year?
A couple of music vids that are in the pipeline, festivals and another NZ tour later in the year.
What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?
Go to MAINZ. I spent a year there in 2002 and absolutely loved it.
What is the best gig you have ever performed at, and why?I think my favourite recently was our show in Westport at the Buller Workingmens Club on the release tour. Hard to pinpoint why as it is not the ideal venue but we just had a ball there. I think it's all about the crowd and the vibe onstage - we had a super lovely crowd there and just had heaps of fun.
What is your favourite NZ venue?
There are a few places that I always love playing.. The Wine Cellar in Auckland is great, always a nice crowd, great atmostphere, great sound and lots of wine! Being a country kid I also love playing at special venues out in the provinces like The Mussel Inn, Eggsentric Cafe, The Crooked Mile Theatre and Leigh Sawmill.
What NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?
I would actually love to see more of Neil Finn, maybe a special acoustic show at Vector?! I love Neil's songwriting and often I will come away from gigs inspired to write. I'm a bit of a fan of the classics, so artists like Dave Dobbyn as well. Also I am looking forward to hearing the Opensouls again when they tour their new album.
What is your most embarrassing on tour/gig moment?
I had a pretty bad one many years ago at The Temple on Queen St in Auckland... I had just been gifted a very fancy effects pedal and after thinking I had it sounding pretty sweet at home turned up to my gig with this new blazing technology. Long story short I was rather red faced after a terrible gig in a washy sea of feedback and way over the top effects. Classy.
What inspires you when writing your lyrics?
Usually my lyrics come from feeling either really high or really low... The inspiration behind them is whatever is making me feel like that!
How do you describe your music?
I would love it if I could give a single word answer to this question!! I draw pretty heavily on folk and pop influences, and the simplicity of country has definitely had a big impact on my writing in recent years... so, a combination of these would be pretty close.
What can we expect to see from you over the next year?
A couple of music vids that are in the pipeline, festivals and another NZ tour later in the year.
What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?
Go to MAINZ. I spent a year there in 2002 and absolutely loved it.
About Mel Parsons
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.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Mel Parsons
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