Bio

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)

Links

• Artist Website
• Facebook Page
• Twitter Page
• Youtube Page
• Instagram Page
• Bandcamp Page
• Spotify Page
• Apple Music Page