“One of New Zealand’s finest releases” - Waikato Times
4.5 stars - The Sunday Star Times
Well recognised as one of New Zealand’s established songwriting stars, Mel Parsons is a modern folk artist on the rise. Following the success of her debut record ‘Over My Shoulder’ in 2009, the Kiwi singer/songwriter and two time NZ Music Award (VNZMA) finalist for Folk Album of the Year, recently released her sophomore album ‘Red Grey Blue’ to widespread critical acclaim.
With home as a hotel room and a suitcase, Parsons built up her fan base the old fashioned way, winning over audiences on the live circuit. 2013 saw another busy year for the singer, with tours in Australia, UK, Ireland, Germany, and her native New Zealand. Parsons also joined the cast of Kiwi musical super-group ‘Fly My Pretties’ for the 23-date sold-out ‘Homeland Tour’ in spring 2013.
‘Red Grey Blue’ has been called “one of New Zealand’s finest releases”, and has so far spent 19 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. The record was released in the UK/Ireland on May 24th 2013.
Alongside her solo & band work, Parsons has spent the past two years touring as one half of a double bill show with comedy/theatre show ‘The Bitches’ Box’. Together the two acts, touring as ‘The Bitches’ Box & Mel Parsons’ have sold out over 80 woolshed & festival shows from tip to tail of New Zealand. This year they are taking the double bill for it’s first outing in Australia, with a short run in NSW.
After a growing up on the remote rural West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Parsons has spent the past 10 years on the road, performing ‘pin-drop’ shows to audiences far and wide, and gleaning material from life, love and loss. Parsons is currently working on her 3rd album, due for release in early 2015.
“Parsons has a voice that could work any night in Nashville yet sounds somehow
intrinsically New Zealand – and the songs are good, very good. We’re converted.”
- BLACK Magazine
“a treat for your ears”
- NZ Herald
“If you’re a folk fan, this should be part of your CD collection.”
- Etch Magazine
“Impressive debut…an album that deserves to grab serious attention”
- Graham Reid, Elsewhere