Mel Parsons
Methven, Canterbury, New Zealand | Established. Jan 01, 2009 | INDIE
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“This debut album is instantly catchy and enjoyable, a beautiful collection of songs ranging from country and folk to pop, with an underlying jazzy vibe keeping the rhythm. This West Coast native has assembled some very talented souls to back her. Don McGlashan, The Sami Sisters, Lisa Tomlins, Neil Watson and Rhythm Kings all add their talents to the album’s uplifting and natural sound. On the more bouncy tracks like Darlin’ Darlin’ and Pleasure and Pain Parsons’ vocals take on a fun bubbly quality similar to those of British pop star Kate Nash. When she slows things down for Against the Tide and Falling for You, her voice deepens an becomes more resonant. The second half of the album would have benefited from another upbeat track, but it’s hard to fault the musicianship, finely crafted songs, pure harmonies and infectious positivity. Engineered by Richard Shirley, produced with the help of David Long and mastered by Mike Gibson, Parsons has clearly managed to sway several established industry figures with her skills, and she will sway you too.”
Kara Segedin, NZ Musician April/May 2009 - NZ Musician magazine
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
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Bio
Well recognized 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.
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 2014.
Her sound is defined by mellow, intimate vocals and melodic hooks that have you humming along in no time. Live shows are where Parsons shines, as a solo artist she is reknown for 'pin-drop' performances, stopping audiences in their tracks; with a band the songs are larger than life and the set is a roller-coaster of upbeat toe-tapping numbers to downright mellow blues-inspired ballads.
Critics have been saying:
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...
-BlackLOG, BLACK Magazine
Parsons delivers beautifully succinct summaries of emotions and moments Nick Ward, The Nelson Mail
Parsons has that special something that can make a room stop in their tracks
-Einstein Music Journal
Mel Parsons rises above the meloncholy and serves up songs crammed with melodies......intimate, refreshing and memorable. (4/5 stars)
-Steve Scott, Waikato Times
www.melparsons.com
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