> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.emptyspaces.co.nz/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Seven albums in and Mel Parsons is really hitting her stride - URL: https://www.emptyspaces.co.nz/seven-albums-in-and-mel-parsons-is-really-hitting-her-stride/ - Published: 2026-08-05T20:31:17.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-07T23:12:11.000Z - Author: Nick Raven - Tags: Interview Mel Parsons has been around for as long as I can remember. In recent years her song craft and immaculate live performances have received some well deserved recognition. Tomorrow she releases her seventh studio album - Castle Hill. Recorded in a remote mountainside setting in the South Island, the process enabled total creative immersion. And let me tell you the resulting body of work is truly magnificent. Ahead of the release Mel reflects on how her songwriting has changed over the years, the state of New Zealand's music scene, the value of live performance, and the emotions that come with releasing a new record. ### You've been around the touring circuit in NZ for a while now. How has your songwriting evolved over the years? Probably in the same way that most things evolve… the more experiences you have the more you have to draw on and hopefully distill in a more learned way. One thing with my writing is that I probably have a more honed-in ear for something that I like and can edit faster. But that said I have no idea how to judge the evolution of my writing and that’s probably for the best. ### What changes have you noticed across the scene in Aotearoa? I think all parts of the scene are ever-changing. Between releases it’s always different. That’s probably part of being able to survive as an artist is accepting that what you did last time around might not work in the same way. Releasing music is completely different than when I put out my first record. From my perspective touring has always been the main thing, and even though it feels more and more like an expensive and risky venture, it still feels like the most vital place to be. ### If people could take something away from your live performances, what would that be? To move them in some way. I hope that my audiences feel connected. To make them laugh and cry I think is the holy grail. I know as a music fan, I go to a lot of shows and it’s such a buzz being in the audience, it always feels invigorating seeing music live. So I hope to give people that experience. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/32/5b326593-f15d-4829-868d-c5cdac164009/content/images/2026/08/Mel-Parsons-Live-at-Isaac-Theatre-Royal_Cartwright-Creative.jpg) Image by Cartwright Creative ### Your songs always strike me as being very honest. Is there a line you draw between laying it all out on the line and maintaining a degree of separation? For the most part I prefer not being too explicit on what my songs are about - with the odd exception, I try to leave the meanings over to listeners so that they have the space to put their own story into the song. I don’t think there’s a particular line though, and usually there’s enough poetic license in there that there’s a natural separation. That said, there’s great connection to be had in vulnerability and I think sometimes it’s fine to be an open book. ### What makes music meaningful for you? Its ability to make me feel something. As both a listener and a songwriter, that’s what I’m always seeking I think, goosebumps or a little line that feels like the jackpot. It’s a pretty amazing to think that about the way that we use music for every situation - when we’re sad, when we’re happy, when we’re celebrating, when we’re commiserating, when we’re relaxing, when we’re hyping up…. ### You've got the album release coming up. How are you feeling going into this period of activity? Mostly the usual mixture of wild excitement & terror/what was I thinking. And also gratitude that people are excited about hearing new music and coming out to the shows. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/5b/32/5b326593-f15d-4829-868d-c5cdac164009/content/images/2026/08/unnamed--3-.jpg) ****Releasing new music? Apply to get featured with Empty Spaces.** [Submit your music ](https://www.emptyspaces.co.nz/submissions/)