Seven albums in and Mel Parsons is really hitting her stride

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.

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.