Mel Parsons

Multi-award winning indi-folk singer songwriter Mel Parsons is undoubtedly one of Aotearoa / New Zealand’s most beloved touring artists. The 2020 Folk Artist of the Year’s beguiling, smoky voice, lyrical prowess and disarming sense of humour has won her a very dedicated fan base; she has spent the past decade performing at home and all over the world – from festival stages to theatres to working wool sheds. Parsons is also a cast member of Kiwi musical supergroup ‘Fly My Pretties‘, with sell-out tours and festival performances throughout Australasia.

She comes to Canada on tour to support her latest release, Sabotage. The album, recorded in Lyttleton, sees a contemplative Parsons skillfully weaving together a tapestry of ethereal and hypnotic soundscapes. The songs are raw, and at times dark – perhaps a reflection of the time in which they started to emerge; written across lockdowns.

But Parsons is most at home on stage – her live shows are tight and compelling, with spellbinding harmonies and killer hooks entrancing from the first note. “Playing live is nirvana to me… it’s hands down my favourite part of being an artist..,” she says. Count Vancouverites ready to find out was New Zealanders already clearly know. Welcome to Canada, Mel.