Mel Parsons & The Rhythm Kings

Inspired by all the usual suspects – love, heartbreak & loss – West Coast native Mel Parsons hits the winding roads to celebrate the release of debut album Over My Shoulder.

Getting on-board the Over My Shoulder tour will be her band, the Rhythm Kings, bringing a twist to Parsons alt-country/pop/folk music that hangs on the “we-will-be-OK-even-though-things-turn-to-shit-sometimes” side of the fence. Non indulgent, gorgeous and catchy, Parson’s tunes like Darlin Darlin are calling attention to her musical endeavors that she mixes alongside other passions such as skiing the world over and even trying her hand at sheep shearing.

The Rhythm Kings are drummer and multi-instrumentalist Shaun Elley, double bass player Aaron Stewart and keys man-of-the-moment Ed Zuccollo. Parsons’ sound is defined by mellow, intimate vocals and melodic hooks that swim around in your head well after the track has ended. Long time collaborator Shaun Elley brings sibling-like harmonies to the mix, and together, Parsons and Elley have an intuitive musical chemistry that draws in audiences for a spine-tingling experience.

Sami Sisters’ middle child Anji – recently voted by Sunday Magazine as one of the ‘19 sexiest people in the country’ – joins the crew, and opens shows for the South Island leg of the tour includes a homecoming show in Westport on the West Coast.

Choice one Mel.