We catch up with Mel Parsons, she has just released her debut album and has been traveling around the country to celebrate.
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Who is Mel Parsons?
2nd daughter of Janet & Derek, born Westport 21/10/81
What are you’re influences/inspirations?
So many artists it's hard to know where to start....lately people like Gillian Welch and Damien Rice, but I get inspired by all kinds of music. Often going out to a gig inspires me and I have to go home and write. Feeling really good or really crap can also be quite good inspiration.
What were you listening to at High School?
Smashing Pumpkins (like everybody else!), Pearl Jam, Ben Harper, Dire Straits, The Eagles.
What are you currently listening to?
Final mixes of my friend's band Harbour City Electric. Ray la Montange and not alot else because my ipod is broken...
What is your writing process?
I usually only write when I feel inspired. So sometimes it will be months before something comes out. When something does arrive it is usually a riff that I like (on guitar) and then the words fall in. Or sometimes the words come first.
Your Dream Collaboration?
I hate to be a bore but I really love playing with my band the Rhythm Kings...though a duo with Mark Knopfler would be OK aswell.
You just released an album – tell us a little about it?
The album was made in Wellington over the past year and half. We recorded sessions at a few different places - Massey Auditorium, Trident Studios and some at a band mate's house in Island Bay. It has been a massive learning process, quite hard work to be honest, but I am so glad now that we kept going until we were really happy...
Are you signed to a label or self-releasing the album?
I have my own label Cape Road Recordings. The album is being released independently with distribution through Border Music.
You've just finished a nationwide tour, how did it go?
Tour has been an absolute blast, we have played some really fun shows and have been staying in some sweet places. In a way it's like being on holiday as we are all great friends, even the tedious stuff like packing in can be a laugh.
Where’s your favourite place to play?
Actually a wee restaurant in Canada called the Elkhorn Cabin.... I think maybe it's my favourite because you have to ski to get to there…
Your favourite show so far?
Oooh that's a tough one - the hometown show in Westport was awesome, but we have been treated to wonderful audiences all the way really... Picton was really fun, Whitianga, Christchurch...Don't make me choose!
If you could share the stage with anyone who would it be?
Ditto dream collaboration above.
The state of music in NZ....
seems pretty healthy from here!
The future holds…
Lots of good things. Festivals, touring overseas and hanging out in cool places.
