Mel Parsons Announces 'Castle Hill' Album Tour

Key facts

• Mel Parsons is releasing a new album titled 'Castle Hill'.
• The album was recorded in the Southern Alps town of Castle Hill.
• The album is scheduled for release in August.
• Six singles have already been released from the album.
• Parsons will embark on a seven-date tour across New Zealand.
• The tour will feature a full live band.
• Tour dates include Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Auckland, Wellington, and Palmerston North.

Kiwi Singer Mel Parsons Unveils Album and Tour Plans

New Zealand artist Mel Parsons is set to release her highly anticipated new album, 'Castle Hill', in August. To coincide with the release, Parsons announced a seven-date national tour, offering fans a chance to experience the new material live. The album draws its name from the remote Southern Alps town where it was recorded, promising a unique sonic landscape. The 'Castle Hill' album has already seen a significant rollout of singles, with six tracks released in advance of the full album. These include 'Post High Slide', 'Brick By Brick', and the most recent offering, 'Grain By Grain'. This strategy reflects a modern approach to music releases, aligning with current streaming platform dynamics. Parsons explained the rationale behind the phased release strategy in a recent interview. "It’s just kind of the way that people are releasing these days," she stated, referencing the influence of platforms like Spotify. "With the way, y’know, the way that Spotify and the streaming side of things works, is that you just sort of start teasing them out... that’s the way we’ve done it for this record."

A National Tour to Bring 'Castle Hill' to Life

The upcoming tour will see Mel Parsons performing 'Castle Hill' with a full live band, bringing the album's themes and sounds to stages across the country. The seven-date itinerary includes stops in Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Auckland, Wellington, and Palmerston North, covering a broad geographical spread. This tour underscores Parsons' reputation as a seasoned performer. She described touring as not only her profession but also her most cherished aspect of being a musician. "On the one hand, it’s my job, but also I, genuinely it’s my favourite part of the whole thing," she shared. Parsons elaborated on the profound connection she experiences during live performances. "I don’t think it’s being in front of people, but I think it’s, it’s what that opportunity gives you – being on stage is this very, very special chance to just connect with people," she said. She further described the performance as a unique exchange of energy, a sentiment she finds deeply rewarding.

The Artist's Perspective on Live Performance

Mel Parsons articulated a philosophy of live performance that transcends mere entertainment. She views the stage as a unique conduit for human connection, a sentiment that drives her passion for touring. "I’m not particularly woo-woo Mike, but it’s a bit of an energy, kind of, transfer, y’know like, what you give out, it comes around," Parsons explained, offering a glimpse into her perspective on the reciprocal nature of audience engagement. This deep appreciation for the live experience fuels her commitment to connecting with fans. "It’s a very, very special, unique feeling, performing live," she concluded, highlighting the irreplaceable nature of these moments.

The bottom line

• Mel Parsons' new album 'Castle Hill' is set for release in August.
• The album was recorded in the Southern Alps town of Castle Hill.
• Six singles have already been released from the album.
• Parsons will undertake a seven-date national tour to support the album.
• The tour will feature a full live band and visit seven major New Zealand cities.
• Parsons views live performance as her favourite aspect of being a musician, valuing the connection with audiences.