Mel Parsons Shares New Album 'Sabotage'

Mel Parsons writes the kind of music that mirrors the feeling of simply living and observing — where time stretches out with presence, like when one drives past a town or strums their instrument alone. Having just won the MLT Songwriting Award for her unreleased song ‘Hardest Thing’ at the Country Music Honours, Parsons today shares her sixth studio album Sabotage. “I like it as a title because it’s ambiguous, people can take Sabotage as they wish.” The eight tracks of indie folk vulnerability exhibit a seasoned songwriter in her element. The cohesive and warm record is a beautiful collection of compositions, co-written and produced with Josh Logan at her home base of Lyttelton’s Basement Studio.

The Westport-raised artist's buttery voice is enriched by the restrained instrumentation of country roots as she sings of waiting, daily struggles and a love that is “tied to [someone else’s] finger”. The warm harmonies of ‘Sabotage’, ‘Offer Down’ and ‘5432’ are like a reminder that one is not always alone in their difficulties. Then there's ‘Little Sadness’ which has surprising guitar twinges at high voicings, and an instrumental section that affords emotional space for “struggle that’s good for the soul”.

Parsons is excited to play live again on a three-date tour of Aotearoa, especially to hear the “vocal harmonies” that the antique venue of Old St Paul's will bounce back to her. Shortly after, she’ll embark on a Canada festival sprint, bringing her rich songs to lands she once lived in. Experience Sabotage below…

Mel Parsons – SABOTAGE tour

Friday 14th June - The Piano, Christchurch
Saturday 15th June - Q Theatre, Auckland
Sunday 16th June - Old St Paul's, Wellington*

*Wellington tickets on sale HERE via UTR
Tickets available via melparsons.com

Watch Parsons' video for ‘Circling the City’...

'Sabotage' is out today digitally, on vinyl LP and on compact disc — order the physical edition HERE.