Mel Parsons Turns Melancholy Into Light on New Album ‘Castle Hill’
Award-winning Aotearoa singer-songwriter Mel Parsons presents her breathtaking new album, Castle Hill – an intimate collection of songs born from an intense creative burst.
Named after the remote mountain village in New Zealand’s Southern Alps where it was recorded, Castle Hill is Mel’s seventh studio album.
Across 10 tracks the album explores resilience, grief, self-doubt, nostalgia, presence and transformation – delivered through the artist’s signature indie-folk blend of vulnerable, reflective songwriting.
Having booked the sessions before writing the songs, the album emerged from a pressure cooker situation:
“I had all the band booked in but no finished songs,” Mel says. “My partner took the kids away for a week and I shut myself off from the world, working day and night. I’ve always needed a deadline, but this was a real test of focus. My songs usually simmer away for a while before they arrive, so it was a matter of getting them out of my subconscious and into song form. It was terrifying, but also a very pure way to write.”
Produced by Josh Logan, Castle Hill was recorded live in a single room with longtime bandmates Aaron Stewart (bass) and Jed Parsons (drums), alongside guitarist Ben King of Goldenhorse/Grand Rapids. The team relocated Logan’s studio to a remote mountain lodge near Castle Hill Village, creating what Mel describes as “a full immersion recording experience over a stolen summer holiday.
“All of us have kids now, so everyone is juggling to make it work. Making the record at Castle Hill afforded us precious time without the added pressures of home life.”
Opening track Grain by Grain offers an ocean-inspired meditation on change, while Caravan drifts into vivid nostalgia, reflecting on childhood summers filled with beaches, bonfires and long sun-soaked days. Alternative radio favourites Post High Slide, Brick by Brick and Be Here Now continue the journey, each exploring different tensions of modern life.
Post High Slide captures the comedown after touring, while Brick by Brick offers a gentle reminder to simply begin – even when feeling overwhelmed. On Be Here Now, featuring acclaimed producer and keyboardist Mitchell Froom (Crowded House), Mel reflects on digital overload and the challenge of staying present.
Among the album’s most moving moments is Don’t Leave The Light On, a deeply personal song about surviving an emotionally abusive relationship and reclaiming self-worth. Later tracks Not Enough and Clean Slate move through self-doubt, exhaustion, and profound loss, while Time Slows Down reflects on the strange elasticity of time and the magic of human connection.
While never shying away from melancholy, Mel’s songs always leave space for light. Something that pulls listeners into her music and makes her such a skilled songwriter and performer.
“Sad songs still reign supreme for me,” Mel says, “but I always hope there’s a crack of light in there somewhere. I think that reflects human nature – we’re all somewhere on the emotional rollercoaster at any given time.”
To celebrate the release of Castle Hill, Mel Parsons and her band will soon embark on a nationwide theatre tour across some of New Zealand’s most iconic venues. Audiences can expect soaring harmonies, incredible musicianship, and an unforgettable live show featuring new songs alongside beloved fan favourites.
Widely regarded as one of Aotearoa’s most celebrated independent artists, since the release of her acclaimed 2024 album Sabotage, Mel has continued an extraordinary run – touring with Crowded House, performing in Australia and Canada, and earning another finalist nod for Best Folk Artist at the Aotearoa Music Awards. With an impressive catalogue, a beautiful new record, and a nationwide tour ahead, Castle Hill marks another significant milestone for one of Aotearoa’s finest songwriters and performers.
Plus1 presents: Mel Parsons Castle Hill Album Release Tour 2026
Thursday August 27 @ Theatre Royal, Nelson
Friday August 28 @ Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch
Saturday August 29 @ Glenroy Auditorium, Dunedin
Thursday September 3 @ Clarence St Theatre, Hamilton
Friday September 4 @ Rangatira Q Theatre, Auckland *
Saturday September 5 @ Opera House, Wellington
Sunday September 6 @ Globe Theatre, Palmerston North
* presented by 95bFM
Funded through NZ On Air and supported by the NZ Music Commission
Tickets HERE
