Mel Parsons scores a double whammy in the Aotearoa charts with her new album, CASTLE HILL
Mel Parsons’ new album CASTLE HILL has debuted at #1 in both the Top 40 Albums Chart and the Top 20 Aotearoa Albums Chart.
The award-winning Lyttelton-based singer-songwriter follows in the footsteps of Six60, which is the only other New Zealand act to achieve the double-charting feat in 2026. It’s also the first time Mel has scored a #1 in the Top 40 album chart.
To celebrate the album’s release, Mel and her band are hitting the road for a nationwide theatre tour.
CASTLE HILL is Mel’s seventh studio album and, as well as the incredible chart results, has been met with critical acclaim:
“CASTLE HILL feels both intimate and wide open – a record shaped by place, people, and Parsons’ steady sharpening as a songwriter… It’s warm without being soft, grounded without feeling small, and easily one of her most assured releases yet.” - Muzic.NZ
“Mel Parsons has a back catalogue of important and emotionally raw songs in her quiver and CASTLE HILL takes her up a notch… A courageous and important album enjoying deserved success right out the gate.” - Elsewhere
“A collection that serves to remind us what potency lies within
Mel Parsons’ songwriting craft.” - 13th Floor
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.
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