Mel Parsons – Don’t Leave The Light On: 13th Floor New Song Of The Day

Critically acclaimed singer and songwriter Mel Parsons has released Don’t Leave the Light On – a heart-rending alt-folk ballad, which lays bare the harsh reality of domestic abuse.

Here is the blurb with more:

“Anyone listening closely to the lyrics in my songs would have picked up that this is not a new subject matter for me. But this is the first time I’ve spoken so explicitly about being in an abusive relationship – not of physical violence, but of insidiously controlling, belittling, gaslighting and pervasively negative behaviour,” says Mel.


“I don’t usually discuss publicly what specific songs are about, but now it feels like enough time has passed that I am able to. Honestly, I’d rather just sing my songs, but I am speaking up in case my story reaches someone who sees themselves in me and who needs to hear it.”

Mel adds, “Unfortunately I think my situation is more common than we think. Because of the shame around it, people hide it. And they get good at hiding it. That was me.”

The poignant message in Don’t Leave the Light On is depicted in a powerful video directed by Mel’s good friend, actor and comedian Emma Newborn and starring fellow singer-songwriter, and actor Sally Stockwell.

Sparse and dark, the video portrays the emotional journey through an abusive relationship. It charts a rollercoaster of emotions and behaviours, from shock and denial, to isolation from loved ones, numbness, grief, anger and then escape.

Written by Mel and produced by Josh Logan, ‘Don’t Leave the Light On’ is the latest in a string of singles the multi-award-winning artist has released this year. It follows ‘Be Here Now’ featuring Mitchell Froom (Crowded House) on keys; ‘Brick By Brick’ and ‘Post High Slide’, all of which hint at a new project on the horizon.

Mel is one of Aotearoa’s most celebrated songwriters and prolific touring musicians. Last year she toured extensively across the country and also opened for Crowded House. This year, she has toured both sides of the Tasman and performed at Folk Alliance in Montreal, Canada.

Notable albums include the AMA-winning GLASS HEART (2019), the superb SLOW BURN (2022) and the chart-topping SABOTAGE (2024), which was nominated for the prestigious Taite Prize and Album of the Year at this year’s Aotearoa Music Awards.


“This album [SABOTAGE] really locates the mournful quality in Mel Parsons’ voice, and highlights what a remarkable instrument it is; oceans of feeling sounded out with apparently little effort”
– Tony Stamp, RNZ

The nominations sit alongside awards and accolades Mel has picked up across her career, including ‘Best Folk Artist’ at the 2020 AMAs.

Follow Mel Parsons:
Web / Instagram / Facebook
Spotify / Apple / YouTube

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