Listener’s Songs of the week: New tracks from Robinson, Mel Parsons and Holly Arrowsmith

By Robinson

The War on Art by Kiwi artist Robinson is a beautifully – and angrily – performed single about the frustrations and complexities that come with making money from your own creativity. She says she hopes the song creates “a safer place for creatives by opening up the conversation, calling out for what desperately needs change and standing in our power.” In doing so, she’s made an addictive pop-rock track, utilising her strong vocals, and taking on a fun, 80s-synthesizer, post-chorus. – Alana Rae

By Mel Parsons

Fresh from winning audiences when opening for Chris Isaak, Parsons here flags her forthcoming album Sabotage with this hypnotic third single, a weary and melancholy folk ballad about the monotony in life with directionless night driving as a metaphor. And the lines, “I am always so tired, I am done, please remember me, I used to be fun.” We’ve all been there. – Graham Reid

By Holly Arrowsmith

Originally from the Wakatipu Basin, country-folk singer-songwriter Holly Arrowsmith ponders the bright lights and dark thoughts in a song that gets its serious earworm qualities from its almost sung-in-the-round chorus refrain. The backing of various Tiny Ruins folk adds to its off-kilter charm. – Russell Baillie

By Terrible Sons