Parsons grew up on a sheep and beef farm in Cape Foulwind, near Westport, on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island.

[5][6] Parsons started out playing piano, and also picked up the guitar at about 14, finally getting serious in seventh form (about age 17) when applying for the Nelson School of Music.

Later influences were Tracy Chapman, Ray LaMontagne, Damien Rice, Gillian Welch, Ron Sexsmith, and The Shins.

The album was written by Parsons, and recorded with co-producer Shaun Elley and her backing band, The Rhythm Kings.

In 2011, Parsons released her second studio album, Red Grey Blue, featuring Anika Moa and Greg Johnson on harmonies, Bruce Lynch on double bass, and Don McGlashan on baritone horn, along with others.

The backing band for the album consists of bass player Kaveh Rastegar, guitarist Adam Levy, and drummer Ted Poor.

[18] Parsons performs rural woolshed tours across New Zealand with Amelia Dunbar and Emma Newborn (The Bitches Box).