Following the infectious and thought-provoking indie-rock of 'Mona Lisa Money', New Zealand's acclaimed singer-songwriter MACEY is back today with his latest offering, the deeply affecting and evocative single, 'Seaside Wishes'. Released via FiveAM/Warner Music New Zealand, this new track is the second glimpse into his forthcoming second album, and it confirms MACEY's position as one of Aotearoa's most compelling modern lyricists.
Written shortly after his move to London, the song was born from a tiny, fleeting observation during a late-night tube journey: an elderly man, clearly in pain, refusing a seat as his companion stepped off. This small, tender act of devotion provided the spark for an exploration of lifelong love—a connection that feels simultaneously classic, even "old-fashioned," and utterly timeless.
The track itself unfurls like a beautiful, hazy day-dream, effortlessly capturing intimate snapshots of human connection across generations. MACEY—the creative alias of Auckland's Harry Parsons—is known for his cinematic production style and candid storytelling, and 'Seaside Wishes' delivers on all fronts. His lyrics, “I’m here with you / I’ll dive in it if you do / Seaside Wishes / like we’ve got nothing left to lose,” serve as an open invitation, drawing the listener into a world where vulnerability and hope take centre stage.
Reflecting on the track, MACEY shares its origins and emotional core: “That small moment on the tube made me wonder about a love that lasts a lifetime. 'Seaside Wishes' is a daydream of that kind of connection - maybe slightly old-fashioned, maybe unrealistic - but for four minutes, we get to imagine it’s real. Even if I’m not sure that sort of love truly exists anymore, the song lets us hope, pretend, and believe for a moment.”
Since the critical success of his 2023 debut album, 'The Lovers', which charted in the New Zealand top five, MACEY has cemented his place in the burgeoning indie-pop scene. Renowned for his poetic songwriting and raw sincerity, whether he's playing major festivals or supporting international names like Lime Cordiale, his music resonates by capturing universal emotions within highly personal vignettes.
With 'Seaside Wishes', MACEY masterfully swaps the societal critique of his last single for a heartfelt gaze at enduring romance, proving his versatility and lyrical depth are only increasing.
You can stream the new single above, and for more, be sure to join MACEY on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
