Holly Arrowsmith wins Tui for Best Folk Album

For The Weary Traveller by Holly Arrowsmith is the winner of the 2016 Best Folk Album at the Auckland Folk Festival in Kumeu.

The Tui is Arrowsmith's first, an impressive feat at only 21 years old.

Born in New Mexico and raised in Queenstown, Arrowsmith delivers a stirring sound, poetic lyrics and haunting voice belying her age. She has already showcased multiple festivals as well as opening for internationally acclaimed folk artist Rodriguez.

Recorded Music NZ CEO Damian Vaughan says Arrowsmith is destined for a successful future in folk music.

"Holly is an extremely talented lyricist with an alluring voice to match. ‘For The Weary Traveller' is an outstanding album and I'm very much looking forward to what she does next."

The other finalists for the 2016 Folk Tui were Amiria Grenell for Autumn and Nadia Reid for Listen to the Formation, Look for the Signs.

The Auckland Folk Festival is an annual festival of music, song and dance held at Kumeu Showground, northwest of Auckland. It is organised by members of Devonport Folk Music Club, Titirangi Folk Music Club, Auckland Bluegrass & Traditional Old Time Country Music Club, Gaidhealtachd, and The City of Auckland Morris Dancers.

Recent previous winners of the Tui for Best Folk Album

● 2010 - Chris Prowse - ‘Trouble On The Waterfront"
● 2011 - Wires & Wood - ‘Over The Moon'
● 2012 - Amiria Grenell - ‘Three Feathers'
● 2013 - Great North - "Halves"
● 2014 - Tattletale Saints - "How Red Is the Blood"
● 2015 - Great North - "Up In Smoke"