West By North by Guy Wishart has tonight been announced as the winner of the 2017 Best Folk Album at the Auckland Folk Festival in Kumeu.
 
Returning from four years living in India and Thailand, the Auckland-based singer songwriter has emerged back on the scene with his fifth album West By North. 
 
Guy and his band recorded the album at the historic Roundhead Studio in Auckland, which is owned by Neil Finn and has been the birthplace of many local and international tracks.
 
Recorded Music NZ CEO Damian Vaughan says Wishart’s continued musical momentum has produced a wonderful collection of folk music.
 
“It’s not every day you hear an album like West By North, something that paints the listener a uniquely New Zealand picture by one of our most talented folk musicians.”
 
The other finalists for the 2017 Folk Tui were Graeme James for News From Nowhere and Luke Thompson for Hosts. 
 
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.