Albi & The Wolves have been announced as the winner of the 2018 Best Folk Artist Tui at the Auckland Folk Festival in Kumeu.

Experimenting with blending folk music with a wide range of genres, Albi & The Wolves are a sight to behold when they take the stage – something festival attendees experienced first-hand when the band performed at the finalist showcase before accepting the Tui.

Their debut album One Eye Open highlights their mastery of the craft by seamlessly blending folk, soul, bluegrass, rock and world music. This culminates in an exciting album and bodes well for the future of one of New Zealand’s top folk groups.

Recorded Music NZ CEO Damian Vaughan says the band are extremely deserving of the Tui, especially with such a strong line up of finalists this year.          

“It’s exciting to see a debut album as well-crafted as One Eye Open. Personally, I can’t wait to see what Albi & The Wolves do next – definitely one to keep an eye on moving forward.”

The other finalists for the 2018 Best folk Artist were Reb Fountain following the release of her album Little Arrows, and Candice Milner after releasing her debut album Evergreen at the end of 2016.

The Tui was presented at the Auckland Folk Festival, 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

2013 – Great North – Halves

2014 – Tattletale Saints – How Red Is the Blood

2015 – Great North – Up In Smoke

2016 – Holly Arrowsmith – For The Weary Traveller

2017 – Guy Wishart – West By North