2007 Tui Finalists

News release
December 19, 2007

Experienced artists lead folk music finalists

The finalists for New Zealand's Best Folk Music Album of 2007 have been announced with the contenders all experienced artists.

The finalists are Phil Garland, The Hobnail Boots and Owen Hugh who between them have released more than 30 CDs in careers collectively spanning more than 55 years.

Often referred to as 'the father of New Zealand folk music', Phil Garland is a finalist for 'Southern Odyssey', his 18th album.

It's the fourth time the Southland folklorist and balladeer has been a finalist for the award. His very first album "Springtime in the Mountains" took out the inaugural Folk Album of the Year Tui at the New Zealand Music Awards in 1984 as did 'Send the Boats Away' a year later - an album to which he contributed.

Following a break to raise a family, The Hobnail Boots singer/songwriter Rob Joass and partner Jo Moir have reformed the Wellington five-piece to release their fifth album, "The Fortune Horses".

The former bar band is now plying its trade at folk clubs, wineries, cafes and theatres where their songs have more space to breathe. The Hobnail Boots has toured throughout New Zealand, the US, Canada and Europe over the past decade..

Originally from Scotland, Owen Hugh recorded his first album in New Zealand in 1991. His new record called "You and I" is Hugh's first in seven years after working on archive tracks and overcoming writers' block.

The Auckland-based artist appears regularly on the city's folk circuit and recently returned to Scotland to perform there and in England.

The Tui award for Best Folk Music Album of 2007 will be announced in Kumeu at the Auckland Folk Festival on Sunday 27 Jan 2008. The winner will also be acknowledged at the New Zealand Music Awards in October 2008.

Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ) CEO Campbell Smith is delighted the finalists are such experienced artists.

"Folk music has never been stronger if the quality of entries received is anything to go by," Campbell says. "And, it's great to see that some of the genre's most experienced artists are being recognised for their contributions not only in 2007 but for their work over decades."

The Auckland Folk Festival runs from Friday January 25 until Sunday January 28, 2008. The festival is in its 35th year and its 18th at the Kumeu Showgrounds. Information about the event is available at http://www.aucklandfolkfestival.co.nz/

NOTE TO EDITORS:
The Tui for Best Folk Album 2007 is for recordings released between 16 November 2006 & 15 November 2007. The Folk category was introduced to the awards in 1984.

Recent previous winners of the Tui for Best Folk Album
2004 - Bob McNeill for his album 'Turn the Diesels'
2005 - Lorina Harding for the album 'Clean Break'
2006 - Ben the Hoose (Kenny Ritch and Bob McNeill) for 'The Little Cascade'.
Or refer to http://www.nzmusicawards/ (see history section).

Finalists' websites
http://www.philgarland.co.nz/
http://www.hobnailboots.co.nz/
http://www.owenhugh.co.nz/

About RIANZ: The Recording Industry Association of New Zealand Inc (RIANZ) is a non-profit organisation representing major and independent record producers, distributors and recording artists throughout New Zealand. RIANZ works to protect the rights and promote the interests of creative people involved in the New Zealand recording industry.

Issued for the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand by Pead PR

Contacts:
Bonnie Smail, Pead PR, Tel: 0-9-918 5581; Mob: 021 722 276, bonnie@peadpr.co.nz