Kink and kinfolk

Ever heard of folk music being kinky? Hinemoana Baker has. "Someone once called my music kinky indigenous symphonies," she says. "I've yet to come up with a better description."

The Christchurch-born musician is one of three finalists in the Best Folk Music Album of 2004 for her album puawai. The other contenders are Bob McNeill for his Turn the Diesels and John Sutherland for Mealmarket St.

The folk music category is part of the New Zealand Music Awards. Although the awards were held last September, the winner will be announced at the Auckland Folk Festival on January 30 at the Kumeu Showgrounds. All three artists will perform at the festival, which runs for four days over Auckland anniversary weekend (January 28-31).