About Barney Whitaker
Barney Whitaker is a New Zealand folk and roots music writer focused on Kiwi bluegrass, acoustic traditions, folk clubs, and the living history of local songs. He specializes in tracing how regional scenes, festival culture, and heritage recordings shaped the sound of Aotearoa’s folk music. Barney’s work blends careful research with listener-friendly storytelling, helping readers discover essential bands, landmark albums, traditional songs, and the singers who keep the tradition alive.
Education
- Victoria University of Wellington
- Master of Arts in Musicology, 2015-2017
- University of Otago
- BA in Music and Cultural History, 2011-2014
Work Experience
- Folk and Roots Music Editor
- Southern Strings Journal, 2021-present
- Music Features Writer
- Aotearoa Acoustic Review, 2018-2021
- Archive Research Assistant
- Independent Folk Music Research Project, 2017-2018
Publications
- “Why New Zealand Bluegrass Still Matters”
- 2024
- “From Folk Clubs to Festivals: The Community Side of Kiwi Roots Music”
- 2022
- “Songs of Place: How Landscape Shapes New Zealand Folk Writing”
- 2021
Preserving the stories, songs, and voices behind New Zealand folk music.