Programme Ali Whitton

Ali Whitton

Ali Whitton is a New Zealand-born, Yorkshire-raised singer-songwriter whose music is deeply influenced by the landscapes of both countries. Growing up in the isolated "Cathy and Heathcliff country" of rural North Yorkshire, he began writing songs as a teenager, inspired by discovering his father's hidden poetry. 

His musical career began in Leeds with the band Ali Whitton and the Broke Record Players before he moved to London to perform as a solo artist. During this time, he frequently shared stages and became friends with a then up-and-coming Ed Sheeran. In 2010, Whitton returned to New Zealand, where he initially stepped away from music to work as a gardener in Wellington. He eventually returned to the stage under the moniker LOST BIRD, often performing with fiddle player Oliver Vetter. 

A major turning point occurred in 2018 when Ed Sheeran invited Whitton to open for him at three stadium shows in New Zealand. Following further encouragement from Sheeran in 2023, Whitton committed to writing a song a week for a year-a "songwriter's gym" that resulted in 52 new tracks. 

This period of prolific writing culminated in his debut album, Between the Forest and the Stars, produced by Dave Khan and Reb Fountain. The album is characterised by its warm, "woody" sound and introspective lyrics that explore themes of longing, resilience, and the emotional connection to the Aotearoa natural environment. 

Ali is a first timer Whare Flat Folk Festival guest so we hope to make him feel all kinds of welcome. We can't wait.

 

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