Songlines

Songlines is the definitive magazine for world music – music that has its roots in all parts of the globe, from Mali to Mexico, India to Iraq. Whether this music is defined as traditional, contemporary, folk or fusion, Songlines is the only publication to truly represent and embrace it. However, Songlines is not just about music, but about how the music fits into the landscape; it’s about politics, history and identity, and the artists who incite change through their music. Through its extensive articles and reviews, Songlines is your essential guide to an extraordinary world of music and culture, whether you are starting on your journey of discovery or are already a seasoned fan.

Songlines

Springing into action

CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE INCLUDE

TOP OF THE WORLD • On this issue’s compilation – our curated selection of new music and bonus tracks from across the globe

When a language dies, a world dies with it • Jo Frost reports from a Glasgow concert where language itself was the headline act

THE GLOBE AT A GLANCE

On the Side of Hope • Russ Slater Johnson finds out why Souad Massi is sounding the alarm for humanity on her latest album, Zagate

New Orleans Rise Up • Global folk gets a look in at the International Folk Music Awards in Louisiana

SONGLINES READERS’ ALBUM OF THE YEAR 2025

Seera • “It’s no longer scary to be ourselves,” say the Saudi psychonauts, in conversation with Bianca Carrera

SOUNDCHECK • The Songlines editorial team are currently listening to…

The 4 Corners and Centre of Katherine Priddy’s Universe • The English singer-songwriter talks us through the intimate, angsty, restrained and uncompromising albums that left a mark on her

Muco • Julian May talks to the British-Burundian singer-songwriter inspired by a love for language, storytelling and medieval literature

Eric Bibb • Paul Slade speaks to the American bluesman about the joy of living away from the US and how he’s finally found the funk

COMPETITIONS WIN

IN BRIEF

Valcour Records • Chris Wheatley speaks to Joel Savoy, founder of the imprint preserving the pulse of Acadiana

Puducherry • Daniel Spicer heads to the Bay of Bengal in search of Carnatic music’s “true voice of the Indian soul”

Ebo Taylor (1936–2026) • Ghanaian guitarist and bandleader

SIMON SAYS… • Simon Broughton finds interest and missteps in two museums of African music and culture in Dakar

Next Issue…

A Conversation with ALTIN GÜN • Paul Bowler talks to the Dutch-Turkish troupe’s founder, Jasper Verhulst, about their award-winning takes on classic Anatolian folk rock and the bardic inspiration behind latest album, Garip

Imidiwan Touareg Tales & Musical Kinship • Since coming to international attention 25 years ago, Touareg pioneers Tinariwen have collaborated with a host of international artists, from Kurt Vile to Carlos Santana. For this nomadic band, it has served as a way to build connections and amplify the message of the Touareg struggle for autonomy in their Saharan homeland. We speak to some of these collaborators about the impact of working with one of the world’s most influential guitar bands; an ever-morphing troupe of poet-singers and musicians that shift, change and evolve while pioneering a new form of Touareg music. For these musical allies, working with Tinariwen has proved an unforgettable experience – one that has forever impacted their artistry

Life in Hoggar • Andy Morgan looks at the history of turmoil and resistance behind their latest album, Hoggar

INSTRUMENTS OF THE WORLD

WEIGHTED TESTIMONY • A project built on folk music and separation amid the horrors of war, Daughters of Donbas is a powerful declaration of Ukrainian identity, writes...