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

He’s got the funk

CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE INCLUDE

TOP OF THE WORLD • On your free CD – the editor’s selection of the top ten new releases reviewed in this issue

WHAT’S NEW • Views, news and events from around the world

FOLK FOCUS • What’s happening in the folk world

SPOTLIGHT The Book of Life • Playwright and activist Kiki Katese’s new project shares powerful stories of those affected by the Rwandan genocide. Alexandra Petropoulos reports

The Orchestral Qawwali Project • Abi Sampa and Rushil Ranjan from The Orchestral Qawwali Project speak to Ashanti Omkar about the divergent paths leading to their singular music

Planeta Polar • Lithuania’s first cumbia band turn to creating interplanetary pop. Buzz Bury catches up with frontman Adomas Koreniukas

SIMON SAYS… • Simon Broughton highlights the ongoing campaign to showcase the talented artists at the forefront of modern Balkan music

FEEDBACK • Letters, shout-outs, comments, tweets, emails and everything in between Get in touch – we’d love to hear from you!

GET ON UP • Jane Cornwell catches up with Cimafunk, the Cuban sensation taking the world by storm

Four Decades of WOMAD • After a two-year absence, the World of Music, Art and Dance returns to Charlton Park to celebrate 40 years of festive fun. To mark the occasion, musicians and friends of WOMAD share their favourite festival memories

Into the Dark Woods • Drinking vodka in the forest, smoking cigarettes in the cold night, exploring pagan culture, Mateusz Dobrowolski meets some of the musicians from Poland’s enigmatic folk fraternity

Bengali Tribute • London-based fusioneers Khiyo talk to Jo Frost about the impact of Bangladesh’s rich musical traditions and that country’s poetry on their long-awaited second album, Bondona

RHYTHM NATION • While Jamaica marks the 60th anniversary of its independence this August, David Katz traces the sounds that built a nation, marvelling at the island country’s remarkable aptitude for musical innovation

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE • Never miss an issue of Songlines – your essential guide to an incredible world of music. There are five fantastic subscription options to choose from!

Reviews • We review full-length world music, roots and folk albums (not singles or EPs), available on CD, digital or vinyl. Please note we only accept digital submissions. Email details of albums to reviews@songlines.co.uk for consideration

Africa REVIEWS

Americas REVIEWS

Europe REVIEWS

Asia REVIEWS

Middle East REVIEWS

Fusion REVIEWS

Book REVIEWS

Classical & Jazz REVIEWS • In this feature, the editors of our sister music magazines, Gramophone and Jazzwise, recommend some of their favourite new recordings

World Cinema

Live REVIEWS

MY WORLD Jordi Savall • Nigel Williamson speaks to the viola da gamba player and historical musical explorer about the sounds that have inspired him over the years

Anoushka Shankar • Nigel Williamson charts the career of the genre-defying...