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

End of year party

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

Aga Khan Music Awards London, November 20–23 • Simon Broughton reports on the Aga Khan Music Awards, held for the first time in London, where diverse artists from across the world came together for a rare celebration of musical excellence and cultural preservation

THE GLOBE AT A GLANCE

Right Here, Rite Now • Sophie Parkes talks with filmmaker Dave Brewis about Gatherings, his new documentary series exploring Britain’s remarkable folk rituals

Nusantara Beat • Paul Bowler speaks to Gino Groeneveld of the high-flying collective putting a psychedelic spin on classic Indonesian sounds

The 4 Corners and Centre of Hollie Cook’s Universe • British reggae’s ‘orator of love’ takes us on a tour of the albums that crafted her groove and shaped her artistic vision

Chimano • The singer songwriter talks to Erin Cobby about life and music after taking a break from Kenya’s biggest Afropop band

SOUNDCHECK • The Songlines team are currently listening to…

WOMEX 2025

FEAR NO PODCAST

CSB Productions • Chris Wheatley finds out about an intercultural imprint curating styles from Algerian flute music and Great Plains atmospherics to Malian techno

Essential Records

Mikey Kenney • Sophie Parkes speaks to the Liverpudlian musician about finding his muse amid a heavy news cycle and the limitations of being labelled a ‘folk’ artist

Don’t Let Our Youth Go To Waste • Erin Cobby mourns the death of the youth club with Emma Warren, whose new book explores the now jeopardised role these venues have played in fostering musical talent

COMPETITIONS

Folk Album of the Year Award

International Folk Music Awards

Apathy Busters • Emily Stabell finds out about a grand project bringing together musicians and writers to imagine a better future

West Netherlands • Charis McGowan hears of a diasporic dance revival bubbling up in western Netherlands

Au Tour de Cordes Saint-Louis, Senegal, October 31–November 2 • Simon Broughton untangles a West African celebration of string instruments, with electrified gimbri and a dozen-deep kora corpus among the global buffet

SIMON SAYS… • Simon Broughton looks at the obsessive craftsmanship and unlikely figures behind popular nativity scenes in Italy

Next Issue… • February/March 2026 (#215) On sale January 30

DISCOVER A WORLD OF MUSIC WITH PUTUMAYO!

OBITUARIES

A Conversation with ALICE GERRARD • A pivotal and pioneering figure in the history of US old-time and bluegrass, Alice Gerrard sits down with Devon Léger for a career-spanning chat through her highs and lows and how she blazed a trail for other female performers

RECLAIMING the NARRATIVE • Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap found themselves at the centre of several media storms this year, clashing with authorities while selling out shows worldwide. In an exclusive interview,...