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.

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Songlines

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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

The Gospel Truth • Almost 50 years after their debut, the Staples Jr Singers have reconvened for a surprise follow-up with a divine hand, as always, playing its part. “We just a musical family… that’s the gift God gave us,” they tell Alexandra Petropoulos

THE GLOBE AT A GLANCE

Gambiana • Simon Broughton speaks to a group combining West African traditions. “We want to share our musical history while giving people an amazing, danceable yet educational, musical experience,” he finds out

NEWS BITES

Clinical Clamour • Communion, grief and adventurous music-making are at the heart of a new Irish festival co-curated by Lankum, Emma Rycroft reports…

The 4 Corners and Centre of Meridian Brothers’ Universe • Eblis Álvarez, the mastermind behind Colombia’s tropical revivalists Meridian Brothers chooses the albums that shaped him

IN HARMONY • Currently on the Songlines stereo…

Mission to Moers • Martin Longley takes a trip to Germany’s Moers Festival (May 17-20) where global artists fight for a space in the free jazz tent

Fanna-Fi-Allah’s Sufi Qawwali • Simon Broughton discovers unusual qawwali at London’s Union Chapel (June 22)

Orquesta Romantica Milonguera • Juan José Relmucao finds out why everyone is falling in love with Buenos Aires’ latest tango sensation

IT’S HAPPENING

Light from the North • Composer and fiddler Aidan O’Rourke is heading to London’s Kings Place to celebrate the musical traditions and communitarian spirit of Scotland. Billy Rough hears all about it

SPOTLIGHT Jake Xerxes Fussell • Paul Slade finds out why the singer, guitarist and song collector was always destined for a life in folk music and how his latest album unexpectedly paid homage to a dearly departed friend

SIMON SAYS… • On the island of Malta, Simon Broughton finds what is believed to be the world’s oldest record shop and learns some of its history

Next Issue…

FEEDBACK • Letters, shout-outs, comments, emails and everything in between

Songlines Encounters 2024 • Thanks to everyone who came to Kings Place for the latest edition of our highlights, as well as some exciting news regarding Asmâa Hamzaoui & Bnat Timbouktou’s show, which was postponed at the time.

LIFE is NOT a STRAIGHT Line • On her latest album, Leyla McCalla embraces motherhood, expansive collaborations and a renewed personal outlook that sees her taking in the pleasures of life. “This feels like an arrival of sounds,” she tells Francesca Rechere

UNREST IN HAITI

SCALED TO SURVIVE • Leyyla McCalla’s solo albums leading up to Sun Without the Heat

SHARED INTUITION • Kora music gets a radical reworking with Ballake Sissoko welcoming South African guitarist Derek Gripper into the tradition. "We're happy to disrupt," hears Emma Rycroft

STAY CAVY • As their latest album...