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...