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

Lovely Jubilee

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

Coming Round • Family and Philharmonia to join Sona Jobarteh for a career retrospective at London’s legendary Roundhouse

THE GLOBE AT A GLANCE

Which Festivals Are on the Lineup? • We speak to four festivals aiming to show that the UK summer is not missing a thing

Natalie Wildgoose • Utilising a panoply of pianos across theYorkshire Dales and her grandfather’s reel-to-reel recorder, the lo-fi folk artist invites us to Come Into The Garden

TO THE MOON & BACK #2 • La Cueca, Antes de Dios, a documentary on Chilean cueca, is the second film in our series from the vast archives of Vincent Moon

SOUNDCHECK • The Songlines editorial team are currently listening to…

Slovak Culture is Falling! • Tensions are growing in Slovakia as the government takes culture under its control

The 4 Corners and Centre of Joshua Burnside’s Universe • The Belfast-based singer looks at the albums that formed his musical consciousness and remain integral to it

Athens, Greece • Over a hundred years since rebetiko arrived in Athens, one family of luthiers continue to build the instruments which defined the style

FESTIVAL 6 • Jane Cornwell picks out six sweet sets from WOMADelaide (March 7–10) in Australia

SNIPPETS

Zar Electrik • Guinea, Gnawa and gilded British beats collide in Marseille where a powerful new trio are arranging an amplified assault

78 REASONS

Folklore Tapes

Essential Records

LISTA DAS LISTAS

Wintergrass • Brother harmonies, red state ’grass, and tala infused Appalachian balladry were all on offer at Seattle’s bluegrass and roots fest

Ken Zuckerman (1952–2025) • Globally respected American sarod player

Aurelio Martínez (1969–2025) • Champion of the music of the Garifuna people tragically killed in a plane crash

And farewell to…

SONGLiNES ENCOUNTERS FESTiVAL 15-18 MAY 2025 KINGS PLACE

SIMON SAYS… • Soumik Datta journeys to India in a new show foregrounding the art of storytelling, Simon Broughton reports

Next Issue… • June 2025 (#208) On sale May 16

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

A Conversation with ANOUSHKA SHANKAR • Thirty years in, the sitarist is releasing one of the most daring albums of her career, and she’s doing it on her own terms. Russ Slater Johnson heralds a return to the light…

Hit ’Em Up Style • Bluegrass, old-time and Americana artists pay tribute to the Carolina Chocolate Drops and their enduring legacy ahead of the group’s reunion this year

GOLDEN LIGHT GETAWAY • Seth Jordan joins Julian Belbachir for a five-week trek across Morocco to launch a new cross-cultural Moroccan-Australian ensemble

Flook • A surprise invitation led to the formation of a flute-focused Anglo-Irish group now celebrating 30 years. Dave McNally finds the...