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
Routes Not Roots
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 SOURCE • Views, news and events from around the world
Folk on the Fringes • Charis McGowan tracks down the folk music tucked among the comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe, from a singing John Clare to a road-worn Woody Guthrie
Taking the Town • Eight days, 800-odd events and a whole Devon seaside town occupied. Julian May follows the folk at Sidmouth from a seaside cellar to the main stage
Bardentreffen NÜRNBERG, 30 JULY – 2 AUGUST 2026 • As Germany’s largest free open-air music gathering turns 50, Jo Frost scraps her schedule to wander a medieval Old Town playing host to over a hundred concerts and a frenzy of buskers
Yagody • As missiles fall at home, a Ukrainian folk ensemble takes its ethno-drama across North America. Hadani Ditmars catches them at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival
Bia Maria • Chosen by David Byrne to open his sold-out Ageas Cooljazz show in Cascais, the Portuguese singer tells Russell Higham how saudade runs through her blend of folk, fado and bossa nova
The 4 Corners and Centre of Somi’s Universe • The singer, composer and actor with Ugandan-Rwandan roots picks five records that taught her how to carry a lineage and tell stories with authority
Faris Ishaq • Charged on Coltrane, wired like an electro producer, the Palestinian nay ace draws new atmospheres from a single ancient reed. Justin Turford listens in
SOUNDCHECK • Songlines are currently listening to…
Zephyrus • Son of a folk-rock pioneer, Zephyrus Records’ Michiel Lagae tells Chris Wheatley how the Belgian label follows its instincts to find music with an edge
Essential Records
Ão • Fresh from an unexpected European award, the Belgian quartet tell Mary Chiney how their second album traded caution for brutal honesty
Who Owns the Groove? • Done right, a reissue can restart a career – but who decides what gets rescued, and who gets paid? Ahead of a WOMEX panel on this topic, Megan Iacobini de Fazio reflects
WOMEX WATCHLIST • As featured on this issue’s Top of the World compilation (tracks 11–15), here are five artists who will be performing showcases at this year’s WOMEX (21–25 October), the world music industry’s biggest annual gathering, held in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.
Catalan Chaos • El Pony Pisador have built a career on Catalan song, sea shanties and whatever else can turn a regular gig into an all-ages festival. Ramon Anglada explains the method
Rubén Rada (1943–2026) • Uruguayan musician and percussionist
Pepe Habichuela (1944–2026) • Nuevo flamenco guitarist and innovator
SIMON SAYS… • There’s a musical workshop in Kolkata with a tale to tell. Simon Broughton pays a visit
Next Issue…
A Conversation with MARTIN SIMPSON • Fifty years since his first album, the folk guitarist talks to Julian May about America, protest songs and the urge to tell...