Launched in 1999, Songlines is the leading magazine covering traditional, contemporary, folk and fusion music from around the world. Each edition is packed with the latest album reviews, artist interviews, festival profiles and travel adventures from every corner of the globe. Music is about culture, politics, history and the environment and Songlines is your essential guide to it all.

If you’re new to Songlines, download our Aug/Sept 2014 issue (#102) for free. Features include an interview with Afrobeat pioneers Tony Allen & Orlando Julius, as they both celebrate 50-year careers with new albums.

There is also an interview with Scottish author, avid music consumer and vinyl addict Ian Rankin, who speaks to Jo Frost (Songlines editor) about how he’s always willing to take a punt on new music, especially if there’s a good story behind it.

Also featured in the trial issue: a feature on Israeli musician Idan Raichel and his collaboration with Malian musician Vieux Farka Touré; Malian jeli singer Kassé Mady Diabaté; and violinists Anna Phoebe and Jyotsna Srikanth. We also pick our Essential 10 Afrobeat albums that you must own, plus Chris Moss provides a Beginner’s Guide to salsa superstar Rubén Blades.

Latest issue

The November issue (#152) issue of Songlines is now on sale. The cover feature artist this issue is Iranian kamancheh player Kayhan Kalhor, recipient of the 2019 WOMEX Artist Award. Other features include a look at the changing face of the record industry and how labels and artists are adapting to the digital age; an interview with folk musician Hannah James and her JigDoll Ensemble; Taraf de Impex and their Romanian Gypsy music project, plus all the latest news, event listings and CD, book and world cinema reviews. As well as streaming excerpts from the Top of the World album, digital edition subscribers can now download all 15 tracks which this issue includes Rachid Taha, Martin Hayes & Brooklyn Rider, Kefaya + Elaha Soroor and 9Bach, as well as an exclusive playlist compiled by Super Furry Animals’ singer-songwriter Gruff Rhys, featuring music by Tom Zé, Llio Rhydderch, Otim Alpha and others.