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 October 2020 issue (#161) of Songlines is now on sale. This issue’s cover star is the Malian singer-songwriter Afel Bocoum who speaks about his concerns for his country. Other features include an interview with the rapper Criolo about life in Brazil during COVID-19 and Bolsonaro; AMMAR 808 talks about his latest southern Indian inspired project; multi-instrumentalist Ssewa Ssewa who is intent on bringing Ugandan music to the world; the Torres family who are keeping Colombia’s Pacific Coast marimba music alive; a Beginner’s Guide to Iranian singer Mahsa Vahdat, plus all the latest news, online streamed concert listings, CD, book and world cinema reviews. As well as streaming excerpts from the Top of the World album, digital edition subscribers can download all 15 tracks which this issue includes Roby Lakatos & Dr L Subramaniam, Stick in the Wheel, Jake Blount and Amira Medunjanin, plus an exclusive playlist by The Fast Show co-creator Charlie Higson, featuring music by Orchestra Baobab, Taraf de Haidouks, Djivan Gasparyan & Michael Brook and others. The issue also comes with a bonus CD of Korean music from K-Music Festival featuring Jambinai, Kyungso Park, Sinnoi and Black String.