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 July 2017 (#129) issue of Songlines is now on sale. Our cover star this issue is Dona Onete from Belém, Brazil, whose latest album, Banzeiro, is a joyful celebration of the Amazon. Other features include an interview with Snarky Puppy’s founder Michael League about his new supergroup, Bokanté; an overview of the TV series exploring American roots music, American Epic; a report from Jodhpur RIFF about preserving Rajasthan’s cultural heritage; an interview with Latin jazz star, Eddie Palmieri; a Beginner’s Guide to Sephardic singer, Françoise Atlan; plus the latest CD and world cinema reviews. 



The digital edition also includes streamed excerpts from our Top of the World CD including Dona Onete, Kronos Quartet, Vieux Farka Touré and Lau, as well as a guest playlist from the drummer Stewart Copeland, featuring Amadou & Mariam, Ray Lema and Moondog.