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 December 2020 issue (#163) of Songlines is now on sale. This issue’s cover star is Mariza who talks about her forthcoming album and tribute to the Queen of Fado, Amália Rodrigues. Other features include an interview with the multi-instrumentalist and birdsong collector, Cosmo Sheldrake; septuagenarian singer Mateus Aleluia about his dedication to Afro-Brazilian music; Rachel Newton who recorded her latest album during lockdown; a Beginner’s Guide to the Malian guitarist and singer Habib Koité, plus all the latest news, online streamed concert listings and reviews, 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 Songhoy Blues, Sam Amidon, Rodrigo Costa Félix and Liraz, plus an exclusive playlist by The Lost Words’ artist and writer Jackie Morris, featuring music by Karine Polwart, You Are Wolf and others. Each issue also comes with a bonus CD of global music from Switzerland.