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 March 2021 issue (#165) of Songlines is now on sale. This issue’s cover star is Ballaké Sissoko, the Malian master of kora collaboration who has a new album coming out in April. Other features include a look at the impact of COVID-19 around the world and the varying responses to support artists; an interview with singer Ustad Saami from Pakistan; an overview of the current gospel revival; Electric Jalaba and their homage to Morocco’s Gnawa music plus all the latest news, online streamed concert reviews, CD 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 Urban Village, Made Kuti, The Nordic Fiddlers Bloc and Mexican Institute of Sound, plus an exclusive playlist by broadcaster Verity Sharp, featuring music by Ross Daly, Tanya Tagaq, Frente Cumbiero and others.