Songlines

Songlines is the definitive magazine for world music – music that has its roots in all parts of the globe, from Mali to Mexico, India to Iraq. Whether this music is defined as traditional, contemporary, folk or fusion, Songlines is the only publication to truly represent and embrace it. However, Songlines is not just about music, but about how the music fits into the landscape; it’s about politics, history and identity, and the artists who incite change through their music. Through its extensive articles and reviews, Songlines is your essential guide to an extraordinary world of music and culture, whether you are starting on your journey of discovery or are already a seasoned fan.

Songlines

Cometh the King

CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE INCLUDE

TOP OF THE WORLD • On this issue’s compilation – our curated selection of new music and bonus tracks from across the globe

Fake Folk • What happens when an AI clones your work with such accuracy that even fans are duped? Charis McGowan speaks to Emily Portman to find out…

Merlyn Driver • Olivia Cheves hears how the Orkney-born artist takes a backseat on his new album, giving prominence to nature’s voices

IN BRIEF

A Decade of Disques • Bongo Joe are celebrating 10 exploratory years

The 4 Corners and Centre of Carlos Dafé’s Universe • A pivotal figure in the evolution of Black Brazilian music, the Rio-born soul singer talks through the works that have defined his sound

Anmol Mohara • Charlie Cawood meets the drummer infusing Nepali traditional music with jazzy grooves

SOUNDCHECK • The Songlines team are currently listening to…

WOMEX AWARDS

Rockadillo Records • Chris Wheatley delves into a label promoting the sounds of the Finnish underground

Guedra Guedra • Andrew Taylor-Dawson hears how pan-African journeys and futurefacing philosophy inform the Moroccan’s latest sonic mutation

Kyiv, Ukraine • Zakhar Davydenko heads to a folk-driven rave where young Ukrainians are dancing in their ancestors’ footsteps

FolkEast Suffolk, UK, August 15–17 • Julian May heads to a pop-up village of midsummer rituals, famous guitars and sighing oaks

Craic Addicts • Erin Cobby reports from an Ireland-infused boozer at Shambala

COMPETITIONS

Glatt & Verkehrt Winzer Krems, Austria, July 11–27 • Simon Broughton selects some of the highlights from Austria’s most vital world music festival

SIMON SAYS… • At the Edinburgh Festival, singer AGADEZ celebrates female goddesses of the ancient world. Simon Broughton investigates

A Conversation with MALKIT SINGH • Ahead of a career-spanningWOMEX showcase, DJ Ritu catches up with Malkit Singh MBE to discuss his journey to becoming the best-selling bhangra artist of all-time and how he remains relevant

ANGEL OF MY DREAMS • Rosie Esther Solomon speaks to Welsh musician Cerys Hafana about tales of terror, sinister simplicity and coping with the weight of Wales’ triple harp traditions

Carnatic Music with L Shankar • A living legend outlines how Carnatic music has evolved and speaks of the challenges it faces in the modern age. Chris Wheatley reports

BEST ALBUMS • L Shankar talks us through favourite Carnatic albums from his discography

MOVING MEMORIES • Jane Cornwell speaks to Ethiopian-born American singer Meklit Hadero about returning to the songs of her homeland

Rebetiko ROOTS • Ula Nowak visits İzmir in Turkey to speak to the musicians reviving rebetiko in a city that claims to be its birthplace

Good Morning SARAJEVO • Simon Broughton tunes into Radio Sevdah with Balkan sound revivalists Divanhana

RADICAL INTENT • What happens when two young post-rock fans grounded in traditional...