Editor-in-chief Simon Broughton Publisher & Managing Director Paul Geoghegan Editor Jo Frost Deputy Editor & Reviews Editor Alexandra Petropoulos Art Director Paulina Stopka Advertisement Manager James Anderson-Hanney Online Content Editor James McCarthy News Editor & Editorial Assistant Jim Hickson Listings Editor Tatiana Rucinska World Cinema Editor John Atkinson Sub Editors Emma Baker & Marija Duric Speare Marketing Manager John Barnett Marketing Executive Hayley Sigrist Cover illustration Paulina Stopka Contributing Editors Jane Cornwell, Mark Ellingham & Nigel Williamson Subscriptions Director Sally Boettcher Editorial Director Martin Cullingford CEO Ben Allen Chairman Mark Allen SUBSCRIPTIONS UK: 0800 137 201 Overseas: +44 (0)1722 716997 subscriptions@markallengroup.com ADVERTISING +44 (0)20 7501 6683
WELCOME
Tackling the climate crisis
We’ve reached a tipping point. News stories about floods and fires seem to be a daily occurrence, underlining the fact that the environmental crisis is very real and increasingly urgent. Th i s issue we tackle the crisis head on, asking: Can music play its part in the debate and if so, how? As writer Chris Moss puts it, the issue is ‘insidious, ubiquitous, overwhelming.’ I’m sure many of us feel the same – we’re aware of the issues, but it feels easier to bury our heads in the (increasingly hot) sand rather than actively engage and do something about it.
Moss speaks to artists who are tackling the crisis head on (p26), from folk singer Sam Lee and his involvement with Extinction Rebellion to Malian singer Inna Modja and the film, The Great Green Wall. Folk artists have long had an innate connection with nature and their environment and it’s encouraging that many festivals and venues such as Kings Place and Cecil Sharp House are getting involved in giving them a platform.
In a bid to do our small part, we’ve made some changes here at Songlines HQ. We’re fortunate that we have contributors scattered across the world who are able to report in situ, but some travel is inevitable in order to cover the stories, so we’re now offsetting contributors’ flights with ClimateCare. Subscribers may have noticed that we’ve ditched the plastic wrapping and we’re carbon offsetting all the paper used for each issue through the Carbon Balanced Paper scheme, in partnership with the World Land Trust. We’ve also switched our online searches to Ecosia – a search engine that donates 80% of its profits to planting trees around the world. We hope you’ll join us in doing your bit.
Jo Frost, editor
It feels easier to bury our heads in the (increasingly hot) sand rather than actively engage
Visit our website for more details about our carbon offsetting:
www.songlines.co.uk/
carbon-offsetting
PS Why not gi a world of music this Christmas? See p4 for details
CBP001802
CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE INCLUDE
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Songlines is published by MA Music Leisure & Travel Ltd St Jude’s Church, Dulwich Rd, London, SE24 0PB, UK +44 (0)20 7738 5454 info@songlines.co.uk www.songlines.co.uk © MA Music Leisure & Travel Ltd, 2019. All rights reserved. No part of Songlines may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without prior written permission of the publishing director. The views expressed do not necessarily represent those of the editor or Songlines advertisements in the journal do not imply endorsement of the products or services advertised. Please read our privacy policy, by visiting http:// privacypolicy.markallengroup.com. This will explain how we process, use and safeguard your data. ISSN 1464-8113. Printed by: Pensord Press Ltd, Blackwood, NP12 2A Record trade distribution Songlines 020 7738 5454 Newstrade distribution Seymour 020 7429 4000
Chris Moss Chris has been writing for Songlines since 2002 when he returned to the UK a er a decade in South America. He edited the first flight-free guide to Europe. Read his feature on climate-conscious musicians on p26.
Tatiana Rucinska Tatiana is based in Stockholm where she works under the moniker of DJ Aïcha. She has also proudly been Songlines’ Gig Guide editor for almost 18 years! Turn to p91 for the latest information on gigs and tours.
Daniel Neilson Daniel is a globe-trotting writer with a special interest in two areas that provide a deep insight into a culture: food and music. Read his Postcard from Northern Labrador in Canada on p79.
Songlines was launched in 1999 and 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 magazine 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 identi . Delivered in both print and digital formats, Songlines, through its extensive articles and reviews, is your essential and independent guide to a world of music and culture, whether you are starting on your journey of discovery or are already a seasoned fan.
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ISSUE 154 › SONGLINES 03
