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 Editor Emma Baker Marketing Manager John Barnett Marketing Executive Hayley Sigrist Cover image Tom Griffiths Assisted by Sam Meaden (design) Spencer Grady (editorial) 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 Singing with their own voices By the time this issue of Songlines is published, the UK will be ‘getting Brexit done’ and limping out of the EU. Not exactly a decisive and exciting start to the new decade. But what is clear is the need – more than ever – to celebrate both our connections and differences with our neighbours in Europe and further afield. Devonian singer-songwriter and this issue’s cover star Seth Lakeman has always found inspiration close to his birthplace, near Plymouth, which is where the Pilgrim Fathers set off on the Mayflower to the New World 400 years ago. His new album, A Pilgrim’s Tale, recounts that epic voyage from the perspective of the pilgrims and takes into account the indigenous Wampanoag people whose lives were irrevocably changed by the arrival of the colonisers. Lakeman is also involved in a forthcoming production at the Theatre Royal in Plymouth, called This Land, which will feature 31 members of the Wampanoag tribe from Massachusetts (p26). As an already established and successful artist, Lakeman’s projects will no doubt be widely, and deservedly, covered but this story also offers us the opportuni to shine a light on the lesser-known native viewpoint. Our feature on music and indigenous languages (p44) addresses this issue head on, stressing the importance of indigenous artists having their own voice and being listened to. Jim Hickson speaks to several artists about the significance of their o en threatened indigenous languages and why their survival is crucial. As Airileke from Papua New Guinea says: “The loss of [indigenous] language is detrimental to the entire culture,” with Canadian First Nation artist and activist ShoShona Kish drawing this decisive conclusion: “I do believe that music can move beyond language barriers… let’s have this conversation.” “The loss of language is detrimental to the entire culture” Visit our website for more details about our carbon offsetting: www.songlines.co.uk/ carbon-offsetting Jo Frost, editor CBP001802 CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE INCLUDE www.markallengroup.com 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, 2020. 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 Merlyn Driver A musician and director of the music exchange programme, Making Tracks, Merlyn has been engaging with Sámi joik music for more than a decade. Read his Essential 10 Sámi albums on p102. Mu Qian Mu Qian got his PhD in ethnomusicology from SOAS, Universi of London, with a dissertation on the music of Uyghur Sufis. Read his review of the Hazara Afghan musician Hamid Sakhizada on p64. Robin Timmis A musician based in Leeds, Robin plays fiddle with the klezmer band Kibitz. He has a long-standing passion for folk and traditional music. This issue he speaks to sitarist Jasdeep Singh Degun on p18. 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. @SonglinesMag facebook.com/songlines instagram.com/songlinesmag www.songlines.co.uk ISSUE 155 › SONGLINES 03