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Rejoin us for £1 @WeAreTheMU theMU.org It’s a difficult time for musicians and we are behind every single one of you. We are doing everything we can to help, including advising the Government on behalf of musicians during the pandemic, setting up the Coronavirus Hardship Fund and offering payment holidays. If you have left the Musicians’ Union five or more years ago, you can rejoin and pay just £1 for 6 months of membership. We hope by creating affordable access to the Union, we will provide further support and benefits to even more musicians. Pay only £1 for the first six months of your annual membership. Subject to joining for 12 months with the following 6 month period paid at the standard rate of £18.92 per month. The membership cannot be cancelled within 12 months of joining. Available to first-time joiners, former student members, and those who left 5 years or more ago. Students in full-time education pay £20pa. Full details from theMU.org CLICK HERE
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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 Editorial Assistant Spencer Grady News Editor Russ Slater Listings Editor Tatiana Rucinska World Cinema Editor John Atkinson Marketing Manager John Barnett Marketing Assistant Emma Coull Cover Image Shai Franco 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 Reflecting on a challenging year Whether you’re reading this in Argentina, Australia, the US or the UK, there’s no denying that it’s been a diffi cult year. As it’s the final issue of 2020 (admirably achieved by the Songlines team still all working remotely from their various makeshi offi ces-cumspare rooms-cum-living rooms), it’s time to reflect back over the year and its musical offerings. Of course, there’s been a gaping great void due to the absence of festivals. But thanks to the resilience of musicians, there have been some really top-class online concerts and events. Admittedly some of you, I confess myself included, have probably reached online streaming fatigue, but hopefully you tuned into the Songlines Music Awards ceremony, hosted by Cerys Matthews, as there are some wonderful and exclusive performances from this year’s winners worth checking out. You can still watch it online (see p14). It’s been a bumper year for new releases and we pick ten of our favourites on p22. Among the more familiar names, such as Sam Lee and Sväng, it’s particularly pleasing to be highlighting several new bands – among them Ayom, Bab L’ Bluz and Cocanha – many of them fronted by women. Coincidentally, seven of our ten front covers this year have featured women, including this issue’s cover star, Liraz, who shares a fascinating account of her personal musical journey and the efforts she and her collaborators went to in recording her latest album Zan (see p24). Thanks to all our readers – whether long-time subscribers or new converts – our loyal contributors and advertisers for continuing to support us. And finally a big thanks to all the musicians around the world who carry on creating music, regardless of how challenging the circumstances and who have provided so much musical comfort this year. Jo Frost, editor A big thanks to all the musicians around the world who carry on creating music Visit our website for more details about our carbon offsetting: www.songlines.co.uk/ carbon-offsetting PS Still looking for Christmas or New Year present ideas? Why not give a world of music this holiday with a gi subscription, see p80 for details CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE INCLUDE CBP001802 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 John Atkinson (@mrauteur) John commissions film studies books for the Liverpool Universi Press’ Auteur imprint. His ukulele practice declined dramatically under lockdown, to the relief of his ‘bubble’. Read his world cinema reviews on p64. Tucker Wiedenkeller A writer and ethnomusicologist focused on the Middle East and Mediterranean, Tucker recently completed his master’s at the Universi of Oxford. He examines the effect of the pandemic in Istanbul on p77. Nigel Williamson Previously a political correspondent on Th e Times, Nigel has written for every issue of Songlines. His other passions are cricket and gardening. This issue he reports on the Songlines Music Awards ceremony (p14). 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 164 › SONGLINES 03

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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 Editorial Assistant Spencer Grady News Editor Russ Slater Listings Editor Tatiana Rucinska World Cinema Editor John Atkinson Marketing Manager John Barnett Marketing Assistant Emma Coull Cover Image Shai Franco 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

Reflecting on a challenging year

Whether you’re reading this in Argentina, Australia, the US or the UK, there’s no denying that it’s been a diffi cult year. As it’s the final issue of 2020 (admirably achieved by the Songlines team still all working remotely from their various makeshi offi ces-cumspare rooms-cum-living rooms), it’s time to reflect back over the year and its musical offerings. Of course, there’s been a gaping great void due to the absence of festivals. But thanks to the resilience of musicians, there have been some really top-class online concerts and events. Admittedly some of you, I confess myself included, have probably reached online streaming fatigue, but hopefully you tuned into the Songlines Music Awards ceremony, hosted by Cerys Matthews, as there are some wonderful and exclusive performances from this year’s winners worth checking out. You can still watch it online (see p14).

It’s been a bumper year for new releases and we pick ten of our favourites on p22. Among the more familiar names, such as Sam Lee and Sväng, it’s particularly pleasing to be highlighting several new bands – among them Ayom, Bab L’ Bluz and Cocanha – many of them fronted by women. Coincidentally, seven of our ten front covers this year have featured women, including this issue’s cover star, Liraz, who shares a fascinating account of her personal musical journey and the efforts she and her collaborators went to in recording her latest album Zan (see p24). Thanks to all our readers – whether long-time subscribers or new converts – our loyal contributors and advertisers for continuing to support us. And finally a big thanks to all the musicians around the world who carry on creating music, regardless of how challenging the circumstances and who have provided so much musical comfort this year.

Jo Frost, editor

A big thanks to all the musicians around the world who carry on creating music

Visit our website for more details about our carbon offsetting:

www.songlines.co.uk/

carbon-offsetting

PS Still looking for Christmas or New Year present ideas? Why not give a world of music this holiday with a gi subscription, see p80 for details

CONTRIBUTORS THIS ISSUE INCLUDE

CBP001802

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

John Atkinson (@mrauteur) John commissions film studies books for the Liverpool Universi Press’ Auteur imprint. His ukulele practice declined dramatically under lockdown, to the relief of his ‘bubble’. Read his world cinema reviews on p64.

Tucker Wiedenkeller A writer and ethnomusicologist focused on the Middle East and Mediterranean, Tucker recently completed his master’s at the Universi of Oxford. He examines the effect of the pandemic in Istanbul on p77.

Nigel Williamson Previously a political correspondent on Th e Times, Nigel has written for every issue of Songlines. His other passions are cricket and gardening. This issue he reports on the Songlines Music Awards ceremony (p14).

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 164 › SONGLINES 03

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