News
The Young'Uns share three career highlights ahead of 20th anniversary tour
A capella Teesside folk trio The Young’Uns – whose music is marked by its strong social conscience and gorgeous harmonies – celebrate their 20th anniversary this year.
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Essential 10
Essential 10 Topic Records
One of Britain’s most iconic folk imprints is 85 years old and to celebrate we’ve asked ten artists who have history on the label (Martin Carthy, Angeline Morrison, Seth Lakeman and others) to pick a favourite from Topic’s catalogue
Features
Folk Traditions: Cynefin discusses the oral traditions of Wales' 'beirdd gwlad'
Wales’ beirdd gwlad, folk poets, were for many years the the holders of oral history
Playlists
WOMAD 2023 Playlist
Experience our specially-curated playlist featuring all the artists on the bill at Charlton Park for this year's edition of the iconic world music festival
Live reviews
Angélique Kidjo goes orchestral!
Martin Longley reports on Angélique Kidjo's ongoing relationship with orchestral music, this time with the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra in concert in Brussels
Features
Watch: Maya Youssef and her qanun
Syrian musician Maya Youssef's mastery over her 78-stringed qanun is a sight to behold, especially in this rendition of 'Touta'.
Features
Gloria Estefan's My World interview: “If everyone was a purist, music would stop”
Latin idol, Cuban exile, Miami mentor and unrivalled queen of the conga, Charis McGowan speaks to the multi-award-winning songstress about returning to her roots
Features
Jacken Elswyth: The Banjo Maker
Builder and player of banjos, Jacken Elswyth, tells Spencer Grady how her intimate relationship with the instrument has changed her approach
Live reviews
Walden Festival, Leopold Park, Belgium, July 16
Le Trio Joubran and Mari Kalkun enchant at this scenic Brussels festival, blessed with an open musical agenda
Features
Dispatch from the Nordic Folk Alliance in Roskilde, Denmark
The Scandinavian music world convened for the Nordic Folk Alliance, aiming to build on current interest in all things Norse
Features
AI: Friend or Foe?
Like it or not, AI is here to stay. Our writers take a look at the ethical and legal issues the technology raises, as well as how musicians can use it as a source of creativity. Is it all doom and gloom?
Features
“I lost everything, so it was time to rule my destiny” | OKI
Champion of an obscure Ainu lyre, Oki Kano talks to Charlie Cawood about the late-night encounter that launched his life’s passion
Features
Sir David Attenborough reveals his musical inspirations
The legendary broadcaster revisits the sounds of his early career on a recent BBC programme that reveals a little-known side to the beloved naturalist – that of a world music collector. He shares his favourite tracks with producer Julian May
Features
“I met a Hardanger fiddler who said if you give me your fiddle, I'll give you my farm” | Gro Marie Svidal
Heiress to a piece of Norwegian musical history, Gro Marie Svidal talks about the allure of her unique Hardanger inheritance
Features
Stick in the Wheel: “There’s a long history of protest and we are part of that”
Tim Cumming talks to East London’s Stick in the Wheel about the rich loaming of folkloric and historical sources that feeds into their distinctive take on ‘the music of the people’
