Alexandra Petropoulos

Alexandra is the editor of Songlines Magazine. Originally from the US, she moved to the UK in 2009 to complete her MMus in Ethnomusicology at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. She has attended and spoken at various music events, written articles for several other publications including The Guardian and is a flautist.

Twitter: @alexgetswordy

Articles by Alexandra Petropoulos

6/23/2018 12:00:00 AM

Today is Good! Songs of refugees to be released

On June 30, the charity Arts Against Slavery will launch a CD of music written by young asylum-seekers based in Sicily.

9/12/2018 12:00:00 AM

Algerian-French singer and rocker Rachid Taha dies aged 59

Algerian singer and rocker Rachid Taha died of a heart attack on Tuesday night, says family.

5/1/2020 12:00:00 AM

Tony Allen, the man who put the 'beat' in Afrobeat, dies aged 79

The legendary Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen died in Paris April 30 2020

6/15/2020 12:00:00 AM

Dalai Lama to release a new album of mantras and teachings

The Dalai Lama is due to release a new album of mantras and teachings set to music – Inner World (Khandro Music) – to celebrate his 85th birthday

6/22/2020 12:00:00 AM

New video from Malian rockers, Songhoy Blues

Malian group Songhoy Blues have released a new video for their track, 'Worry', in the hope of spreading some positive vibes during these tumultuous times

9/25/2020 12:00:00 AM

Nitin Sawhney releases new video: 'Movement II'

Nitin Sawhney releases a new video – 'Movement II' – with Ayanna Witter-Johnson, recorded in Wigmore Hall

11/13/2020 12:00:00 AM

Exclusive bonus CD of music from Switzerland

Discover the latest musical talent coming from Switzerland on an exclusive bonus CD, compiled by artlink, the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia and FONDATION SUISA and free with the December issue of Songlines (#163)

2/13/2018 12:00:00 AM

Songs of the Syrian refugees

In a place where freedom of speech easily gets you arrested, refugees have daringly turned to music and poetry in order to express their feelings. Alexandra Petropoulos reports

10/25/2018 12:00:00 AM

GRRRL Power

Alexandra Petropoulos speaks to the collective of women who are tackling the gender imbalance in music and inspiring younger generations

2/1/2019 12:00:00 AM

Punch Brothers: A Beginner's Guide

Punch Brothers have been pushing the boundaries of bluegrass for over a decade and show no signs of stopping. Alexandra Petropoulos tells their story

9/21/2018 12:00:00 AM

Video premiere: Fatoumata Diawara's 'Bonya'

Fatoumata Diawara releases a new video from her album Fenfo, before returning to the UK this November.

8/21/2018 12:00:00 AM

Michael League’s Bokanté + Metropole Orkest – New video 'All the Way Home'

Bokanté team up with the Metropole Orkest for a new album due out in late September. 'All the Way Home' is the first single and video.

7/16/2018 12:00:00 AM

Watch: New video from Calypso Rose featuring Angélique Kidjo & Manu Chao

Check out the latest video, 'Wah Fu Dance!' from Calypso Rose's Songlines Music Awards 2017 winning album, Far from Home.

5/14/2018 12:00:00 AM

Watch: New video from Angélique Kidjo

The Grammy award-winning Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo reimagines the Talking Heads’ classic ‘Once in a Lifetime’.

4/13/2018 12:00:00 AM

Video exclusive: O/Modernt Chamber Orchestra & Indian sarod player Soumik Datta

Watch an exclusive video from the O/Modernt Chamber Orchestra with sarod virtuoso Soumik Datta.

6/1/2022 12:00:00 AM

Maya Youssef, the Syrian qanun player on the search for her spiritual home

Maya Youssef’s second album is a stunning meditation on the essence of home. The Syrian qanun player speaks to Alexandra Petropoulos about how the music helped her find her own spiritual home

7/11/2022 10:10:00 AM

Beginner's Guide to the Tzouras, with Antonis Antoniou (Monsieur Doumani)

Antonis Antoniou, of Cypriot avant-folk trio Monsieur Doumani, tells Alexandra Petropoulos about his distinctive instrument, the tzouras

11/24/2022 12:00:00 AM

Jake Blount interview: “I wanted to find a way to represent our traditions while also looking forward”

American banjo and fiddle player Jake Blount explains to Alexandra Petropoulos how he’s using the sounds and lessons of history and the global climate crisis to envision a new future for Black spiritual music

3/3/2023 12:00:00 AM

Lisa O’Neill: “I’m a moonchild”

The acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter talks about the celestial poetry of her latest album, All of This Is Chance

6/21/2023 12:00:00 AM

Lankum's latest album 'False Lankum' takes listeners on a chilling and unforgettable musical journey

Heavenly bursts emerge from the darkest depths on Lankum’s uncompromising new album. “Play it loud,” they tell Alexandra Petropoulos

7/18/2024 12:00:00 AM

Staples Jr Singers: The Gospel Truth

Almost 50 years after their debut, the Staples Jr Singers have reconvened for a surprise follow-up with a divine hand, as always, playing its part. “We just a musical family… that’s the gift God gave us,” they tell Alexandra Petropoulos