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The album cover for On the Lash - Fireside featuresh a delicate watercolor illustration. Framed by a rustic brick wall, an arched window reveals a cozy interior scene: a crackling stone fireplace, a soft armchair draped with a blanket, and a small wooden shelf adorned with books, a lamp, and a vase holding a single flower. The artwork is credited to Elizabeth June LaPeer.

Album reviews

Trad-Inspired: On the Lash Ignites Irish Folk with Fireside

On the Lash – Fireside (2025) Midwest-based Irish folk quartet On the Lash will release their debut EP, Fireside, on April 4, 2025. The ensemble…

The single cover for Mascarimirì - Bella Sei is a fusion of traditional and digital aesthetics. At its center, an intense, realistic eye—rendered in warm, earthy tones. The pupil and iris are overlaid with a pixelated, glitch-art effect in magenta and green. The background is a textured deep blue canvas, adorned with neon-red, pixel-like geometric patterns radiating outward.

Music videos

“Bella Sei” Hits the Dance Floor: Mascarimirì’s Fiery Pizzica Single

World Music Central News Room March 13, 2025 No Comments folktronica Italian music Mascaramiri Salento taranta world music

Mascarimirì returns with “Bella Sei,“ a new single steeped in the Salento dialect, a signature element of Claudio “Cavallo” Giagnotti’s compositions. The song captures a…

Awards

Unsigned, But Not Unseen: Unsigned Only Evolves Into Music Awards

World Music Central News Room March 13, 2025 No Comments Americana blues country music Latin American music rock Unsigned Only Music Awards world music

The Unsigned Only Music Competition has rebranded as the Unsigned Only Music Awards, expanding its mission to celebrate independent artists worldwide. For over a decade,…

Maritzaida - Sentimientos en vivo cover artwork. A photo of the duo.

Music videos Single reviews

A Perfectly Fitting Tribute

Tom Orr March 12, 2025 No Comments Maritzaida world music

Although she’s an American-based artist, Maritzaida’s tribute to legendary Mexican singer Chavela Vargas, “Noche de Ronda,” brims with authenticity. Deep-hearted vocals, acoustic guitar and cello…

Events

Milap Hits a High Note: Celebrating 40 Years with a Spectacular Spring 2025 Season

World Music Central News Room March 12, 2025 No Comments Indian classical music Milap world fusion world music

Milap marks its 40th anniversary with an exciting Spring 2025 season, bringing Indian arts and culture to Liverpool from February. The lineup features renowned Hindustani…

Sam Sweeney - Escape That cover artwork. A photo of a man outdoors removing his sweater over his head.

Album reviews

Sam Sweeney Reinvents English Folk Fiddle with ‘Escape That’

Angel Romero March 12, 2025 No Comments English Folk music fiddle Sam Sweeney violin world music

Sam Sweeney – Escape That (Hudson Records, 2022) Sam Sweeney, one of England’s most accomplished traditional musicians, makes a bold leap with Escape That, his…

Violeta Parra - Las últimas composiciones de Violeta Parra. A black and white photo of the artist playing charango.

Album reviews

Violeta Parra’s Final Songs Masterpiece Returns in Original Form

Angel Romero March 11, 2025 No Comments Chilean music Violeta Parra world music

Violeta Parra – Las últimas composiciones de Violeta Parra (Vampisoul, 2025) Vampisoul is reissuing in 2025 the album Las Últimas Composiciones de Violeta Parra (the…

Anoushka Shankar - Photo by Carly Hildebrant

Events

Sitar and Synergy: Anoushka Shankar Celebrates 30 Years on Stage

World Music Central News Room March 11, 2025 No Comments Anoushka Shankar sitar world fusion world music

(headline image: Anoushka Shankar – Photo by Carly Hildebrant) On Friday, March 28, 2025, Grammy-nominated sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar marks 30 years of performing with…

The album cover for Egwu Mmanwu Igbo: Music of Igbo Masquerade by Okwy Osadebe and Highlife Soundmakers International is an illustration. It prominently features Okwy Osadebe in traditional Igbo attire, adorned with red and green patterned fabric, gold jewelry, and a red cap. He gestures warmly, as if inviting the listener into the music. The background is an expressive mix of warm colors—orange, yellow, and black—depicting silhouetted musicians playing instruments like the saxophone, trumpet, guitar, and drums, emphasizing the highlife and Igbo masquerade music themes. The hand-drawn typography is bold, with a mix of yellow and red hues.

Album reviews

Highlife in Disguise: Okwy Osadebe Honors Igbo Masquerade Tradition

Tyler Bennet March 10, 2025 No Comments Highlife Nigerian music Okwy Osadebe Okwy Osadebe and Highlife SoundMakers world music

Okwy Osadebe and Highlife SoundMakers – Music for Igbo Masquerade (Odogwu Entertainment / Palenque Records, 2025) Okwy Osadebe and Highlife SoundMakers’ latest album, Music for…

Xurxo Mares Pandeirada da auga single artwork. A waterwheel.

Music videos Single reviews

Come to the Water

Tom Orr March 9, 2025 1 Comment Galician music Spanish music world music Xurxo Mares

Combining acoustic guitar with rhythmic splashing sounds, Spain’s Xurxo Mares creates a charming, Galician-rooted instrumental piece appropriately titled “Pandeirada da auga.” It’s fairly short but…