Mdou Moctar hails from Abalak, in the Azawagh desert of Niger. He taught himself the guitar at a young age on a homemade instrument. Inspired by returning Ishumar, Mdou traveled the road to Libya where he traveled and worked odd jobs. As chance had, he would meet some of the now famous guitarists and further his musical studies. He returned home with a guitar and a dream.

Rising to the status as local celebrity, in 2008 he traveled to Nigeria to record his first album “Anar” – a psychedelic electronic album of Tuareg guitar, became an instant success throughout the mp3 networks of West Africa. “Tahoultine,” one of the standout tracks, was later featured on the compilation “Music from Saharan Cellphones.” In 2013, he released his first international album, “Afelan,” rocking and raw sessions recorded live at his hometown in Niger. This was followed by the 2014 vinyl release of “Anar.”

Drunken Foreigner Band is a Brooklyn-based ensemble that makes a sprawling electrified iteration of the Akha and Lam Lao musics of Thailand and Laos. The majority of the band’s music was learned from cassette tapes of the largely-vocal music traditions, gathered by keyboardist Dave Kadden on his trips to Southeast Asia. Comprising members of Sunwatchers, Invisible Circle and other experimental Brooklyn outfits, they are releasing their debut LP “White Guy Disease” on Electric Cowbell Records later this year.