AK'CHAMEL Honed and expanded through their travels, and quietly drawing from their South American and Texan roots; Ak’chamel, The Giver of Illness forge a singular sound of desert-scorched psychedelia, fictitious post-apocalyptic shamanism, and impish ritual folk — as unique as the physical theater of their otherworldly live performances. For over fifteen years they have released dozens of cassettes, several vinyl records, and a handful of cryptic VHS tapes. The trio remains veiled in mystery, yet they tour often—bringing their plague into the ravaged heart of the world. “Performed in full costume, Ak’chamel are about as weird as we all thought the first season of True Detective was supposed to be” -VICE DEREK MONYPENY Born in the Arizona desert, a veteran of multiple explorations into the Sahara desert via Morocco and Western Sahara, and now a resident of the Mojave, Derek Monypeny sees his musical mission as adding to and expanding on what he calls the "desert continuum;" the psychedelic sirocco swirl of desert-based stringed instruments played with utter abandon by musicians the world over. Derek’s “desert continuum” concept takes great inspiration from desert guitarists whose playing so perfectly reflects their surroundings in its gnarled beauty and all-pervasive individualism: Richard Bishop, Zoot Horn Rollo, Curt Kirkwood, Jesus Acedo, Bob Log III, and Howe Gelb to name a few. In his travels in North Africa, Derek discovered that same spirit in Saharan guitar playing, in artists such as Seddoum ould Eide, Hammadi ould Nana, and Luleide ould Dendenni. Derek uses a variety of instruments to achieve these ends. In addition to guitar, he has recorded an album of solo oud recordings (Don't Bring Me Down, Bruce) and is currently performing and recording using the 15-string electric shahi baaja (Indian electric banjo). Derek is a former member of the bands Oaxacan (Oakland, CA), ALTO! (Portland, OR), and Sir Richard Bishop's Freak Of Araby Ensemble. In addition to his solo work, he has an ongoing duo project with Bryan Hillebrandt, OAE (Oakland Afternoon Ensemble). He has performed and toured with artists such as Bill Orcutt, Jozef van Wissem, Lau Nau, Arrington de Dionyso, and many others. DESCENDING PHARAOHS Portland-based heavy psych project vibing fight scenes of near-eastern films. Guided by Arabic/Anatolian electric, spiritual jazz, gamelan, and krautrock.