The compilation Music from Saharan Cellphones is a collection of underground music from the Saharan region which circulated almost exclusively from cellphone to cellphone via bluetooth bumps. I originally came across the digital archives of the compilation by stumbling across its Kickstarter campaign which was organized to raise funds in order to press the songs onto vinyl. I was fascinated by the idea of a musical subculture circulating in such a grass(sand)roots manner through an arid region. This is nomadic music of the most mysterious sort. I highly urge you to seek out the original cassette from Mississippi Records or as digital downloads: Volume 1 / Volume 2.

Now the folks at Boomarmnation have spear-headed a remix project called Music FOR Saharan Cellphones. dublab’s own Matthewdavid has created a stunning remix called “Stealing Sahara.” It’s a dirty south meets sand dune jam with a soft edge full of light snaking closer to distant dreams. We hope this song ends up back on a desert cellphone someday.

[powerpress]