The Occurrence

There seems to be two Eritreas: One is the young nation who fiercely fought for independence from Ethiopia for 30 years. Another is the oppressive regime of Isaias Afwerki, from which thousands flee monthly to...

Music has long been a form of escapism for those under the regime of Obiang Nguema, a ruler under global scrutiny for corruption. Though oil flows freely in the nation of about 800,000, only a...

A Central American country that’s no stranger to hostility and upheaval, El Salvador finds comfort in its small but multifaceted music scene. From swing to metal to emotive electronica, here are five bands to fill...

The birthplace of one of history’s greatest societies, Egypt has seen more than its share of dynamism, revolt and change. Throughout its eons of existence, from the creators of the pyramids to the militant rulers...

“You’re like the first person I think I’ve talked to today,” Allison Wolfe says groggily. “There’s been a festival going on in the neighborhood and something kind of crazy. And we played last night. Everyone’s...

Ecuador boasts one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, lush with mountains, beaches and jungles. The music scene of the South American country is similar, embracing the native rhythms of the Kichwa peoples,...

Legend has it that the island of Timor formed from an ancient crocodile. The peoples of East Timor have been as resilient as this founding reptile, surviving colonization by the Portuguese and Indonesians to become...

Australian pop folk band Kim Killspeed recently released their single "Inside," which has an alternative edge, mellow rock groove and liberating message. The song was recorded and produced by Jeff Martin (The Tea Party) at his studio in...