Lebanese blues-rock duo whose debut LP, ‘Sleep With The Lights On,’ topped our Independent Albums of the Year list.

What was your personal highlight of 2013?

Nader Mansour (vocalist, pictured left):  Touring. By far. You gotta love playing different countries, cities, venues, crowds... Also, ain’t nothing like checking into a new hotel in a new city.    

Eddy Ghosein (guitarist, pictured right): Playing our music in 12 different countries. But the whole year was a big highlight.

Which world event had the biggest effect on you last year?

EG: The Syrian war. It has taken a huge toll on humanity, and on my peace of mind.

NM: I was quietly saddened by the death of Mandela. A big man.

What was your personal lowlight of 2013?

EG: The break-up with my girlfriend wasn’t easy, after two years, two houses, two cats and a dog.

NM: Every time we ended up at an embassy begging for goddamn visas to go play somewhere.

What was your favorite song of 2013?

EG: Hard to pick one, but I’d say “Smooth Sailin’” by Queens of the Stone Age. Groovy as f***, and it beats the pope for man of the year.

NM: It would have to be Valerie June’s “You Can’t Be Told,” produced by The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach. I don’t listen to a lot of modern music.

What are you most looking forward to in 2014?

NM: I’m really looking forward to hitting Mississippi after all these years, singing and playing them blues. 

EG: I’m looking forward to touring the States with my Velcro-bearded friend.

Which regional artists do you hope to hear more of in 2014?

EG: Undoubtedly Xriss Jor. The woman’s got unmatched talent and an unmatched management team.

NM: I’m keeping an eye on Beirut band Postcards; they have a special charm. Also Loopstache.

Who are you hoping not to hear any more from in 2014?

NM: Eddy singing.

EG: My banker.

READ OUR SEPTEMBER 2013 FEATURE ON THE WANTON BISHOPS

Franck Mandon