ASAD AHMED | Three Decades of Rock | Aleph Podcast

ASAD AHMED | Three Decades of Rock | Aleph Podcast | 50

Рет қаралды 3,820

Күн бұрын

In this monumental 50th episode of the A for Aleph Podcast, we had the honour of featuring guitar extraordinaire Asad Ahmed, a leading icon in the Pakistani rock scene, as well as a producer-engineer, composer, and band leader for the famous rock outfit Karavan. A gear-head and seasoned session player, Asad has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the Pakistani music industry, including Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Junoon, Vital Signs, Sajjad Ali, Ali Zafar, and Najam Sheraz, among others.
Beginning his journey in 1987 with The Barbarians, Asad became a prominent member of several influential bands in Pakistan over the years, including Awaz, and Karavan. His four-decade-long career is marked by significant contributions to the rock and pop genres.
Celebrated for his electrifying live performances, iconic guitar solos, and ability to masterfully play different styles of music, Asad has been instrumental in introducing and popularizing rock music in Pakistan. Beyond his extensive studio recordings catalogue, he has been featured on the Coke Studio Sessions, working closely with Rohail Hyatt.
Currently, Asad is working with EMI as an A&R Manager and finishing his solo album, ' The Final Sessions'.
Chapters:
0:00 - Getting to know Asad Ahmed
1:50 - Rock Music
6:00 - Learning the Guitar
8:40 - Rise of the Barbarians
16:25 - Pakistan's first Rock Album?
17:33 - The Formation of Awaz
25:30 - Jadoo Ka Chiragh
30:50 - Writing for the Second Album
32:55 - Awaz Fame
38:39 - Starting Karavan
50:11 - '99 Cricket World Cup & Awaz's End
56:00 - Rock Music Business in Pakistan
1:00:00 - Coke Studio Sessions
1:02:42 - Making Saara Jahaan
1:04:02 - Recording Process
1:11:27 - Releasing Saara Jahan & Coke Studio
1:14:49 - Ali Zafar and The Indian Industry
1:21:51 - Solo Albums
1:33:30 - Working at EMI Pakistan
1:37:50 - Future of Record Labels
1:40:16 - Audience Questions
1:55:59 - What's On Your Pedal Board?
FOLLOW ASAD AHMED:
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/3rcj8...
Twitter: / aahmedoffical
Instagram: / asadahmedofficial
Facebook: / asadahmedofficial
KZfaq: / @asadahmedofficial
Wiki: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asad_Ahmed
FOLLOW KARAVAN:
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/4zVY7...
Apple Music: / karavan
KZfaq: / @asadahmedofficial
FOLLOW A FOR ALEPH:
Bandcamp: linktr.ee/aforaleph
Instagram: linktr.ee/aforaleph
Facebook: linktr.ee/aforaleph
Twitter: linktr.ee/aforaleph
KZfaq: linktr.ee/aforaleph

Пікірлер: 104

@bilalsiddiqui3329 3 сағат бұрын

Thank you for recording history by inviting these legends and allowing them to speak their hearts out!

@AforAleph 2 сағат бұрын

You’re most welcome thank you for watching!

@UmairDarVoid Ай бұрын

Was a pleasure to have the legendary Asad bhai on the show!

@asadahmedofficial Ай бұрын

What a fun chat.. Thank you for hosting me had a blast.

@jaunelia1993 18 күн бұрын

mission accomplished 🙌🏽 kaash poora interview musically ho sakta bilkul interview ke aakhri hisse ki tarha 😭 bohat shukriya iss podcast ke liye 🥺

@xphaisalx 25 күн бұрын

Asad Ahmad one of the pioneers of rock music in Pakistan. His fire for music hasn’t stopped. He seems still super passionate about music. It’s a shame that in country like Pakistan so many legends came and gone and the masses doesn’t even care.

@hassaanahmadsheikh Ай бұрын

Forever waiting for Xulfi to show up on the podcast.

@UmairDarVoid Ай бұрын

He’s a busy man! In due time InshaAllah

@wrongwindow836 Ай бұрын

Main tu sirf yeh he janta hon we have so many talented guitar players in Pakistan un sub main Rockstar sirf ek hay or wo hain Sir. Asad Ahmed ❤ i mean just look at him the way he talks the way he walks his looks dressing the way he perform on stage Amazing He's A Rockstar man❤🤘 thanks for putting him on a show ❤

@FahadZahr Ай бұрын

The only reason I have ever bought guitar was Asad Ahmed bhai. Growing up seeing him play some crazy guitar tunes really got me into the desi rock scene. The way he used to do split legs while playing solo with his flame like guitar was a dream for me as teen. I hope someday he beings back Karavan and let us Millennials relive those epic moments again.

@atharonyoutube Ай бұрын

Thanks for doing this Umair. Just for the record, I am the craziest Asad Ahmed fan ever.

@Abiddars 27 күн бұрын

Legend Asad Ahmed

@rizwanhaq5554 Ай бұрын

Finally Asad is here after a long time. Btw i like this jam room. Asad's interview should be done in this jam room around guitars. He's a Legend.

@AforAleph Ай бұрын

Your interview is also due Rizwan Bhai! Also in this jam room :)

@rizwanhaq5554 Ай бұрын

@AforAleph pleasure is mine, bro 🙏

@ahfazkhan1579 8 күн бұрын

These podcasts are a great service to the Pakistani music scene. Thank you for all your efforts.

@AforAleph 8 күн бұрын

Jazak’Allah! Much appreciated brother!

@CarazyDiamond Ай бұрын

I’ve been waiting to Asad Ahmed see here ❤. Now, I’ll watch the the program and then comment later …

@farhan.mathew Ай бұрын

Pakistani Music History class by the great music genius Asad Ahmed.. legend ❤

@baigmusic Ай бұрын

For Pak music lovers this was like being on cloud 9, didn't want it to end lol.. A real inspiration to watch and listen to Asad's journey, dig the new look and the gear rundown segment too. Wish Asad much success on his future projects. Stay legendary guys, big salute from Canada!

@WaqarMalikGuitarist Ай бұрын

Asad bhai is a gem no doubt , he is a great musician and an amazing human being ❤

@hydra_is_dehydrated Ай бұрын

Karvan and SHOR specifically .. what a song ASAD BHAI 🙌 Love KARAVAN PLEASE BRING HEAVY STUFF WE NEED IT

@afraz-khan Ай бұрын

wow!!!

@CarazyDiamond Ай бұрын

Asad is certainly one of the finest guitarist & great Pakistani icon. A very humble personality indeed. I guess his adaptability to gel-in with other musicians speaks volumes of his success story. Vital Signs's Hum Tum was a prime example of his work. Albeit, bit unfortunate in terms of keeping Karwaan for a long time. After Najm's departure from Karwaan, the band lost chemistry & vibe in the vocals department. Thank you Umair for being consistent and bringing the best on your podcast. great show indeed and loving the new format. The show must go on 🎸

@AforAleph Ай бұрын

Glad you like the new format brother! InshaAllah lots more to come!

@drbizzarow Ай бұрын

maza agaya!!! ... Asad is always my favourite ...i miss Karwan alot.

@farazkh Ай бұрын

Great to see Pakistans Legendary Rocker...Thank you for doing this podcast... You Rock! 😎

@AforAleph Ай бұрын

Our pleasure! Thanks for listening and supporting!

@rayyanaltaf9279 Ай бұрын

This was so cool man, he's such a legend. So much experience and knowledge, and lets not forget chops

@fahadjavaid7336 Ай бұрын

just completed it. amazing stuff. thanks to Asad Bhai for sharing that much. and great work umair bringing him on show

@dankazama404 Ай бұрын

Finally! Was waiting for this... Now i will comment after watching :D

@wahajaleem27-95 Ай бұрын

He is the only guy who has sustained himself over the year's and the only true Rockstar we have ❤️❤️❤️❤️

@asim2294 Ай бұрын

Most awaited episode by asad ahmad

@Rocklte Ай бұрын

Lovely to see asad a very good and humble person .

@danishgibb Ай бұрын

@Umair and @A leph this should be your next guest. Please fly to islamabad or bring him to Karachi!

@Eccentrics Ай бұрын

Legendary guitar player, inspirational, been a fan of his since the Awaz days, and Karavan was on a whole other level. Lovely interview Umair. Thank you for doing this A for Aleph.

@Tazzitude Ай бұрын

huuuge Asad Ahmed fan. been to all Karavan shows in karachi, no one came close to these guys when it comes to playing LIVE

@ampiko68 5 күн бұрын

My favorite guitarist along with mark knopfler, jeff beck! I would love to see asad play his solo albums live! Please tour . Also now karvan can be reunited? 🎉🎉

@MAD.Reactions.623 Ай бұрын

The legend Asad Ahmed. Alas rock is no more in Pakistan. The era of late 90s and early 20s should be bring back. Don't know who will do it

@AforAleph Ай бұрын

There are a bunch of very good rock bands in Pakistan at the moment - the only problem is they don’t have the support of the mainstream audience.

@muhdabdullah1 Ай бұрын

What a legend! Asad bhai's concerts with Karavan were awesome. Amazing live and his performance and presence on the stage was amazing. Love this guy! Been part of music listening journey for so many kids who are now grown ups.

@kenan_keys Ай бұрын

Wonderful to hear this

@MAD.Reactions.623 Ай бұрын

1:25:56 Thank You Asad I understood at the first time you said. Thanks for the good news.... I wish you best of luck for that

@shehzadatif1 Ай бұрын

Please upload the audio on Apple Podcast.. helps people like me to listen amazing conversation with our legends while driving. AND Thank you again for inviting another talented Asad Ahmed.

@AforAleph Ай бұрын

Yep it’ll be live on there soon! You’re welcome!

@musharrafajmal-dv8ve Ай бұрын

The best episode thus far since the inception of your podcast. Wish Late Great Amir zaki would 've been on your podcast.

@AforAleph Ай бұрын

Glad that you feel that way - we really wanted to make the 50th episode a special one and a step up from any of the episodes that have come before! Also yes, we really wish we had got the chance to not just interview but work with the late great, Aamir Zaki

@MAD.Reactions.623 Ай бұрын

1:55:20 exactly season 6 was amazing. It was underrated not realky like by people but musically it was really big

@Prodby_Maaz Ай бұрын

Congratulations on the 50th episode To Aleph team

@AforAleph Ай бұрын

❤️🙏🏼 Jazak’Allah brother

@syednasirsubzwari Ай бұрын

It's a Treat to listen Asad of his journey. Excellent expression and narration of his musical journey. ❤

@SuperHassan2001 Ай бұрын

Very nice. However, wish we could hear a bit about the recording of the last vital signs album where i believe asad played critical role with guitar work

@madape47 Ай бұрын

Finally, it's on air.. I've been waiting for this since AA posted on his IG stories. Great job man.

@AforAleph Ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

@Tariqmajeedofficial Ай бұрын

I'm happy to see this interview. Asad Ahmed, one of my favourite guitar player. Stay blessed Umair, you have done a great job. Regards. Tariq

@AforAleph Ай бұрын

JazakAllah brother ❤️

@basilkhan4397 Ай бұрын

A wealth of knowledge and insight in this interview. I loved the layout of this interview and Asad bhai demoing his sounds. Especially at 2:07:33 mark where the sound reminded me of Atif Aslam's Tere Bin intro!

@shehzadatif1 Ай бұрын

I agree Van Halen was a big deal in early to mid 80s although we in Pakistan did not get much of their music till 90s.

@fahadjavaid7336 Ай бұрын

can't wait to search all the music he has talked about. album with naam, first album with tanseer.

@Wehla_InsanMemes Ай бұрын

Such an chilling an engaging podcast. Will love to see tanseer dar or ehtasham from azal

@mosoof2177 Ай бұрын

Awesome stuff yaar. Loved it. Obviously the legendary Asad Ahmad is definitely an integral part of Pakistan’s Music Industry. All Karavan albums are my favorite. But my love for Safar is at another level. My first exposure to Karavan was Safar, not the first album so, Tanseer Dar appeals to me as a part of Karavan. Najam sheraz was always a solo act for me. Anyway, lovely interview. Also Asad Bhai, please share how do we get to know ur tour dates for North America if and when you come here. Kudos ❤❤

@MAD.Reactions.623 Ай бұрын

1:18:22 very sad these legends not get recognition in Pakistan by our people....

@rocknrollsingh7568 Ай бұрын

Nice

@nnaranji7195 24 күн бұрын

This was such a treat, Asad a legend fr. Love the ease he plays with, makes shit look effortless. Also noticed, mans meticulous about remembering dates and old equipment details lol. Last instrumental album was a treatttt. ALSOOOO kudos for bringing these legendary icons on your show but pls also have some of the pop boy bands guys over; Shehryar Kurayshi from Fringe Benefits, Misbah from Sequencers, they're around and kicking here and there. Would love to hear from that side of the music scene as well. Baki keep up the good work, love it!

@user-cy5dn9vk7u Ай бұрын

Very nice. 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

@dankazama404 Ай бұрын

Loved this. Inclusion of playing during podcast and pedal board tour is a brilliant addition, also new background looks great. Thanks for doing this and looking forward to more. Btw the idea of gumby , anas and asad jamming is great you should definitely do it, the jam of asad on gumby's channel sounded amazing so its worth doing

@AforAleph Ай бұрын

So glad you enjoyed it and also like the changes!

@sahmednadeem 22 күн бұрын

Loving the new setup and format! Great interview!

@AforAleph 22 күн бұрын

Thanks a lot bro!!

@onenonlyheart Ай бұрын

looking like its 1995 with Awaz

@mdss9117 Ай бұрын

just started podcast and noticed quality and lighting this is soo amazing also these 2 les paul looks sick in frame man keep doing hard work you are doing a great job.

@AforAleph Ай бұрын

Thank you so much! PS: two Les Paul’s and a PRS P245 😸

@shehmirkhan Ай бұрын

❤❤

@MAD.Reactions.623 Ай бұрын

❤

@UnKnown-qm3ys Ай бұрын

Invite Sameer Ahmad Bhiktiari one of the legendary bassists of Pakistan

@AforAleph Ай бұрын

inshaAllah soon

@danishgibb Ай бұрын

I was waiting for this one. Kinda sad that he has moved away from Karavan and doesn't look like he will be interested in it in the future either . Also , I feel he doesn't give Tanseer his due . I mean give the man a break , he evolved into an amazing rock band vocalist. What is this "...tanseer ...yeh lo jingle " nonsense . Safar is a very very good Album . Ive spent hours listening to it . They dont realize what they created i think. All Karavan albums had amazing music.

@fahadmirza4972 Ай бұрын

love what you guys done to the space. new frame looks fresh

@AforAleph Ай бұрын

Thank you! This is actually a different space - this our jam room. We thought to change things up now that we’ve reached 50 episodes! The rest of the episodes were all done in what we call the Live Room in Studio A

@fahadmirza4972 Ай бұрын

oh shit hahaha just realized this. its the natural light for me man miss aleph. would deff come by again when i'm in town

@aliasad1308 20 күн бұрын

Can u please do a podcast with Meekal Hassan

@fahadjavaid7336 Ай бұрын

being a young boy , fan of flashy solos I didn't liked much compared to Faraz Anwar but truly he is god father of Pakistan rock music. it's not him it's my lack of awareness of the barbarians era. our first intro with Asad was through awaz, so we are not to be blamed hahaa

@designmen4846 Ай бұрын

Amir hasan ka interview

@AforAleph Ай бұрын

Yes trying to schedule it!

@koihaiavailable Ай бұрын

After seeing this podcast...i have a question for you umair. I dont particularly like asad ahmeds music. I feel that for the inspirations and roots he has he couldve been the only person in the pakistan music industry to actually reflect true rock n roll. Having said that i do respect his fearless approach towards the music world, his long spanning career which he was able to establish inspite of all the challenges that have always been there across the path in comparison to others and especially his business sense of things towards a music career. You on the other hand, i dig all the music you did with the DA method and i rate all that work as probably the best western influenced and eastern blended music to ever come out of pakistan. I saw in that work that truely no compromise was ever made in the art and the music itself was given the rule and highest priority. Also greatly respect the way this podcast is being conducted. With that background, my question is, why dont you or asad or you both or people like you both set up a label that is able to bring forth all the young talent there is in Pakistan which is currently offered no chances or oppertunities and is down trodden and being buried by life in Pakistan itself? Yknow, something which would promote all the talent and yet not break the bank, offer high quality and offer cost effective incentives to the talent and make the business work maybe not only for the small time hurried profits down the line but for the long run into developing pakistan into a music power in itself? Everyone comes on the podcast or discussions elsewhere and keeps cribbing with the used and abused "halaat kharab hain" and "kisi ko kuch to karna parayga....change has to start from someone" etc.etc. What stops one from taking this initiative when experienced people like you and asad also exist here? Just for the love of music? Why not?

@AforAleph Ай бұрын

Thank you so much for the kind words and the detailed thoughts - really honoured that you feel that way about what we did with The D/A Method. As for the question - actually, we have done exactly that with A for Aleph Records. We’ve invested in artists that didn’t have the resources to produce their work to the standards that they aspired to and tried to fill that gap which you speak of - this has resulted in albums such as Takatak’s ‘Acrophase’, Malang Party’s ‘Ziyarat’, Irfan Ali Tai’s ‘Mahal’, Surkhwaab’s self titled EP and several more projects that are in various stages of completion as of now. You can find the entire catalogue that we’ve put out with our label here (barring Takatak as that was released before we established the label) aforalephrecords.bandcamp.com/ I’m curious - did you not know about this work? Or you know about it and what you are referring to is something more?

@koihaiavailable Ай бұрын

@AforAleph @AforAleph This is great to know then if such is the case. I honestly had no news of this. Maybe a gap in the marketing or promotional strategy or something i dunno. Once again hats off to you on the initiative. Will definetly check em out. I know you guys have disbanded but for the record...would've loved to get more material from DA method. I wish we could've talked one on one umair. I think it would've been great for both of us. Anyways...keep up the good work 👍🏻

@AforAleph Ай бұрын

@@koihaiavailable please do check out the albums i mentioned! Yes definitely something missing in the promotional aspect if you didn’t hear about this body of work till now! Also we can chat one on one anytime just drop me your contact details / add me on Instagram or Facebook If you don’t use those platforms just email me your number at aforaleph@gmail.com Thanks!

@koihaiavailable Ай бұрын

@@AforAleph Great. Will definetly do. We can get in touch then. And will definetly be checking out the albums you've mentioned. I'm kind of a music nut and always a sucker for good new music. Thanks again 👍🏻👍🏻

@MAD.Reactions.623 Ай бұрын

Can anyone of you guys can share with me the casue of actual or forceful downfall of our music??? Everyone is not telling the full story. Due to certain reasons may be

@AforAleph Ай бұрын

It’s not just in Pakistan bro - look around the world, the charts are filled with trash. 20-30 years ago, that was not the case. The reasons are several - but music becoming ‘free’ due to the internet is a major factor.

@dankazama404 Ай бұрын

I have throughly researched on this topic as well! the answer i got is our musicians dont have unity between them, no matter what achievement any band or show got , there is always a musicians talking against it, in recent years coke studio is an perfect example, it was something that we pakistani should be proud of, but musicians due to there personal grudges start talking negative about it, like meekal hasan , i love his music and his ability but he criticized Rohail so harshly , and i can understand if he has some problems with the type of music but he said rohail hyatt is talentless!. so going this far means obsiviouly he is taking his anger out due to personal issues or jealousy. So the point is our musicians dont have unity between them and they talk badly about each other even when they are present in foreign musicians. They also talk about people dont supporting them , but they dont buy each other albums as well. So when this kind of ego and leg pulling exists how can the industry be formed?

@dankazama404 Ай бұрын

And this is one example , i have seen so many.every muscian here says the music that they do is best and legit and everybody else dont know how to make music. Being big musicians they themselves forget about genre's and compare their rock music with someone's pop tune and say they are talentless, pop music doesnt neccesarlly means its bad, Michael Jackson was a pop artist also. So this is the problem not just in pakistani musicians but in any feild of pakistan industry as well. By putting somebody else down to prove their greatness,i dont know why embedded in people of pakistan! and i have seen many things like this

@AforAleph Ай бұрын

@@dankazama404 yes this lack of supporting each other and backbiting ‘culture’ is certainly highly damaging - but the decline of quality music in the mainstream is a worldwide phenomenon like I mentioned earlier.

@dankazama404 Ай бұрын

@@AforAleph Yes ofcourse that is also! but i cant get over the fact if somebody does something good, why dont they promote it! Why they have to sh*t on somebody's else music to justify their music as good.