Kabul Dreams

Afghanistan’s first rock band, Kabul Dreams is established in 2008 in Kabul, Afghanistan. The band consists of Sulyman Qardash (lead singer and guitarist), Raby Adib (drummer) and Siddique Ahmad (bassist). The trio met in Kabul, Afghanistan in 2008 and started playing together soon after. Kabul Dreams has paved the way for a modest, but growing rock scene in the country, which is rebuilding after decades of war. The band’s motivation to perform came for their own love of music, but also a public hunger for a new life after war, including new music and art.

Drawing inspiration from Oasis, Chevelle and other indie rock artists, Kabul Dreams released its first full length album in April 2013. The album, Plastic Words, was mixed by Grammy winning producer Alan Sanderson and recorded in Afghanistan.

“Let’s play music because kids are kids, no matter if they live in Kabul or in San Francisco. It doesn’t matter because they want fun,” Sulyman Qardash told PRI in an interview earlier this year.

But the band’s aspirations extend beyond their home country. Kabul Dreams’ indie sound is not limited to war or defined by those experiences only. Their first EP reflects universal lyrics and experiences that make the band accessible to different audiences.

Kabul Dreams has performed at international music festivals in Asia and Europe, and the band currently is based in the United Sates. They recently performed at Yoshi’s in San Francisco, CA to a large crowd of fans. In 2014, they performed at the SXSW music festival in Austin, TX.

Kabul Dreams calls Kabul their home, but the band will be based in northern California for a period of time to work on their new album and tour dates.