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

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: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3rcj8...
Twitter:   / aahmedoffical  
Instagram:   / asadahmedofficial  
Facebook:   / asadahmedofficial  
YouTube:    / @asadahmedofficial  
Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asad_Ahmed

FOLLOW KARAVAN:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4zVY7...
Apple Music:   / karavan  
YouTube:    / @asadahmedofficial  

FOLLOW A FOR ALEPH:
Bandcamp: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph
Instagram: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph
Facebook: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph
Twitter: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph
YouTube: https://linktr.ee/aforaleph