Kuwait Times

Published Date: November 28, 2008
By Dana Khraiche, Staff writer

Western-style music was never part of Kuwaiti popular culture, or Arabic culture in general, due to unaccepted characteristics that are distinct to rock stars and heavy metal music. However, western music is popular. Bands like Metallica and HIM are one of those that have made it big in Kuwait. And bands who are influenced by such music, make it big locally and see the future of local rock as bright. Some, though, are pessimistic.

The local scene is getting better. We, as a band, are getting more gigs here and there," Saleh, who plays in a band called SwitchBack with six other musicians, said.

Saleh noted that 10 years ago, the situation was different when compared to present times and that the fan base is expanding. He recalls a gig at the British Embassy and estimates the number to be around 300 although promotion for this kind of music is non-existent.

Mohsen, a member of a local band called Sedition said the alternative means of media such as the Internet made it easier to promote through Facebook pictures and Myspace groups.

Mohsen talked about a concert in the desert that was promoted by the band Freefall through their Facebook group. "The turnout was good, there were about 100 people, and although we had some technical difficulties, it was still great and everyone enjoyed the live music".

The underground music scene in Kuwait is flourishing and beginning to be more popular among those who enjoy rock music, heavy metal or funk. Yet it remains underground.

There's nothing cool about being underground, we want to be popular and it's getting better," said Saleh, who seems hopeful that if the music situation stays on the right track, people are going to accept that type of music and appreciate it.

Rock Music: Bad Reputation

There was a time in the 90s when rock music was associated with devil worshippers. So now they refer to such music as a devil worshipping activity," said Mohsen who also believes that it is a propaganda stunt by some religious people who reject music.

For a passionate musician like Mohsen, playing his guitar is a an experience out of this world.

So there's no way God could make something so beautiful and tell you not to enjoy it," Mohsen said. He also added that music is a form of self-expression just like writing.

Kuwaiti vs Expats

Rock is more popular among expats than Kuwaitis. That's why most of our gigs are at embassies," Saleh noted.

For Mohsen, locals never get the chance to be exposed to this type of music here, hence, they don't have a sense of "how good the music could be".
Many of the local bands have members from mixed nationalities. Some bands are of pure local blood, others mix it up a little.

When it comes to rock, it's all about live shows

I enjoy the live performance a lot. When I listen to Metallica on my iPod, the experience is crazy but to share this experience with others is more enjoyable," Ahmad, who supports the local music scene, said.

When I played back in the States on a stage, I said to myself 'this is it, this is what it's all about'," Mohsen said.

Both Saleh and Mohsen noted that being appreciated for the music they play is a feeling like no other. "It's something you enjoy and love and people are enjoying it with you," Mohsen said.

Local Bands: some are good, some are just...passionate

There are some really good bands, like us. We play different types from soft rock to jazz, we include different instruments as well," Saleh said.
But when it comes to metal, some are good while others play for the sake of noise.

To be a good heavy metal band, you need to musically aware, melodic, and know how to be heavy," said Mohsen who thinks that being a band requires a lot of practice and real dedication.

Others like Ahmad just like to support and thinks that all the bands are good, and "if they're not, they will get better will time.

Laws need to be relaxed

Hopefuls like Saleh believes that the situation is getting better, although the rules on music are the same. Others like Mohsen will continue playing no matter what. "I got to the state of mind where I don't care if they let me play or not, all that matters to me is that I will always play.

Both agree that it doesn't matter whether officials reject this type of music, but they shouldn't prevent it. There are many concerts and live shows that are cancelled or busted, but the show must go on.