If there is one set of hair that has become extremely popular, over the past few weeks, in Pakistan, it’s Vais’. He’s been rocking out on the Pepsi Battle of the Bands stage from the first audition, and he hasn’t stopped since then. After being praised time and time again for his skill and style, he’s only getting better. As the lead guitarist for Kashmir, he’s been rocking it out on stage and driving the judges crazy. So here’s everything you need to know about the desi Slash that we have!

Vais hails from Quetta and that’s where his musical journey started from

He had an interest in music from a very early age. He grew up watching MTV and that’s when he was introduced to musical greats like Guns n Roses, Van Halen, and Megadeth, who eventually helped him get into music.

While he’s had Western influences

The likes of Steve Vai, Getheri Govan, Marty Friedman, Steven Wilson, Pink Floyd, Camel are just some of the names he draws inspiration from.

He grew up with some pretty solid Pakistani musical influences, as well

Including industry giants like Faraz Anwar, Adnan Afaq, Aahad Nayani, Khurram Waqar, Fawad Khan and Omran Shafiq.

How did Kashmir come about?

The story behind the creation of the band goes back all the way to Vais’ college days. While the band was called Quasars before, they had Mashhad Shehryar as the lead singer, then. After some members having to leave the band, for personal reasons, only Vais, Usman and Ali were left behind. That’s when they got Zair, Bilal and Shane to join the band and they’ve only grown bigger since then.

While they love the element of darkness within their music, that’s not all they want for the band’s music to sound like

And they want to keep on experimenting with their sound

If you listen to their original music that was already out before Pepsi Battle of the Bands, you’ll realize that they all have a different feel to them. While ‘Soch’ is more alternative rock, ‘Rani-e-Kashmir’ sounds more traditional with the arrangement of the song and the vocals, and ‘Sub Saath Challein’ has a more electronic feel to it. While talking to MangoBaaz Vais said that they love experimenting with different genres and songs, and that’s what excites them and allows them to learn more. “Some might be crap, some might be good. Besides, who wants to play the same music for the rest of their lives?”

Pepsi Battle of the Bands has been an interesting journey for Vais and the Kashmir crew

They’ve met new musicians, made friends along the way, and learned more about the insane music that they play.

We’re not the only ones going crazy over Vais and his mad skills

Vais Khan u were on "FIRE". If this was a guitar competition , u would have taken the trophy home ?? @Kashmirtheband #PepsiBatteOfTheBands

— ? Navee ? (@fawadkifan) August 13, 2017

Chaa gaya Vais Khan! Next solo with your teeth bro! https://t.co/GX9Z9J7cbZ

— Chaudry Hasan Ejaz (@ChHasanE) August 17, 2017

Vais Khan from Kashmir band appreciation tweet

— ? (@ThatCule) August 27, 2017

This curly haired guitarist vais khan is fucking beast.

— Rameez shahid (@rameez_18) August 19, 2017

Also, ladies, y’all can relax…Vais is single

While the future is uncertain for everyone, Vais says that they’ll be making music no matter what. Have you been following their journey on Pepsi Battle of the Bands, so far?