The Gironese group Kabul Baba, created twenty-five years ago with musicians from various formations, has just released its fourth album, entitled IV. We talk about it with Francesc “Cuco” Lisicic, bass, and Roger Alemany, vocals. The other two members are Jaume «Peck» Soler, guitar, and Àngel Valentí, drums.
I like to discover that, musically, there is something more to Girona than Sopa de Cabra.
There are many more things than Sopa de Cabra, the fact is that standing out in Girona is difficult. Because Sopa de Cabra is no longer a group, it is a brand. Today brands dominate, if you only have a small group it’s difficult to make yourself known, unless there’s someone behind it who bets on it. Yet this guy has to risk money, and that risk isn’t very attractive.
What are you waiting for to find someone with pasta?
(Laugh). If you know of one, please let us know. If you’re not a brand, it’s difficult.
Today brands rule, if you only have a small group it’s difficult to make yourself known, unless there is someone behind it who bets on it
From what I see, musicians are like bullfighters, they never fully retire.
It would be something like this, cut it gather it costs a lot. It’s just that we never stop being musicians, you always have the point of view of someone who has recorded a record or gone on stage. Even if you try to distance yourself from him, when you go to a concert you see him as a musician. Sometimes you say “I’m leaving”, and you do it for a while, until one day you say “I can’t” and you go back. Being a musician is like an escape.
Are things being handled differently than when they started twenty-five years ago?
When you create a melody with the guitar and get emotional, it’s magic. This is enough for you. When you have something that works magically, you can’t stop doing it. Over the years, instead of doing things differently, you have a clearer idea of where you need to go.
Over the years, instead of doing things differently, you have a clearer idea of where you need to go.
In one of the new songs they complain that “saying I love you is ridiculous”.
There are many people who have been married for thirty years and never tell their partner that they love them. Perhaps this word has lost its value.
Because today it is no longer said. Aren’t they getting older?
We did it. But we keep saying “I love you”, even if only so that you remember it (laughter)
In more than one topic they refer to friends who are no longer with us. Do they die or go away?
It also has to do with the passage of time. You grow up, there is a family, obligations… You lose ties. One day you meet
What do they miss about youth?
We could respond for a week (laughs). Passion, motivation, desire… When you have few things you use them more, when you have many it’s difficult to find the time to use them. And maybe even desire. And that, in our case, when we meet we still retain the essence of the fifteen years.
Maybe twenty-five years ago we would have made three reeds. And here we are now, with three coffees.
What mistakes did they make when they were young?
many For example, trusting unreliable people. But welcome to mistakes, we are now where we want to be and mistakes got us there too. We would happily do them again.
Were they told many lies?
strength The world of music is complicated, with Sopa de Cabra we had some managers who pulled us by the hair. It is always dangerous to find someone who trusts you more than you trust yourself, it is better not to trust him. That’s why with Kabul Baba we don’t have a manager. Now we have good colleagues who help us with what they need, and that’s it.
And unprofessional lies?
Sentimental ones, above all, who are the ones who help compose the songs (laughs). You can’t make an album with twelve love songs. Instead with twelve heartbreaks, for sure.
Sentimental lies help to compose, I have an ex-girlfriend who thanks to her I made a handful of songs
Don’t tell me that at their age they still fall into the trap.
Nooo, but we keep it in mind. What else would we talk about in the songs? We have a habit of looking back and there are things we haven’t experienced yet (laughs). Me [Lisicic] I have an ex-girlfriend who thanks to her I made a handful of songs.
Li had to pay royalties.
If I knew, I would definitely ask.
In one song they sing that we are all the same. Are you sure?
We should be. Maybe we’re all just as stupid. Or failures. And physically we all have the same organs, including the brain. Then it depends on how each person uses it. What is certain is that, even if we have different ideals, we are all on a journey and we end up there.
What themes are explored in Kabul Baba’s new album, *IV*?
Interview: The Evolution of Kabul Baba – A Conversation with Francesc ”Cuco” Lisicic and Roger Alemany
Editor (Time.news): Welcome, Cuco and Roger! It’s a pleasure to have you here to discuss your newly released album, IV. It’s been twenty-five years since Kabul Baba was formed. How does it feel to mark this milestone in your music career?
Francesc “Cuco” Lisicic: Thanks for having us! It’s a unique feeling, really. There’s a mix of nostalgia and excitement. Every album tells a story, and IV is a testament to our journey—not just as musicians, but as individuals.
Roger Alemany: Absolutely, and it’s fascinating to realize how much we’ve grown over the years. We’ve become clearer about our musical goals, which has shaped the sound of this album.
Editor: Speaking of growth, you touched on the challenges for musicians in Girona. You mentioned it’s difficult to stand out beyond the shadow of a brand like Sopa de Cabra. Can you elaborate on that?
Cuco: It’s true. Sopa de Cabra has become more than just a band; it’s a brand now. For smaller groups like us, it often feels like we’re battling to get noticed without substantial backing. It’s tough to break through unless someone is willing to invest.
Editor: So, you’re actively looking for someone with “pasta” to fund the journey, then?
Roger: (Laughs) If you know of anyone, let us know! Without that kind of support, it can be hard to get your music in front of a broader audience.
Editor: You mentioned that despite the challenges, musicians like you never fully retire. Does that mean there’s always a part of you that feels compelled to create music?
Cuco: It’s intrinsic to who we are. Even when life diverges and responsibilities mount, the urge to create—whether through composing, recording, or performing—never really leaves us.
Roger: Exactly. We might take breaks, but the music pulls us back in. It’s a part of our identity.
Editor: Over the years, has your approach to music-making changed?
Cuco: Instead of completely changing what we do, we’ve refined our understanding of where we want to go. That clarity is a gift that comes with experience.
Editor: There’s a notable edge in one of your new songs, where you comment on the absurdity of openly expressing love. What sparked that lyric?
Roger: It’s a reflection on how the phrase “I love you” has evolved over time. We maybe take it for granted today, and it’s often left unsaid in long-term relationships.
Editor: Can we say that in some ways, you’ve grown wiser with age, or is it more about having richer experiences?
Cuco: Perhaps a bit of both! (Laughs) We definitely retain that youthful passion, but we’ve learned through our experiences—including the complications and expectations that come with growing older.
Editor: Reflecting on past experiences, what mistakes do you think shaped your journey the most?
Roger: Oh, there were many! One big lesson was trusting the wrong people in the industry. It’s a harsh world, and in the beginning, we were naive. Those mistakes, however, taught us resilience and how to navigate this complicated industry better.
Cuco: We’ve learned to embrace our experiences—good and bad. They’ve led us where we are today, and we wouldn’t change that story.
Editor: What do you miss most about your youth?
Roger: The thrill of discovery! When we started, everything felt new, and each small moment was filled with passion and motivation. Today, amidst life’s obligations, carving out that time for creativity can be a challenge.
Cuco: But even now, when we get together, that youthful essence isn’t lost. We still tap into that excitement.
Editor: Looking ahead, what’s next for Kabul Baba after IV?
Cuco: We’ll continue to create, perform, and share our music with others. There’s always more to explore, both in our sound and in our experiences.
Roger: And who knows? Maybe we’ll find that elusive investor after all! (Laughs)
Editor: It sounds like there’s much more to come from you both—and Kabul Baba. Thank you for sharing your insights with us today!
Cuco and Roger: Thank you for having us!
