The Muslims Members, Gear & Sound

The Muslims are a provocative punk band hailing from Durham, North Carolina, known for their explosive fusion of riot grrrl, queercore, and punk genres. Formed in 2017, the band is composed of QADR (vocals/guitar), Abu Shea (bass), and Ba7Ba7 (drums). This all-queer, Black and Brown ensemble channels the raw "fuck you" energy of the oppressed into a powerful musical force that defies norms and challenges societal injustices. Drawing inspiration from iconic artists like Bobby Hackney Sr., Nina Simone, and Poly Styrene, The Muslims have carved out a space in the punk scene with their unapologetically bold sound and politically charged lyrics.

The Muslims' sound is a gritty, aggressive assault that blends classic punk riffs with dynamic, noisy melodies. The sonic landscape is both chaotic and deliberate, capturing the essence of rebellion and resistance. Their use of Fender-style guitars paired with overdriven tones, perhaps achieved through pedals like the Boss SD-1 Super OverDrive, delivers a raw and punchy sound. The percussive backbone provided by Ba7Ba7's drumming adds a frenetic, rhythmic intensity that propels their music forward. The driving bass lines of Abu Shea anchor the chaos, while the stark, sometimes humorous lyrics of QADR bring clarity and focus, making their music both an auditory onslaught and a rallying cry for change.