Kumbaung members were originated from the legendary band call “Sing Kuang Liang (SKL)” in Seattle, Washington; led by Vern Xeng Lee (aka “uncle Sam”), the forefather of modern Iu-Mien music. SKL was initiated by Mr. Lee in 1981 and formally founded in 1982. Many of the original SKL members include: Mr. Vern Xeng Lee, Steven Chao (Pao Tong), Somphon Saelee (Andy), Joe Liow (Kao Nai) and Keith Selle of Kumbaung, Eric Saelee (Kao Fong) of Black Rain, Pa Cho Saelee of Lingh, and few other informal associates.

SKL members in Washington State separated in 1985 as a result of family migration to the state of California. As the last resort and for the love of Mien music, Mr. Lee had managed to produce the album called "Beauty Outside" in 1985 in Sacramento, California with both former and current members of Kumbaung and SKL.

As high school teenagers, our taste in music was drastically influenced by the popular heavy metal and rock music of the ‘80s. Consequently, in late 1986, the band Kumbaung was formed. The original members of Kumbaung consisted of Steven Chao (lead vocal and drums), Soumphon Lee (lead guitar/vocal), Joe Liow (bass), and Keith Selle (keyboard). In 2003, Kumbaung recruited Rick Saelee to become its newest drummer.

Since the band’s formation, Kumbaung has recorded and released three albums: Need Your Love (1987), Born To Be Poor (1991), and Hometown Girl (2003). In 2001 (10 years later), Born To Be Poor album was re-released into CD format. As Mien, we value the beauty, teaching, and preservation of our unique language and culture. Therefore, Kumbaung’s songs are sung in Mien.

Although music is our passion, we are working professionals with various degrees and backgrounds. Therefore, we don’t pursue it as a career.

It has been a long journey for Kumbaung and our dedicated fans. We value and appreciate the love and support from you “the fan” and especially our families. We are humbled and honored to have the opportunity to be a part of our unique Mien musical history. Despite our desire to make more music and greater progress through the journey, Kumbaung is only taking one step at a time. The continuation of the band’s existence depends on much love and supports from our fans, our families and the Iu-Mien community. Kumbaung encourages the many young and talented artists to form their band and continue the new found musical tradition. Ultimately, write their own unique chapter in the Mien history.
May your tomorrow be better than today and thank you for visiting Kumbaung.