Hanggai was inspired by Western artist like Radiohead, Pink Floyd and Rage Against The Machine. On their debut album they used electric guitars and banjos, with which the members can be categorised as folk heroes and cross-over pioneers. The strength of Mongolian traditional folk music is still there, but stripped to the essence, mixed with rock elements. Hanggai respectfully freshen up folk music heard all over the plains and thereby create a contemporary sound that is unique.
In 2009 their song ‘Jiu Ge’ was pronounced Zwarte Cross Song (alternative festival) of 2009. A few years later Hanggai had a breakthrough with their memorable performance on LowLands. As a result their second album ‘He Who Travels Far’ was released in 2010 with which they toured all over the world, including the Wacken Open Air and Womad Festival. In the same year we invited them to play at our State-X New Forms, when Hanggai made the audience part of the Mongolian tradition for an entire hour. This year Hanggai is back and we’re ready for a new journey to Asia. Who says traditional music is old fashioned?
“Built from – and meant for – Mongolia’s wide open spaces, this music will make you homesick for a place you’ve never been.” (Rhapsody)
