Ulaanbaatar

Ulaanbaatar’s Groove: A Journey Through the Capital’s Music Scene

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s vibrant capital, boasts a rich and diverse musical history. From traditional folk melodies to contemporary rock and pop, the city’s soundscape reflects its dynamic cultural tapestry. Let’s take a groovy trip through time, exploring the evolution of Ulaanbaatar’s music scene:

The Echoes of Tradition:

Khöömei: The heart of Mongolian traditional music, khöömei (throat singing) has captivated audiences for centuries. This ancient technique, where singers create multiple notes using their vocal cords, showcases incredible vocal dexterity and a profound connection to the Mongolian steppes. Khöömei is a UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage, and Ulaanbaatar is home to numerous khöömei masters who continue to preserve and develop this unique art form.

Mongolian Folk Music: Beyond khöömei, traditional Mongolian music features a captivating blend of instruments like the Morin Khuur (horsehead fiddle), the Tovshuur (long-necked lute), and the Yochin (bamboo flute), creating a mesmerizing soundscape steeped in history and nomadic culture.

The Rise of Modernity:

The 1960s & 70s: As Mongolia embraced modernization, new musical styles emerged, drawing inspiration from international influences. The rise of rock and pop music saw bands like “Khulan” and “Gobi” emerge, experimenting with Western instruments and rhythms, while still paying homage to traditional Mongolian melodies.

The 1980s: The 80s witnessed a flourishing of musical creativity, with bands like “Shine” and “The Black Knights” bringing a harder rock sound to the scene. This era marked a period of experimentation and exploration, as Mongolian musicians embraced a wider range of genres and styles.

The 1990s & 2000s: The transition to democracy in the 1990s led to a surge in musical diversity. New genres like hip-hop and electronic music gained popularity, reflecting the city’s growing cosmopolitanism. Bands like “The Hu” emerged, blending traditional Mongolian instruments with rock music, taking the world by storm with their unique sound.

Ulaanbaatar’s Musical Quirks:

• The “Goat Opera”: In a hilarious twist, Mongolian opera singer, B. Bold, famously used a goat as a prop during his performance. The goat, named “Golden Voice,” apparently “sang” along with him, adding a unique, albeit somewhat disconcerting, element to the performance.
• The “Singing Bus Driver”: Ulaanbaatar is renowned for its public transportation system. But one bus driver decided to take his musical talents to the next level, belting out folk songs while driving passengers around the city. This impromptu concert on wheels became a viral sensation, proving that music can be found in the most unexpected places.
• The “Rockstar Nomad”: A Mongolian rock band, “The Hu,” once held a concert in a remote nomadic camp, using traditional Mongolian instruments to rock out with a group of nomads. This unique experience showcased the power of music to bridge cultural divides and bring people together.

Ulaanbaatar’s musical landscape continues to evolve, blending tradition and modernity to create a captivating sound that reflects the city’s dynamic energy. From the ancient echoes of khöömei to the modern beats of hip-hop, Ulaanbaatar’s music scene is a testament to the city’s vibrant cultural heritage and its unwavering spirit.