The Hu Band members with their producer Dashdondog
According to their members, the style of rock they portray is not the rock that Mongolians perform, but rather a new type of rock that is exclusive to them. Their specialty lies in combining the traditional Mongolian throat singing as well as a variety of instruments, including Mongolian ones. For example, the members use Morin Khuur (horsehead fiddle), Tumur Khuur (jaw harp), and Tovshuur (Mongolian guitar). Moreover, Hunnu rock contains both the characteristics of ancient Mongolia and modern rock. It is the integration and culmination of these two sides that make up what the band is today.
Ranging from the garment they wear to the instruments they use, the old and new blend together well to establish their individuality. For instance, the Mongolian instruments they use are unlike the regular ones we see. Although the sound and pitch generated from these are exactly the same as normal ones, the design itself is unique, integrating the colors red, blue, and green which creates a rather flamboyant look. The patent for the instruments’ exclusive design lies at the hands of the producer of the band, Dashka. As for the band members’ apparel, they have blended the old Mongol Empire warrior clothing with modern-day hard rock hairdo and leather outfit. Adding all these together, we have the unique HU band style.
Music-wise, the band itself has produced 9 songs as of currently, in which the 2 music videos ‘Yuve Yuve Yu’ and ‘Wolf Totem’ have become famous, ranking high in the Billboard charts. The band has released its first album called ‘The Gereg’ on the 13th of September 2019. The meaning of the terminology ‘Greg’ is a diplomatic passport that was used in the Mongol Empire during the reign of Genghis Khan.
The music video ‘Yuve Yuve Yu’ is somewhat special because of its illustration of the Mongolian landscape. According to the band members, they wanted to show the beauty and grandeur of the nature of western Mongolia, hence the camera perspectives that swirls around the members. Respectively, the uniform Gobi, the snow-capped mountain named Altai Tavan Bogd, the serene Uvs Lake, as well as plains that truly represent the charm of Mongolia. The combination of the members’ style with the portrayal of the lofty landscapes create a singular look.
Mongolian Gobi
On another note, band wise, the members have been friends for a long time and only in 2011 with the help of the band’s producer Dashka’s inspirational moment and experimentations of old Mongolian music, poetry, and instruments were they able to consolidate their genre and characteristics to become a full-fledged folk-rock band.
According to Dashka, it is his eventual goal to make throat singing, which originated from the Hun Empire be recognized as the origin of rock music by having it be studied and verified by scientists using concrete scientific evidence. He believes that it could very well be true, hence the intention.
