'Totally unexpected...rousing new crowd-pleasers.' (The Guardian)
From the steppes of Mongolia, via Shanghai, comes Hanggai, a boisterous six -piece outfit blending traditional music and upbeat rock.
They sing about Mongolian Robin Hoods, mix throat singing with rock instruments and dress like men of the steppes even though they live in the teeming, churning metropolis of Shanghai.
Hanggai's music embraces the world of rock, pop and bluegrass as seen and heard by a new generation of Chinese.
The self-described 'Inner Mongolian hillbillies' have had a great year in Asia, the US and Australia. Highlights for the band were outstanding shows at Fuji Rock Festival in Niigata, Japan, Music Without Borders @ Millennium Park, Chicago and Bonaroo Festival, Tennessee, Sydney Festival, Australia and WOMAD Australia and New Zealand.
In 2012 they are returning to Europe, Australia, Japan and the America's. Summer 2011/2012 will bring Hanggai back to Australia, with appearances booked at Woodford, Peats Ridge and Mona Foma Festivals with headline sideshows this time added to the tour.
About Hanggai
When Shanghai-based punk rocker Ilchi heard throat singing for the first time, he was determined to investigate his family's Inner Mongolian heritage. He journeyed there, met two traditional musicians named Xu Jingchen and Batubagen, and soon Hanggai was born.
The scope of Hanggai's music is almost as wide as the grasslands out of which they journey. The six-piece Hanggai encompasses tradition, culture, fusion and folklore to produce their unique sound. Forming in 2004, they released their debut album 'Introducing Hanggai' in 2008 to much acclaim and began to tour both internationally and nationally.
The more straightforward traditional sound captured on their first album has developed through their international touring, reflecting their growing rock sensibilities. The sound is richer, more complex, and irresistible. As Mojo magazine so effectively put it, 'like Tinariwen, Hanggai were put on this planet to revive your love for old-school riffage. Embrace them!'
Hanggai take their audience on a journey to the interior, giving them a taste of the freedom of life on the steppe, the beauty of the four seasons in the grasslands, and the experience of nomadic life - the experience of life from the back of a horse. As Pitchfork says, 'it's transcendently powerful music that anyone from anywhere can understand.'
With their elegant songs, top-notch production and strangely familiar tunes, they have made the leap from folk phenomenon to crossover pioneers while keeping their soul very much intact.
Check out this incredible clip w. Special guest JB Meijers: http://youtu.be/9CCISOgigk4
Hanggai Australian Tour Dates
Tuesday 27 – Friday 30 December
Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
www.woodfordfolkfestival.com
Saturday 31 December
Peats Ridge Festival, NSW
www.peatsridgefestival.com.au
Tuesday 3 & Wednesday 4 January
The Basement, Sydney
www.thebasement.com.au
7 Macquarie Pl, Circular Quay NSW
Ph: 02 9251 2797
Tix $35 + bf
Thursday 5 January
Lizotte's, Kincumber
www.lizottes.com.au
3 Avoca Dr, Kincumber NSW
Ph: 02 4368 2017
Tix $38 + bf
Friday 6 January
Adelaide Festival Centre, Adelaide
www.adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au
Festival Drive, Adelaide
Ph: 08 8216 8600
Tix $36.50 / $32.80 subscription
Saturday 7 January
The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
www.cornerhotel.com
57 Swan St, Richmond VIC
Ph: 03 9427 9198
Tix $30 + bf
Sunday 8 January
Ruby's Lounge, Belgrave
www.rubyslounge.com.au
1648 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave, VIC
Ph: 03 9754 7445
Tix $22 + bf/$25 @ door
Friday 13 January
Mona Foma Festival, Hobart
www.mona.net.au