Get ready for The Hu, a band that are unlike any other rock band in the world. The Mongolian rock band and worldwide online sensation bringing eastern traditions to western rock will release their debut album, “The Gereg” on September 13th on E7M (Eleven Seven Music)
The four-piece band combines traditional Mongolian instruments with modern American hard rock to create their own style of music they call “hunnu rock,” which derives from “HU,” the Mongolian root word for human beings. This unique sound blends heavy rock elements with traditional Mongolian guttural throat singing, accentuated by lyrics reflecting old Mongolian war cries and poetry. The word “gereg” in their debut album’s title was used as the first diplomatic “password” by the Mongol empire during the time of Genghis Khan.
We catch a few words from the band to find out more on their music, their history and their first album.
How was the writing and recording of the new album “The Gereg” and what did you want to achieve with it?
The Hu: It’s a teamwork with our producer Dashka and the band. With our album we want to share with our fans around the world more of our music and culture. This is our first album so in a way it’s nice that we don’t have to compare ourselves with our previous work but also of course we are hopeful that it is met with positive feedback.
Do you enjoy the process of creating? Are you someone who continually writes or does the best come out under a little gentle pressure?
The Hu: Absolutely, the creative process is unique to every song.
What does it feel like as an artist waiting for the songs you’ve lived with for some time to get released to the fans? Is there a sense of excitement or a little panic in there too?
The Hu: We’re totally excited to share our work with the fans. We’ve been working on our album for a few years now and it feels great that we’re almost at the time of sharing it with everyone.
What were the lyrical themes and inspirations for the songs?
The Hu: The lyrics of our songs come from various inspirations, mostly from our culture and history of our ancestors.
“Yuve Yuve Yu” – This song is about respecting our elders and protecting the nature. We are asking our generation why are we like this. We traveled over 5 thousand kilometers in 14 days to western Mongolia off roads to make the music video. There were times we were freezing on top of a high mountains or sweating in the desert. We wanted to show the world the beautiful nature of Mongolia.
“Wolf Totem” – We believe that everyone has a warrior in them. Through Wolf Totem we wanted to wake up those inner warrior in each of us so that you can face your fears and overcome them. This song is about facing and accepting the adversaries and coming out as a winner.
Did you imagine how these songs would play out in a live situation?
The Hu: We did but performing live to our fans during our recent European tour exceeded our expectations. After playing in front of so many amazing crowds in Europe and the UK, we felt so much connection, love and support. Our fans chant with us, they sing with us and they mosh with us. After our headline shows we are so exhausted but we still go to the merch booth so we can meet and take pictures with every single fan and supporter of our music because we love them, and we want them to know our gratitude. They are so important to us. We feel as they are our family. And we want them to know we love and appreciate them.
How has the experience of playing live been like for the band so far? Any highlights and favorite places so far?
The Hu: It’s amazing to perform live. We love playing in different cities and meeting amazing fans who support us dearly. Everywhere we play we do it as if it’s the most important show of our band. So, we love playing at small clubs as well as playing at the biggest stages such as Download, Rock Am Park, Rock Im Ring, and Tons of Rock festivals.
We’ve had so many great shows. One that stand out is definitely Rock Am Park! It was the show that kicke off our European tour this summer. We could not believe how many people showed up to see us perform even though we were the opening act at noon and it was our first time performing at a music festival.
How do you pick out a setlist and is that a difficult process?
The Hu: Our setlist was created to tell a story, it was easy for us to choose the songs based on the themes and messages of our songs. We change up the setlist depending on our running show times but in general we have a flow of the songs and the story we tell.
What is your favorite song to play live?
The Hu: Lately it has been Wolf Totem because when we play live, it’s the song that our fans are the most passionate about.
How did the band form and get started?
The Hu: The HU was founded in 2016 when we got together to work on a few tracks with our producer Dashka. After creating a few songs and trying out different techniques we found our sound. We call this sound Hunnu Rock.
What have been your greatest challenges to date, and your favorite moments musically?
The Hu: Touring months on the road and being away from our families is a challenge. When fans love our music and watch our music videos by the millions, it makes us very happy.
With technology changing so much over the last few years and seemingly not slowing, and TV force-feeding us the lowest common denominator, what hope is there for rock & metal music?
The Hu: We love this digital age. it has allowed us to publish our videos and our music independently from a remote location and reach a global audience that we are so appreciative for. If digital media didn’t exist, then it would have been a longer journey from Ulaanbaatar to London and Hollywood.
From what you’ve learned so far what is the most valuable advice you’ve been given so far as a musician?
The Hu: Never give up.
Who are some of your main influences?
The Hu: The founding members of The Hu have played music since we were very young, for a few decades. We’ve all been in bands of several different genres. We all come from back grounds that include traditional Mongolian teachings, style as well as popular western bands like Metallica, Slipknot, Tool etc. We believe in our ancestors, an honest message, beauty and inspiration. It is our dedication to our traditions and our interpretations that we believe is connecting with people from all places of the world. When we put up the videos for “Yuve Yuve Yu” and “Wolf Totem” people organically found them and responded to them. We’re very blessed the world noticed us and liked us.
How do you feel about the current music scene right now?
The Hu: It’s great, we love all kinds of music genres!
Do you believe music can still change the world?
The Hu: Absolutely. Music can change the world and unite people that wouldn’t otherwise have something in common.
If you could be a fly on the wall for the recording of any album in history, what album would it be?
The Hu: There are so many great artists and albums that we admire. One of them is Metallia Master of Puppets and we wouldn’t have minded being a fly on the wall in their studio.
What is the meaning of life?
The Hu: We’re still searching for the answer to this big question. We hope through our music we are shaping the meaning of our lives and the lives of others.
Any final words for the fans?
The Hu: We really hope that everyone enjoys our album. We are also excited for our upcoming tours and seeing our fans all around the world!
