INTERVIEW: The Hu Producer B. Dashdondog talks new album & Aussie tour

The Hu

Founded in 2016 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, The HU – Gala, Jaya, Temka, and Enkush – are a modern rock group rooted in the tradition of their homeland. The band’s two most popular videos, “Yuve Yuve” and “Wolf Totem,” were produced by the band’s producer Dashka. The band’s name translates to the Mongolian root word for human being, and their unique approach blends instruments like the Morin Khuur (horsehead fiddle), Tovshuur (Mongolian guitar), Tumur Khuur (jaw harp) and throat singing with contemporary sounds, creating a unique sonic profile that they call “Hunnu Rock.” 

Proving their global appeal, The HU have sold out venues across the world in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, with scheduled festival appearances at Coachella, Lollapalooza, Download Festival, and more, creating a community of fans from all walks of life. They quickly grabbed the attention of the industry, leading to collaborations with Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach and Lzzy Hale of Halestorm. And most recently, the band received praise from fans and critics for their Mongolian rendition of Metallica’s “Sad But True,” which Metallica picked up on and invited them to record ‘Through The Never’ for their Metallica Blacklist album released in 2021 alongside other high-profile guest artists like Miley Cyrus, Chris Stapleton, Phoebe Bridgers, J Balvin, St. Vincent, and so many more. The band has also explored eclectic ways to reach audiences with their sound, most notably writing and recording music for EA Games’ Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.

The band follow up their debut album “The Gereg” with their sophomore effort “Rumble of Thunder” set for release in September but not before they tour Australia & New Zealand kicking off on August 2nd so we grabbed a few words from producer Dashka( Dashdondog Bayarmagnai) to find out more on the band, what it was like to be stuck in Australia when the pandemic hit in 2020  and what to expect on tour.

 

What were some of the things you wanted to achieve with the new album Rumble of Thunder?

Dashka: In the Rumble of Thunder album, I made songs that can show different variations of Hunnu Rock Genre. More specifically, not all of the songs are fast paced and deep but I have composed lighter songs that have the genre’s main components. The instruments that were used were mainly the same but used in a way that you won’t believe those are the same ones we use for our hard rock songs. I have tried to show off the beauty and the versatility of the Mongolian instruments such as morin khuur and tsuur. On top of that, the band members performed each element perfectly and added their own qualities to each of the songs such as one of a kind throat singing, unique style of playing the morin khuur etc.

How does it compare to the first album?

Dashka: The second album expands on the first album but is also better at the same time. The reasoning behind is quite simple: our listeners can enjoy all of the elements of the Hunnu Rock genre at the same time in our second album.

What were the lyrical themes of the songs?

Dashka: Lyrical themes consist of history and actual events that we can learn from and get wisdom from as well. By applying the history lessons to our current problems such as climate change, mental health to name a few, we all can benefit from not repeating the same mistakes or maybe get an idea or two that can bring us closer to the answer.

What were the main inspirations for the songs?

Dashka: Most of my inspirations come from our modern society and the history of our ancestors.

What can people expect on the Australian tour?

Dashka: We never had a chance to do a proper tour in Australia so our fans don’t know much about our performances so I will have to say that get ready for the show of your life!

How do you pick out a setlist and is that a difficult process?

Dashka: Setlists require us to carefully think about our shows in each region and the audiences. I wouldn’t say it is necessarily a difficult process; however, it requires a lot of discussion between me and the band members.

What was it like to be stuck in Australia in 2020 when the pandemic first hit?

Dashka: The band stayed in Australia for about a month and a half when there was an emergency lockdown in Australia. Everybody stayed calm and waited for the local authorities to make any types of decisions at the time and luckily our Mongolian government sent charter flights which allowed them to come back home safe and sound.

Who are some of your main influences and how did the band form and get started?

Dashka: My main influences are my parents and my ancestors. All of the band members were carefully handpicked by me based on their performing abilities and knowledge of both Western and traditional music instruments. After working on the Hunnu Rock genre for few years and composed songs, I worked to find skilled musicians. The members of the HU all have extensive background in music and have been in the field since their childhood so it was quite easy to form them into a band.

 

THE HU Black Thunder Australia & NZ Tour 2022

Tuesday, August 2: 170 Russell, Melbourne Sold Out
Wednesday, August 3: 170 Russell, Melbourne Sold Out
Friday, August 5: Eatons Hill Hotel, Brisbane
Saturday, August 6: Bridgeway Hotel, Adelaide
(Previously Hindley Street Music Hall)
Sunday, August 7: The Roundhouse, Sydney Sold Out
Thursday, August 11: Powerstation, Auckland NZ Sold Out

For complete tour and ticket and information, visit: 
livenation.com.aulivenation.co.nz & thehuofficial.com

The Hu - Rumble of Thunder

 

The Hu Australia Tour 2022