Tulegur are one of the many musicians from around the world at WOMAD NZ, Taranaki, in March. 

Their sound is a mixture of traditional music, rock, throat singing (Khoomei, traditional throat singing of Mongolian) and Mongolian and Chinese folk. This combination results in a unique style that is being called “Mongolian grunge” or “nomad rock” by the artists themselves. We hear from Gangzi and Zongcan.

Who are you and what do you do?

Gangzi: I’m a Mongolian from Inner Mongolia (the Mongolian part of China) and I’m a musician.

Zongcan: I’m the percussionist / electric guitarist of Tulegur, I’m a musician too.

Why do you do what you do?

Gangzi: Because I love music, it’s just in my life and I think being an musician is the best job in the world.

Zongcan: I love music too, and when the first time I listened to Gangzi’s music I felt attracted and wanted to work with him. We both agree that we two together can make his music richer.

When and how did you discover your music/artistic ability?

Zongcan: I started to listen to music since very young.

Gangzi: I studied music in Colleagure and I think that’s my start point of creating.

What have been the major influences on your most recent musical release? 

Gangzi: I would say my major influence is and always be my Mongolian heart, and certainly all genres of music.

Zongcan: There is a Mongolian band named Chirgilchin inspired us a lot lately.

Where do you think any music lover has to visit at least once?

Gangzi: Come to China, to Inner Mongolia and live with local life. See how they dance and sing!

Zongcan: New Zealand

Do you have any plans (other than performing at WOMAD) for your New Zealand visit? 

Gangzi: I want to see the difference of your grassland compare to ours, and the sea for sure!

Zongcan: Enjoy the food, wine and it will be fantastic if we have chances to communicate or play with other musicians.
 
Is there anything you’d like New Zealand audiences to know about you/your band before you get here?
 
Gangzi: Please don’t label us. If you found out that you like our music as what we do, then please listen to it without asking “what kind of music are you playing”, haha.

Zongcan: I hope they will like Koomei and the way we organise and deliver music, and please also notice everyone that we are handsome, ha ha.

Do you have any upcoming releases, singles, videos, and tours before March 2016?

Gangzi: We are shooting a short documentary and hopefully can be done by March before we go to WOMAD.

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Gangzi is the soul of Tulegur, educated in traditional opera, his voice can reache the lowest tone of throat singing. Attracted by modern music, Gangzi moved from Inner Mongolia to Beijing to perform and compose. A year later, he returned to his hometown, Hulunbeier, where he spend time with local farmers to learn Khoomei. This nomad experience became a revelation in his life and helped him to discover his own musical style. After years of solo performances, Gangzi has achieved remarkable success all around China and in the world. In the end of 2014, percussionist / guitarist Zongcan joint Tulegur’s new bigger picture. As an experienced guitarist and percussionist, Zongcan has traveled to many places both in China and other countries. He has special ways to embrace different cultures and combines them with his music. 

• WOMAD NZ 2016 is on 18-20 March at TSB Bowl of Brooklands in Taranaki.