Jonon is a contemporary folk instrumental band formed in 2006 that currently includes eight musicians who look and sound impressive on stage.
Lasting just over half an hour, “The Grace of the Khaans” is their debut album released for their 10th anniversary.
♪♫ Listen: “The Sacred” (not on the CD) + album stream (Spotify)
Mrs. M is a Mongolian female rapper and singer, who – full disclosure – I personally signed to Sing Like A Pro (SLAP) label.
Released in June, “Gentleman” is her debut album accompanied by a series of videos with “Triangle” being the most recent one.
Listen “Triangle” + album stream (Spotify)
Mrs. M on Facebook.
This is a self-titled debut album by The Tourists, a young Mongolian hard rock band formed only few years ago.
While they sing in Mongolian, their guitar-driven sound maintains the universal appeal of rock music.
♪♫ Listen: “Ulaanbaatar” + album stream (Spotify)
The Tourists on Facebook, Soundcloud.
Naagii Naranbaatar (Дуучин Н.Наранбаатар) is a Mongolian pop jazz singer. “Minii Zahidal”, meaning “My letter”, is his solo debut album, which was recorded in Germany with collaboration of international musicians.
This record has received wide praise from music community. Most of music here comes from the famous Mongolian composer Gonchigsumlaa, reinterpreted in the jazz fashion.
♪♫ Listen: album stream (Spotify)
Naagii on Facebook.
“Hariutslaga” (“Responsibility”) is the second album from Rokit Bay, a talented rapper who grew up in USA, but currently lives in Ulaanbaatar.
Writing and producing his own music, Rokit Bay has released a record that has become the best selling album of 2016 in Mongolia.
♪♫ Listen: “Bor Arist Gump” + album stream (Spotify)
Delhii is a Mongolian contemporary folk instrumental band. Leader of the band is a young talented composer G.Onon, who writes most of the music.
“Nature” (Baigal) is their 2nd conceptual album recorded after “Earth”, which was released several years ago. Delhii plans to release a series of 5 conceptual albums. The third one, “Fire” is expected to come out in 2017.
♪♫ Listen: “Savdag” + album stream (Spotify)
Bodikhuu is a Mongolian Hip Hop DJ, beatmaker who samples Mongolian ’70s and ’80s music combining it with contemporary beats.
“Welcome to Ulaanbaatar” is his second EP, released last September, a modern and classic work at the same time.
♪♫ Listen: “Gegeen Ugloo” + album stream (Spotify)
Bodikhuu on Bandcamp, Facebook, Instagram, Soundcloud.
Formed in 2004, The Lemons are one of the most talented and influential bands in Mongolian indie music scene. Their debut album “Red album” has received Pentatonic awards for “The best alternative album”, “The best alternative song”, and “Best live concert” in 2007.
As the title suggests, “III” is their 3rd album. It was released late 2015, but mostly become known in 2016 and might be also interesting for listeners abroad.
♪♫ Listen: “Suuliin Uyanga” + album stream (Spotify)
The Lemons on Facebook, Soundcloud, Instagram.
Nisvanis is a Mongolian alternative rock, post-grunge pioneer band formed in 1996. “Gar Hangalga” (Гар Хангалга), or “Masturbation”, is their 4th album.
A new generation of Mongolian indie alternative bands formed in 2000s were influenced by Nisvanis and their music. And an anuual indoor tribute festival NisNis Fest is held every April, filled with performances of bands covering Nisvanis songs.
♪♫ Listen: “Gar Hangalga” + album stream (Spotify)
This is a fantastic debut EP by Magnolian, the monicker of Dulguun Baysagalan, already introduced on beehype.
Magnolian is a young and talented Mongolian singer-songwriter who plays indie folk music. He is expected to perform at SXSW 2017 in March, and more international shows will hopefully follow soon.
♪♫ Listen: “Uvuljuu” + album stream (Bandcamp)
Magnolian on Bandcamp, Soundcloud, Facebook, Twitter.