Mongolian sound finds new fans around the globe

Hanggai band members include guitarist Yilalata. [Photo by Nan Zi/China Daily]

"All the members are excited to record the new album in Nashville, which is the home of country music," says Ilchi.

"The band is rooted in Mongolian music but we are open to different music."

The band, whose name in Mongolian refers to a scenic place with beautiful pastures, mountains and rivers, was formed by ethnic Mongolian musicians in Beijing in 2004.

Now it has eight members, including Ilchi, throat-singing vocalist and morin khuur (horse-head fiddle) player Batubagen, and vocalist and guitarist Yilalata.