Natsagorj "George" Tserendorj, Founder & Programmer of the long-time running Playtime Music Festival, has been pushing and supporting music from Mongolia for the last 20 years. With the festival celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, it's certain that George has been surely in and around town when it comes to music in Mongolia.
From putting up his first record store, Hi-Fi Records, to traveling over the world to experience and learn about other festivals, George is ready for more music.
See it FIRST below.
Hey George! Tell us, what was your first concert experience like?
My first concert experience was watching the Mongolian duo called Titem, which in english translates to “Crown”, in 1992. I was in high school. The experience was unforgettable. I remember the venue was so overpacked that the outside entrance glass doors were crushed from the excessive amount of people that wanted to watch the concert. At the time concerts were very rare in Mongolia. Titem was a revolutionary band to emerge in the early 90’s right after Mongolia became a democratic country. They wrote some of the best songs in the history of Mongolian pop music. We have them in our lineup this year. Very excited!
Natsagdorj "George" Tserendorj, Photo C/O GREY
With Playtime Festival being a huge music discovery platform in Mongolia, how do you go about discovering new music and artists yourself?
Through our showcase events, we discover new Mongolian artists and introduce them at Playtime Festival. For international music, I attend various music festivals and conferences around Asia, Europe, and America.
I am very grateful and lucky to have met many friends and collaborators at these events. I listen to a lot of new and old music as I prepare for my weekly radio show called Tamiraa’s Mix on Ulaanbaatar Radio FM102.5. I’ve been promoting indie music in Mongolia for the past 20 years.
George (Left) & Friends
In your opinion, how has the Mongolian music and entertainment industry developed over the years?
The industry has developed significantly over the last 20 years. Obviously, the number of artists, record companies, studios, concerts, and festivals increased. However, it has yet to reach its full potential. Our government and private sector don’t invest enough in the development of the music and entertainment industry. The music industry infrastructure in Mongolia is still developing and rather immature. This is one of the reasons why I travel a lot and try to learn more about the global music industry.
What makes the Mongolian Music Industry unique to other countries?
Mongolia’s music market is relatively small catering to a population of only 3 million people. We are not on the radar for international music companies. The importance of breaking into the international market is vital to us. There are two artists who became successful internationally, THE HU and MAGNOLIAN.
It should be noted that people often confuse Mongolian artists with Inner Mongolian artists from China. The private sector is more interested in mining rather than arts and culture. I am sure as time goes things will change. And Mongolia will unveil its true potential to the world.
And what can Mongolia learn about other music markets?
Mongolia can learn many things from other countries. I think South Korea does a great job in distributing their music to the world. Our government can learn from KOCCA or KAMS on how to support its musicians. Learn from WOMEX, SXSW, Zandari, Eurosonic, Reeperbahn, and many other events on how to promote its music. We need to learn and work hard to develop our music ecosystem.
Other than Playtime Music Festival, what other stuff keeps you busy during the workweek nowadays?
Besides the festival, I have a music distribution, publishing, and event management company. We distribute Mongolian artists' music worldwide. I’ve been voluntarily working for the Mongolian music copyright society (MOSCAP) for over 5 years now to help empower songwriters and music creators.
We have managed to sign more than 30 reciprocal agreements with other societies around the world. During these COVID times, me and my partners have been working on several projects to help local artists and musicians.
Speaking of the workweek, how were you able to adapt your work routine over the course of 2020?
We have had several strict lockdowns in Ulaanbaatar over the last 15 months. We had to learn to work from a distance like many others. Our team is well adapted now.
Time for some fun questions! How has your personal musical palette developed over the years?
That’s a great question! I started listening to music profusely in the mid-90s after the government censorship was lifted and we had access to western music. It was around that time I opened my own record store, Hi-Fi Records.
Over the years, as I was traveling abroad, I discovered music magazines such as Q and Uncut and was collecting a lot of music. Alternative and indie are my favorite. Soon I started hosting a radio show. And in 2005, me and my partner opened a radio station named Hi-Fi Radio FM98.9.
We introduced all types of music genre programs on rock, hip hop, electronic, reggae, R&B soul, and classic because other radio stations were only playing local country songs and MTV music. Eventually, this radio station became pivotal in forming the core audience of Playtime Festival. I never stopped promoting music. I still broadcast weekly on Ulaanbaatar Radio after the dissolution of Hi-Fi Radio.
Who are some of your absolute dream artists to see perform live?
From active ones. Pavement, My Bloody Valentine (again), and Stereolab. From disbanded or inactive bands. Cocteau Twins, Felt, and Pale Saints.
What music and artists have been on repeat for you lately?
I have been listening to Afrobeat and Dub music lately. The song by Sean Kuti & Egypt 80 “Many Things” is on repeat. I get excited listening to new music by Mongolian young indie bands and hip-hop artists.
Recently I liked the songs by:
Teresa in the Moon
Nene
Even Tide
Ginjin
Bekatrina
Lastly, what advice would you give the aspiring artist reading this at home?
