In this issue, we revisit the story of Night Train, a band that remains deeply cherished by a generation, and introduce its members, namely vocalist M.Tsetsenbileg (Ts), bassist B.Bayasgalan (B) and T.Munkh-Orgil (M). At a time when Mongolian pop music dominated the scene in the 1990s, a new sound began to emerge, inspired by the raw energy of grunge and alternative rock. Alongside bands such as Lemons, Night Train brought a fresh musical spirit to the stage. Originally formed by four members, Tuuguu, Buyanaa, Bayasaa and Odkhuu, the band welcomed Tsetse in the autumn of 2001. In 2004, they released their album “Blue Bird” under Sonor Records, marking a defining moment in Mongolian alternative music. For today’s listeners, Night Train is more than just a band from the past, they have become familiar companions woven into personal memories and shared experiences. Their enduring appeal lies in their ability to transcend time. Unlike artists who chase constant attention and remain in the spotlight through repeated appearances, Night Train’s legacy has been built on something deeper, authentic music, a unique identity, and a connection with listeners that continues long after they leave the stage.
A few days ago, you released your song “Melody”. Is this the next work you’ve created after “Ether”?
Ts: Since then, we have continued to share our music through songs such as “Towards the Stars of the Day,” “Shadow” and “Paranoid,” each accompanied by its own music video. “Melody” can be considered a part of our third album, a continuation of Night Train’s evolving sound and creative path.
So, can we expect a new album to be released soon?
B: We are currently working on a new album. At this stage, we have not yet decided how many songs it will include or what the overall concept will be. We are allowing the music to develop naturally and will see where the creative process takes us.
Ts: In any case, we plan to continue releasing new songs one by one. It could eventually become an extended play or a full-length album. Once the project takes its final shape, we look forward to sharing it with our listeners.
Your band places more emphasis on melody than lyrics. However, the lyrics are also an important part of music. Your music lyrics tend to be light, intimate and personal, right?
Ts: We usually begin by composing the music first. After creating the melody, we write lyrics that naturally fit the mood and emotion of the song. It is very rare for us to create music based on an existing poem, almost all of our songs are developed through this process. We want to leave space for listeners to interpret and experience our music in their own way. Rather than telling people exactly what love, death, or other emotions should mean, we believe in giving them the freedom to find their own meaning and connect with the songs through their personal experiences.
You mentioned being surprised and happy to see younger generations listening to your band at the Playtime Festival. Considering that alternative rock, a genre that emerged in the early 1980s, continues to resonate today, do you think this type of art has a lasting quality that allows it to transcend generations?
Ts: Alternative music is different from what is considered “traditional” rock. The word itself represents difference and freedom of choice. Unlike more mainstream genres such as heavy metal or classic rock, alternative rock allows for a wider range of musical expressions, incorporating diverse instruments and exploring a broader spectrum of emotions. I believe alternative rock has gained popularity because it has become a voice for young people, a way for them to discover themselves, express their individuality, seek understanding and feel free from social expectations and pressure. It represents the freedom to think differently and to create without boundaries.
All the members of the band would say that Night Train is one of the greatest memories of their lives, right?
Ts: We have always stayed in touch. Our drummer is currently based in the USA, while our guitarist lives in Canada. Whenever we are all back in Mongolia, we make time to meet and reconnect.
Your band seems to represent the idea of creating art without a specific purpose or expectation better than anyone else. Over the years, people have often wondered, “Where did they go? Did they break up? Will they ever release a new album?” Yet the fact that songs like “Zuulun,” “Blue Bird” and “Melted Chocolate” are still being played and loved today shows that your music continues to feel fresh and alive. How do you personally view this lasting connection with your audience?”
B: After the release of our first album, we each went on to follow our own careers and personal journeys. Looking back, it has already been 20 years since the release of our second album, “Blue Bird,” which is a reminder of how much time has passed and how meaningful that period was for us.
Ts: We continue to listen to and explore new things. We don’t believe in dismissing something just because it is new. That openness is what helps us keep our music fresh and continue to grow as artists.
I would like to ask Munkh-Orgil about the relationship between art, work and talent. People often imagine that artists work around the clock, coming to the studio at 9:00 a.m., focusing on preparation and recording until 6:00 p.m., and then going home. However, many people do not see art itself as a form of work. In your opinion, is it important to combine talent with discipline and hard work in order to create meaningful art?
M: I think talent is only 20 percent, while the other 80 percent comes from hard work. If you just sit back and say, “I’m talented,” you won’t move forward. But with dedication and persistence, even someone with less natural talent can create something valuable. For me, hard work has always been the most important factor.
I think listeners can sense when music is created by force. What do you think about this?
M: It is not about forcing, it is about putting in the work. Many people tend to believe that artists succeed purely because of talent, but that overlooks the effort, discipline and countless hours behind their achievements. Without knowing the process and struggles behind the work, people often simply say, “What a naturally gifted person.”
Ts: For example, when we read a poet’s work, we usually see only the final version. We don’t see all the drafts, revisions and thoughts written down along the way. We just read the finished piece and say, “Wow, that’s amazing.” But behind every great work, there is always a long process of effort and dedication.
So, what do you think makes good music?
M: Is there any good music? Beyond that, I have my own preferences, there are certain kinds of music and artists that I connect with, and others that I do not. To me, bad music is “lazy” music. It is music made without enough thought, effort, or commitment.
Which song means the most to you?
B: I think all of our songs are beautiful in their own way, but “Blue Bird” is particularly special to me.
Ts: “White Pavilion,” “Blue Bird,” “W.W.W” and “Last Light” are songs that carry richer meanings. Interestingly, some of the songs that did not reach a large audience are the ones I personally value the most. From our recent album, “Towards the Day Star” and “Shadow” are among my favorites.
What feedback or impressions from listeners over the years have stayed with you the most?
Ts: Rather than simply hearing people say, “I love you”, or “Their music is beautiful,” what has touched me more deeply is hearing someone say, “This band changed my life”. That kind of connection and impact means much more to me.
M: When people say that Night Train’s songs are connected with their memories, that means a lot to me. I truly love hearing that our music has become part of someone’s personal story and remains with them through different moments of their lives.
B: It is a wonderful feeling to know that people appreciate what we have created. Seeing our music connect with listeners and become meaningful to them is something we truly value.
You once wrote online that it might be too late for you all to sing about love. What made you feel that way?
Ts: If you pay close attention, you will notice that the word “love” does not appear in our songs, with the exception of our cover of “In My Dreams”. That is intentional. We want to leave space for listeners to create their own interpretations. Whether someone feels love, sadness, nostalgia, or something entirely different after hearing our music is ultimately their own experience.
Are modern bands different from the live bands that emerged alongside your generation?
B: Perhaps modern bands can no longer be defined simply as “rock” bands.
Ts: I think many modern bands have become softer and calmer in their approach. Their songs are often rich in lyrics, melodies and different layers of expression. Our generation was more about the raw energy and power of rock. Today, a band like Mxrningstar represents a rock sound that connects well with young listeners.
M: Live bands have become more accessible than ever. Musical instruments such as guitars are easier to obtain, and artists no longer need to rely on professional studios to record and share their music. The era when people had to buy cassettes to discover new songs has long passed.
Ts: There was a time when, even after upgrading my phone, I would simply replace it with another old phone (laughs). Back then, discovering new music was not easy, and finding something new to listen to was quite rare.
M: I think the songs we listen to during our teenage years and early 20s often shape our musical tastes and sensibilities. No matter how much new music we discover, we always find ourselves returning to the songs that stayed with us from those formative years.
Should an artist be recognized and appreciated for their work?
Ts: There is no such thing.
M: In my opinion, the most important thing is to accept and believe in your own art, to be satisfied with what you create. If you cannot find happiness and fulfillment in your own work, it becomes difficult to continue the journey for a long time.
Ts: On the other hand, I believe that creating art is a form of meditation and healing. Through the process of making art, people can reflect on themselves, express their emotions and find a sense of peace and balance.
M: Basically, it’s about revealing a part of yourself to people.
B: Whether an artist chooses to seek recognition for their work or create purely for personal expression is ultimately an individual choice. Each artist must decide what kind of relationship they want to have with their art and their audience.
Besides, aren’t there artists who are afraid of being forgotten?
Ts: We took a long break from making music. But based on our experience, we never really worried about being forgotten (laughs). The connection we have built with our listeners over the years has remained strong.
M: You mean that long-forgotten experience? (laughs)
What have you been reading lately?
Ts: I’m currently reading Yukio Mishima’s The Temple of the Golden Pavilion. These days, I find it increasingly difficult to focus on just one book at a time. Before that, I read Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Decades ago, I was completely absorbed by that book, I simply couldn’t put it down.
American writer Ernest Hemingway once said, “The hardest part of writing a novel is writing the first word.” Once you begin, the process starts to flow. Do you find that the biggest challenge in creating art is taking that first step?
Ts: I agree. If you simply sit still, nothing will change. But if you have the courage to take action, things will naturally begin to unfold.
B: I think the same applies to music as well.
Ts: At least start with the first paragraph, that’s enough. I believe that if you keep thinking about something, it means there is already something inside you waiting to come out. Sometimes inspiration comes from pushing yourself, even when it feels difficult. If you simply wait for inspiration to arrive, it may never come. For example, with “Zuulun” the lyrics came together very quickly because the music itself was so beautiful. I was so moved and excited that I thought, “I want to turn this into a song tomorrow.”
M: The more you think, the more you will keep thinking. No matter how difficult or imperfect it may seem, the most important thing is to write down your first words and begin.
The band A-Sound, which was formed in 2006, recently concluded its journey with the “Goodbye 20 Years” concert. But for your band, there is no such ending, is there?
B: No, I never thought about it that way.
Ts: Night Train shouldn’t be seen as a full-time profession. We’re not giving up our regular jobs, you know. Our art is simply one part of our lives, a way to express ourselves and share something meaningful with others.
I heard that the cover artwork for the album “Towards the Stars of the Day” was created by Tsetsenbileg. Is that correct?
Ts: The front cover photo was taken by me, while the back cover photo was taken by photographer Kh.Enkhbayar. I also photographed the first album myself.
Do you still practice photography?
Ts: I’m an amateur photographer.
If it’s not a secret, what have you been doing all these years?
Ts: I worked an office job.
B: I work at a bank.
Do you read poetry?
Ts: To be honest, I find it difficult to read this genre. Maybe the format just doesn’t suit me, I can’t really explain why. But I really enjoy Daniil Kharms’ works. His writing style is very unique and fascinating.
