Any number of superlatives describe Mongolia's capital; most remote, fastest growing, coldest and hippest. Ulaanbaatar is the loudest city you've never heard. Two young Mongolian musicians discover identity, purpose and love whilst creating the music of the city.
Up on the Mongolian steppe, in the vast ocean of grass, Ulaanbaatar is an island of tightly packed humanity. For some it is exhilarating, but for OD it's oppressive. The constant noise and energy crushes his soul; causing him to escape up onto rooftops or back out to the peaceful steppe.
He's the lead singer of a successful band. However, he finds himself playing the same songs to ambivalent bar crowds night after night. After an altercation with a drunk audience member he begins to turn his back on music. And so the relationship with his band-mates deteriorates.
At a new job translating for corrupt politicians Od meets GEGEE. Her name means 'brightness' and so she shines a light on the true, deeper meaning of Mongolian music - that happiness is where individuality and community are intertwined as one.
They begin to create a new style of music fusing contemporary and traditional elements. Gegee suggests they play a small concert and Od reluctantly agrees. However, his fears and depression resurface and he flees to the countryside; leaving her to play the gig alone.
Angered at the betrayal Gegee performs with Od's old band-mates. In his downward spiral Od makes a critical mistake and looses his job. At rock-bottom he is reminded of a traditional Mongolian 'long-song' Gegee's mother had sung for him. The perfect meaning helps him understand the error of his depression and he sets to work arranging a large concert as an apology to Gegee. And together they will sing up on the hill.
