A grassland reunion in New York

For much of its career, Hanggai has collaborated with international producers, gaining fresh approaches to recording and arrangement. On Wheel of Fortune, however, the band wanted to work more closely with a Chinese producer who shared a deeper understanding of its cultural roots.

"In the past, we worked more often with Western producers," Ilich says. "They taught us many things technically and creatively. With this album, we wanted to bring in someone who understood our cultural background more deeply."

The result reaches beyond Mongolian identity.

"I don't think this album is only about Mongolian culture," Ilich says. "Many of the themes are universal — the relationship between tradition and modern development, how cultures endure, and how people search for meaning."

One of the album's most powerful songs, Wrestler, draws inspiration from Mongolian wrestling and the traditional Naadam festival — one of the traditional festivals of the Mongolian ethnic group, where wrestling, horse racing and archery celebrate the region's nomadic heritage.

Wrestling in Naadam is more than a sport — it symbolizes strength, honor, endurance, and the warrior traditions of the Mongolian people.

The song incorporates traditional longsong vocals heard during the ceremonial entrance of wrestlers into the arena.