Musician Duong Thu
The show “Cam tay mua he 2014” or “Hold the hands of Summer 2014”, by musician Quoc Trung, with the expected participation of overseas singer Huong Lan had to be cancelled for lack of ticket sales. Many saw this as a bad sign for the music scene in Hanoi. What are your comments about this?
I was happy to see the regular presence of professional music programmes by Quoc Trung, Viet Tu, Hong Kien, and Phan Cuong in recent years. But the market for real music seems to have slowed recently.
Our country lacks a real music audience. Most attendees of music events just come to to watch a show and are not so interested in listening. As such, the performers' skills are overlooked. And when skilled, professional musicians hold shows, it is hard to sell tickets.
You were very successful in organising the “Toi mo mot giac mo” or "I had a dream”, with the involvement of the general director of the prestigious concert “Dieu con mai” or "Forever thing". Why do audiences in Hanoi choose to attend such performances?
“Toi mo mot giac mo” was organised over the period of one year, but lasted for only one night. I do the same with some other programmes. In the current environment, it’s a good idea to be flexible with the schedules of shows with styles that might not be familiar to Vietnamese audiences.
Real music lovers in Hanoi prefer quality over quantity. In order to survive, it’s important to improve the quality and add new features to each show; otherwise you’ll fail.
Also, it is important to be receptive to the reactions of the audience at each show in order to gauge how it was received. This way one can avoid alienating sponsors, who are essential to the process.
Duong Thu and veteran pop stars at a music concert
Huong Lan is a famous overseas Vietnamese singer. Many expect that she could create the same effect as Khanh Linh’s recent Trinh Cong Son music event. What do you think?Huong Lan is a talented singer, who is very good at renditions of folk songs. However, it seems that Hanoian audiences have yet to fully appreciate her talent. As Huong Lan was planned to perform in a show by 'world music' artist Quoc Trung, it’s really hard to attract an audience in Hanoi, simply because of the style.
Khanh Ly, originally from Hanoi, has made a footprint in the music scene in the city. She is famous for her renditions of Trinh Cong Son’s songs and has gained popularity among the Hanoi intelligentsia and middle class circles. Huong Lan does not make as big of a splash as Khanh Ly. I think that Quoc Trung knows this, but remains dedicated to developing an authentic music scene here.
Do you think that it’s hard to attract dedicated fans for musicians here?
Most of Hanoians attend events just for pleasure, not really for the music itself. So performers of styles like electronics and world music do find it difficult.
What do you think organisers and directors in Hanoi could do to ensure good-quality music and make a profit?
I am asking myself the same questions when it comes to my own projects.
It seems that we’re living in a society in which many people have unattainable goals when in terms of the arts.
It’s difficult to develop an authentic art scene. Success can be only gained with the support of sponsors and those who really appreciate good music and really care about the cultural future of this country.
Thank you very much!
