Looking back at the journey of more than 3 decades of singing, what in music still helps singer Dan Truong maintain his passion for the profession and persistent attachment to the stage to this day?
- Looking back 30 years, Dan Truong feels he is extremely lucky. The biggest "fuel" that helps me stand firm is the audience. There are friends who have been with me since my youth, and now they are fathers, mothers, and even bring their children to cheer for "Uncle Bo". That age-old bond is an indescribable happiness that music brings.
Besides, gratitude is also a great motivation. Recently, when receiving a Certificate of Merit from the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, Dan Truong told himself that he must have the responsibility to contribute more to be worthy of the trust and love of the leaders and the public. For me, music is now like breath, that love is still as intact as the first day. Dan Truong never thought about stopping because his love for art has deeply permeated his blood and flesh.
In recent years, you have continuously appeared in major programs and most recently your own concert celebrating 30 years of singing in Hanoi. For you, what is the meaning of the concert now compared to the peak period of tapes and provincial stages?
- In the old days, in the period of tapes and provincial stages, Dan Truong and Mr. Hoang Tuan often roamed all over the country. The joy at that time was the closeness, holding hands with audiences in remote and isolated areas. But now, the concert has a different mission: That is a peak artistic experience. Audiences are now very sophisticated, they not only come to listen to singing but also to enjoy it with all senses. Therefore, in the past 30 years of concerts, I have focused on images, quality sound, modern staging and especially the live broadcast at 28 Lotte Cinema cinema complexes. This is a step forward for Dan Truong to blur the geographical distance, helping audiences who cannot come to Hanoi still feel the live atmosphere as if they are standing in front of the stage.
Audiences noticed that in recent performances, you have paid more attention to the staging, emotions and music story. Are you looking at the concert as a way to "recount" your career journey?
- Yes, I see each concert as a memoir with lively music. Each chapter, each performance is an important milestone, from early hits to later experimental music genres.
However, Dan Truong not only wants to tell old stories but also wants to continue writing new chapters. Rearranging familiar songs or releasing the MV "The road is still long" before the concert is my way of affirming that I am still moving and creating. That MV is like a simple but emotional prelude, preparing for a more grand chapter on the stage of "Dau an thanh Xuan".
As an artist who has experienced many generations of audiences, how do you feel about the change in current musical tastes, especially when standing next to a class of young artists who are very dynamic and creative?
- Dan Truong always looks at young people with respect and a receptive spirit. Music tastes are changing very quickly now, diverse and full of creativity.
I regularly observe how young people like Den Vau, Quoc Thien, Hoa Minzy or Rhyder,... do their jobs and feel very admired for their musical thinking.
Standing next to his friends on stage, Dan Truong does not feel pressure but feels young again, being given more fresh energy. No matter how the trend changes, I still believe that sincere emotions and kindness in music are the most sustainable core values that audiences are always looking for.
At this time, what criteria do you set for yourself when choosing new songs or music projects, to both maintain Dan Truong's mark and not be outside the market flow?
- That is, the melody must have "soul", a song must touch my heart, make me flutter when recording, then I can hope to reach the audience. I choose the way of "holding on and changing", keeping the narrative, passionate quality that has made Dan Truong's brand, but putting on a layer of more modern harmony and arrangement. I prioritize songs with depth, life experience suitable for my age and current position instead of chasing flashy trends.
In addition to music, how is your personal life currently arranged to balance between work, family and quiet moments for yourself?
- At this age, Dan Truong has learned to "give up" some work. I no longer accept shows in a rush like before but prioritize programs that are truly valuable and meaningful.
No matter how busy I am, I still maintain the habit of making video calls regularly to my son. I always try to arrange to have complete vacations with him. In addition, I cherish private moments of silence, return to nature or exercise to regenerate energy. When my mind is calm, I can sublimate on stage.
After many years of artistic activities, what in everyday life makes you feel most respected and peaceful?
- After the stage lights, what makes Dan Truong feel most peaceful is simply seeing his son grow up and be obedient. I also cherish simple family meals. After many years of wandering, I realize that health is the most precious asset. Having health and having the love of loved ones, that is the most peaceful haven after all storms.
For you, is Lunar New Year now different from the New Year holidays when you first started your career, when the performance schedule was dense and you almost didn't have much time for your family?
- Very different, in the old days, Tet for Dan Truong was the "show season" peak. The joy at that time was meeting thousands of audiences from all provinces and cities in the New Year atmosphere, but frankly, there were times when I felt sad because of the absence of New Year's Eve meals with my family.
Now, Dan Truong chooses to celebrate Tet more leisurely. Tet is an opportunity for me to contemplate the past year, prioritizing reunion and sharing instead of just focusing on work.
In recent years, how do you usually celebrate Tet? Do you prioritize family reunions, rest or still spend some time on early year stages?
- This 2026 Tet holiday is very special for Dan Truong. After dedicating all my heart to the 30-year live concert, I decided to go to the US to celebrate Tet with my son. This is a time when I both rest and combine performing to serve overseas Vietnamese. Bringing the singing voice and Tet atmosphere of my homeland to those who are far from home is also a way to make my Tet holiday more meaningful.
Is there a custom, dish, or Tet moment that you always want to preserve, no matter how busy your work schedule is?
- Although Mathis Thien Tu lives in the US, Dan Truong always teaches his children about their roots. The custom of giving lucky money and wishing Tet is something I always maintain. I want my children to learn to fold their arms to wish grandparents good health, to appreciate the meaning of red lucky money envelopes.
No matter where I am, in my Tet meal, banh chung, braised pork with eggs, pickled scallions, pickled onions are still indispensable... Those flavors remind me of Vietnamese origins and help me feel that Tet is always present no matter where in the world.
Stepping into 2026, do you have any wishes or goals for yourself, not only for your singing career but also for your personal life?
- Dan Truong will continue to invest in quality music projects, possibly even more interesting collaborations with young artists. I hope each product released must be meticulous and have its own mark.
My biggest goal is to accompany my son in important milestones of maturity and maintain good health so that I can continue this persistent musical journey.
Finally, what kind of Tet greetings do you want to send to the audience who have accompanied Dan Truong for many years, and also to the young audience who are starting to love your music?
- Dan Truong would like to send his deepest gratitude to the audience who have accompanied him for the past 3 decades. Wishing you always good health and keeping "Youth" radiant in your hearts forever.
In particular, Dan Truong would like to wish Lao Dong Newspaper a new year of increasing prosperity, being a solid bridge for artists to get closer to readers. Wishing all reporters a new year of good health and everything as desired.
