Lao Dong Newspaper reporters had the opportunity to meet and talk with RHYDER to look back on the singer's career journey over the past 10 years before the new year 2025.
At the 2024 sensational show - "Anh trai say hi", RHYDER made a big impression. Looking back on that journey, can you share what touched you the most, the most unforgettable thing, about the 4 months at "Anh trai say hi"?
- I remember most the moment when I faced the challenge of the performance "Halo". The song "Halo" is also a work that I put a lot of effort into, put a lot of thought into. When I received that song, I tried my best so that the audience could understand what I wanted to convey.
This is the first time I have participated in a program with so many singers. At first, I was very confused, I was afraid that I would be alone because I am not good at communication. But when I met the guys, all barriers disappeared, there was no longer any distinction between experienced people or rookies. I felt lucky because everyone tried their best to do well on each stage. I am happy with what I have experienced, what I have achieved at "Anh trai say hi".
After becoming the champion of "The Voice Kids" in 2013, Quang Anh almost stopped his musical activities to devote time to studying. Quang Anh spent a long time in Ho Chi Minh City, struggling to find a place, before finding himself in the image of RHYDER in "Rap Viet" and "Anh trai say hi". Now, as RHYDER, how do you perceive the difficult and arduous time, both financially and in terms of effort? Did you ever intend to leave everything behind to go home and sell milk tea?
- When I first came to Ho Chi Minh City to start a career, I had many ambitions. A young man who had received a formal education, cherished many dreams and aspirations. But when I went to the South, everything was not beautiful, not as I thought. I gradually lost my confidence after selling my demo music and receiving negative reactions. I was sad and disappointed in myself. In that situation, I looked back at myself to see what I was not good at, I returned to Hanoi in a state of depression. I had almost nothing left.
My biggest motivation is my family and the fans who loved Quang Anh from "The Voice Kids". At times when I lost my passion for the profession, somewhere in the articles online, I still saw people waiting for me to return, and they believed that I could shine. I want to respond to the love and expectations of the audience. I just keep going, step by step, from that motivation.
For the audience, when watching reality shows, they are always attracted by the image of artists who are always humorous, funny, and talented. Some people think that reality TV also does the work of "makeup" and "iconization" to help artists look more beautiful and attractive than they are in real life. Is RHYDER in real life different from RHYDER on reality TV?
- When I'm on stage, I become a different person. Off stage, I may be "crazy" and funny, but when I perform, I have a special energy that urges me to immerse myself in the music and break my own limits. I think I'm cooler on stage, not as cute as in real life, but both are RHYDER.
I think when artists are true to themselves, they will find audiences who resonate with them. Reality shows may embellish artists, but when they step out of those shows, artists must return to their core values, continuing to bring quality personal products. Because after all, the value of an artist lies in the music.
How has RHYDER's life changed after "Anh trai say hi", for example, work schedule, show time...?
- The biggest change for me is that I have more audiences who love and accept me. That is an asset to me on my artistic path. From there, of course I will have more shows, more stable finances, and less difficulties than before. I feel extremely lucky because of the love the audience has for me.
I would like to thank the audience.
Reality TV can be a launching pad to help many artists become famous and have great appeal afterwards, but to go a long way depends on the direction, strength, and independent talent of that artist. What is RHYDER's script after "Anh trai say hi"?
- After "Anh trai say hi", personal products will determine where a singer is and how far he can go. I also have many plans and projects, trying to complete my own album, while caring and interacting with fans more. I think that between fans and idols, there should be love and care for each other regularly so that both sides feel accompanied and not alone on their path.
My colleagues and I have been together for many years, and share the same spirit of wanting to develop and contribute quality products. I will continue to invest in each product and become more and more meticulous, so that my supporters can be proud.
How does RHYDER define success and fame? Is your current definition different from your past definition?
- The definition of success or fame depends on each person's perspective. I set many goals for myself, so when I achieve one goal, I continue to conquer another. I don't want to stop at a certain goal. When the audience loves me, I want to continue to prove that I can do more, show more aspects.
I myself am a person who likes challenges, adventures, and conquering new things.
A new year is coming, looking back at 2024, what does this milestone mean to RHYDER? If someone says, 2024 is the sweet fruit of RHYDER after 10 years (2013 - 2023), do you think it is true?
- 2024 marks 10 years and I return to the stage. The audience has opened up to me more, and I think this is the time for me to really seriously devote myself, to study and work at the same time instead of focusing on studying like before, trying not to stagnate.
I just try my best, improve every day, and don't think much about what I will get. As for whether I get sweet results or not, I think the audience will see and decide. I can't judge for myself whether I am successful or not, but I am happy that the audience recognizes and loves me more. I am grateful that the audience has opened their hearts, tolerated me, and supported me.
Coming out of music reality shows, many singers have slashed their salaries, performed continuously, and raised their reputation. What is RHYDER's opinion on the value of reality TV?
- I think everyone has their own path. For me personally, I believe in what I do, believe in my own abilities. In the past, I organized a mini show and devoted a lot of time and effort to the show. Therefore, people may see that I rarely participate in other activities. I have put all my efforts into completing the mini show, to thank the audience for supporting me.
With reality TV, it has clearly shown that it is a launching pad for many artists, from the program of many large-scale concerts organized, attracting the attention of the audience, making the performance market in 2024 become vibrant. The explosive development of reality TV and the economic and social values it brings are undeniable.
