Two championships and turning points in music
Being the Champion in music competitions twice was a turning point, but it seems that she did not take advantage of that "leverage" to build her name. Why did you choose to go so slowly?
- For me, the title is just a milestone, not an destination. I was born into a family with no conditions, so since I entered the profession, I have determined that my path will not be noisy or "a step into a star". Everything must be slow, steady, and profound.
After winning the championship for the first time, I received many invitations to perform, cooperate, and even have people who wanted to help me become a big fan to quickly become famous. But then the pandemic hit, all plans had to be temporarily put on hold. I return to recording sessions at home, both to ensure income and maintain professional spirit. That period helped me understand that if I only ran for luxury, I would easily run out of energy. I chose to go slowly, but step by step I had to be steady and have real value.
The COVID-19 epidemic has caused many artists to lose opportunities, even quit their jobs. For you, was that the most difficult period?
- It is true. Between 2019 and 2020, I just started to make a small step forward after the first program. The schedule has started to get thicker, invitations to TV shows and game shows have also appeared. But then the delay caused everything to temporarily stop. plans to make MVs, tours, and even advertising contracts must be canceled.
The most difficult part is the mental stage. When I am at home for too long, I am afraid of being forgotten. But instead of giving up, I started learning to record, make clips, and make small content on social networks to maintain connection with the audience. I also participate in many charity activities, sing in fundraising programs, and that gives me more energy. Maybe others see me as slowing down, but in fact I am quietly preparing for the new stage. When I returned and won the Championship for the second time, I felt much more mature, no longer eager to win, but knew how to listen, knew how to choose the values I pursued.
For a while, her name was on the Google search list due to some controversy related to the singer's choice of the hit song "Continuing the story of peace" at the April 30th celebration. How did you feel at that time?
- I do not deny that there was a period when my name was mentioned quite a lot online. Many people advised me that if I knew how to use that time, I could get angry faster. But I didn't choose that way. I always think that the audience is very smart, they can like a news story, but they only keep the truly kind artists in their hearts.
Instead of responding or attracting more attention, I choose to stay silent and focus on making music. When everything calmed down, I released the MV "Nguyen the ai an binh", as a tribute to the People's Public Security force for their silent sacrifices in those difficult years. Unexpectedly, the song was so solemnly welcomed, played on many industry holidays, and it was the biggest spiritual gift I had after the stormy period.
However, there are opinions that she should have performed the song at the April 30 ceremony, instead of singer Vo Ha Tram because she originally performed this hit first and collaborated with musician Nguyen Van Chung. What do you think?
- I heard and understand this. When the audience loves me, they easily get angry on my behalf. But in fact, I didn't feel sad or angry. When a song is well received by society, it is no longer " apparent" to anyone. The organizers of national programs have many criteria for selecting artists: Experience, image, position, message suitable for the event... I respect everyone.
I used to sing that song to soldiers in grassroots units, in the middle of the Chang Chang Chang training ground. The tears when singing with them, when holding hands after the show, for me, are much more precious than singing at a television festival. If there is regret, it is just a fleeting human emotion, not a warmth. I am happy to see the song sung in many places - that means it is really live.
When mentioning Continuing to write a story of peace - a song by musician Nguyen Van Chung, what opportunity brought you to this work?
- The first time Chung sent me a demo, I cried. The song is about peace but does not call for a slogan, but goes into human depth. It reminds people to turn to love, connect, and heal after losses. I remember him saying: "I want you to sing not with your voice, but with your heart".
During the collection process, Mr. Chung was extremely meticulous. Sometimes the word " peace" that he forced me to recall several times, so that each breath, each amoru was emotional. We discussed a lot about the spirit of the song not only technique, but how to make the song reach all classes of audiences, from soldiers, students to mothers in the hometown. That is what makes me appreciate this cooperation. Following the story of peace is not only a musical product, but a message from todays generation to future generations about the responsibility to maintain peace.
In addition to music, what does musician Nguyen Van Chung pass on to you?
- Mr. Chung is not only a composer, but also a true teacher. He taught me how to view the profession with perseverance, a planned and strategic way of working. He once said: "If you just want to be famous, I will be very tired! How should the audience remember because I have a heart".
When I was in difficulty, without my own crew, he supported me in collecting music, filming music, and even helped me plan my communication reasonably despite limited financial capacity. For me, it is not only a help but a debt of gratitude. He was the one who revived the belief that music is still a land for those who do good deeds.
Don't choose scandals to become famous
Looking back on the past journey, have you ever thought: "I would rather choose a faster path by attracting attention and debating"?
- I think anyone who is an artist has had a period of fluctuations. Sometimes when I see others becoming famous quickly, I feel sad. But then I wondered: They float quickly, but how long can they last? I chose to go slowly so that I could still go long enough.
For me, each song, each stage is a small step to help the audience better understand Duyen Quynh's personality. I don't want the audience to remember me through scandals or noise, but through real values. Maybe I'm not a big star yet, but I believe time will be the fairest answer for those who travel long distances.
In the end, what kept you in the profession despite many challenges?
- It is love and gratitude. I still remember some audiences texting me that they burst into tears when they heard me sing. For a singer, there is no greater reward than that. Every time I receive such news, I feel responsible for continuing.
I do not dream of being rich or famous quickly. I just hope my music can contribute a small part to soothe life, making listeners feel shared. If possible, I want to leave meaningful songs to my life, so that when someone mentioned Duyen Quynh, they would say: "That is a singer who sings with all his heart".
What do you want to send to your audience?
- I just want to say thank you. Thank you to the audience who have accompanied me, who have followed me quietly even though I was not noisy. Artists are also human, sometimes strong, sometimes hurt, but it is the love of the public that keeps us in the profession.
I will continue to make music with all my love and responsibility, so that each song is a "little story" connecting hearts closer together. And if possible, I want to be remembered not as someone who has won the championship, but as an artist who lives a decent life in the profession, devoted to the audience.
NgoC DO (implementation)
