The music video (MV) marks Dang Ngoc Anh's debut project. Director Viet Dang explained his choice to combine 3D and AI technologies, allowing the singer to focus entirely on her gaze, facial expressions, and internal performance, minimizing complex interaction with the set.

MV "Sau nhung ngay yeu xa"

The team utilized AI to authentically recreate an ancient Hanoi. This included scenes of young couples dating, sheltering from rain on old streets with tilting tiled roofs, the serene Hoa Phong Tower, and historic train stations. To mitigate the "impersonal, cold" nature of digital technology, the team filmed all of Ngoc Anh's acting live, rather than creating the character digitally.

"Classical music often features grand scenes and profound stories, making AI and 3D perfectly suited to elevate artistic vision," the director commented.

Ngoc Anh described the MV filming process as "stepping out of her comfort zone." Accustomed to focusing on her vocals on stage, the singer found it challenging to tell a story through images, gaze, and expressions for the first time. Some scenes required multiple takes because her demeanor was not up to standard.

The singer also dedicated significant time to recording the song "Sau nhung ngay yeu xa." According to her, the piece contains difficult sections, but the main challenge was ensuring that technique did not overshadow emotion. "I practiced repeatedly, recording many times, focusing on my breath, the climax, and each lyric," Ngoc Anh shared.

Alongside the MV, the 22-year-old vocalist released the album "Gui mua thu o lai" (send autumn to stay), with artistic direction by Doctor, singer Nguyen Khanh Ly. The album features eight songs:

: Nho ve Ha Noi (Hoang Hiep), Ha Noi dem mua dong (Hoang Phuc Thang), Cam xuc thang muoi (Nguyen Thanh - Ta Huu Yen), Khi thanh pho len den (Thai Co), Huong ve Ha Noi (Hoang Duong), Bai ca Ha Noi (Vu Thanh), Hoan Kiem (Giang Son - Nguyen Vinh Tien), and Sau nhung ngay yeu xa (Tran Manh Hung - Ha Quang Minh).

Ngoc Anh stated that the album's title serves as a message, preserving beautiful memories of youth. While performing timeless works, the singer felt pressure but wanted to recount them with the heartfelt expression of a young person today. "For difficult songs like Hoan Kiem or Sau nhung ngay yeu xa, technique only truly matters when it serves emotion," she said.

Two teachers, Meritorious Artist Ha Pham Thang Long and Doctor Nguyen Khanh Ly, significantly influenced Ngoc Anh's debut music project. Singer Nguyen Khanh Ly praised her student's soaring soprano voice, good stamina and technique, keen musical thinking, and disciplined, eager-to-learn spirit. Musician Tran Manh Hung was impressed by Ngoc Anh's voice, musical aesthetic, and perseverance. For this project, she proactively approached musician Tran Manh Hung, expressing her desire for a new song in the classical music genre.

Dang Ngoc Anh at the album and MV launch in Hanoi, on 6/10. Photo: Courtesy of artist

Ngoc Anh acknowledged the project was substantial for a young singer but boldly undertook the challenge, believing one should not wait until feeling "skilled enough" or "mature enough" to begin. In her upcoming career, she hopes to bring her music closer to the public. "I hope the audience remembers Dang Ngoc Anh as a young woman who dares to pursue classical music for the long haul with all her heart and passion," the singer expressed.

Dang Ngoc Anh was born in Chuong My, Hanoi. She is currently a final-year student in the Vocal Department at the Vietnam National Academy of Music. Before winning first prize in the classical music category at the Hanoi Singing Contest 2024, she received a gold cup at the Asia Arts Festival 2024 in Singapore.

Phuong Linh