The composer discussed his work and life during the Vietnam iContent 2025 gala, where his musical piece was honored as "Special Song of the Year".
- Why did you describe this as a "special song" for you when accepting the award on the evening of 30/11?
- I was happy and surprised. Previously, the song was only nominated in the Inspirational Music category and did not receive an award. That title was given to Bac Bling by Hoa Minzy and Con gi dep hon by Nguyen Hung - works that were deserving, meticulously invested in, and widely spread. I was happy for the young artists, as their efforts are truly commendable.
However, "Viet tiep cau chuyen hoa binh" was then honored with the Special Song of the Year award. The very name of the award gave me an indescribable feeling, like a meaningful gift for my songwriting journey.
My previous songs were often associated with a specific vocalist, but with "Viet tiep cau chuyen hoa binh", I had the opportunity to collaborate with many artists, from Duyen Quynh, Vo Ha Tram, Dong Hung, Tung Duong, to amateur singers. I consider myself fortunate, experiencing "favorable timing". In a context where the country had significant events, such as the 50th anniversary of national reunification and the 80th anniversary of National Day, I coincidentally had a suitable work, written two years prior.
I believe if I had started composing this year, the song might not have spread so widely. Its prior recognition helped it gain momentum. I realized my most beautiful dream as a composer when 50,000 people sang the song at the To quoc trong tim concert. That was a moment unlikely to be repeated.
I am proud to contribute a small part to the music field. This makes me feel that life is meaningful and worth striving for each day.
- Do you feel any pressure to write subsequent "peace stories"?
- I think it is difficult to create a song that surpasses "Viet tiep cau chuyen hoa binh". I put my heart into every work, but a song's success does not solely depend on the composer's effort. It is the culmination of creative emotion, combined with many factors: the singer's voice, the release timing, and the audience's empathy and taste. The probability of a song becoming popular cannot be measured by how much I try.
However, I do not put pressure on myself. I ask myself: I have fully explored this theme, why try to surpass myself when there are so many other things to explore?
Previously, after "Nhat ky cua me", I also thought it would be hard to write another song about maternal love that would resonate with the public for a long time. So, I chose to shift towards paternal love, with "Cha va con gai". I believe it is not necessary to return and climb the same "mountain" I have already conquered. The music world is vast, and I have many new peaks to reach. I will diligently and devotedly compose. The audience will provide the answer.
Lecturers and students of Hanoi University sing "Viet tiep cau chuyen hoa binh" in 13 languages. Video: Hanoi University
- You once mentioned that writing about homeland and country themes presents challenges: few listeners, difficulty selling songs, and limited distribution channels. What motivates you to pursue this genre?
- I composed "Viet tiep cau chuyen hoa binh" in 2023, when opportunities to sell songs were scarce. Despite this, I decided to proceed because I wanted to challenge myself, contributing works with depth and a message.
According to me, to reach young audiences, compositions about the country must have a new spirit: a perspective close to Gen Z, contemporary melodies and rhythms, so they feel compelled to listen repeatedly and naturally spread the word. Crucially, the message must reflect the spirit of the era. If older narrative styles are still used, the song will lack authenticity because today's youth do not live in that context.
Currently, in national concerts, familiar revolutionary songs still dominate much of the airtime – these are works intertwined with history. Therefore, it is not easy for a new song to appear in political-artistic programs. This is why I especially appreciate the teams, directors, and music editors who trusted my song enough to bring it to major stages.
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Composer Nguyen Van Chung. Photo: Provided by subject |
Composer Nguyen Van Chung. Photo: Provided by subject
- Many people are interested in your enrollment in university at age 42. What prompted you to do this when you are already successful in your career?
- Simply, this is the right time. Previously, I had to prioritize my family, caring for my mother and young child, so I could not arrange my studies. After 23 years in the profession, I realized that most of my achievements were linked to luck. I only have three distinct milestones: First, during my time as a student at Dai hoc Ngoai ngu - Tin hoc, I did not understand much about music but wrote instinctively, and the songs became popular. In 2009, at age 26, I had three songs featured on Lan Song Xanh: "Con duong mua", "Chiec khan gio am", and "Mua dong khong lanh". The second milestone was when "Nhat ky cua me" was released in 2012, translated into many languages. The third milestone is this year, with the surge in popularity of "Viet tiep cau chuyen hoa binh".
Success did not come to me continuously. Beyond luck, I only have persistence. If a song was not good, I continued writing. But I want my upcoming milestones to come from my own ability, from proactivity. Only by cultivating deep enough and becoming skilled enough can I decide my songwriting path without relying on chance.
Over the years, I learned from colleagues, asking whenever I encountered difficulties. For example, when stuck with a chord progression, I observed how they handled it. But now, I need to research deeply, understand the essence of the problem, and systematize knowledge. I always see myself as a "newcomer" amidst the ever-changing flow of music. I composed from the era of cassette tapes and CDs to the digital music age; everything from composition and arrangement to release has transformed. Therefore, I must self-learn and innovate daily.
The song "Nhat ky cua me". Video: Provided by composer
- What are your plans for the near future?
- On 9/12, I will enroll and begin my student life. To make this choice, I accept reducing my shows and income, but in return, I have time to rest, regenerate energy, and improve myself.
I am pursuing a specialization in music pedagogy, which means learning how to systematically impart knowledge. Later, I want to share what I know with others. Many friends have messaged me saying: "Brother, teach me how to write music." But to teach someone, I need a solid pedagogical foundation. Until now, I have only self-learned and applied it to myself.
I believe my songwriting career will be intertwined with my life. But one day, when I am no longer here, what will happen? I hope to train a generation of composers who share my spirit – optimistic, with clear artistic and social perspectives, a desire to contribute, and a professional conscience.
The teachers at the school are all experts in pedagogical professionalism. They appreciate me because despite achieving some success in society, I still attend school and show full respect to my teachers.
The composer, born in 1983 in TP HCM, graduated from Dai hoc Ngoai ngu - Tin hoc TP HCM. During his university years, he began composing, becoming known for songs like "Nguoi thay", "Vang trang khoc", "Dem trang tinh yeu", and "Ngoi nha hoa hong". Many of his songs became staples in the careers of singers such as Cao Thai Son ("Con duong mua"), Khanh Phuong ("Chiec khan gio am"), Akira Phan ("Mua dong khong lanh"), Nam Cuong ("Bay giua Ngan Ha"), Bao Thy - Quang Vinh ("Ngoi nha hoa hong"), and Hien Thuc ("Nhat ky cua me").
This year, his song "Viet tiep cau chuyen hoa binh" became a phenomenon, garnering over 5 billion views across platforms, performed by many vocalists including Duyen Quynh, Tung Duong, Vo Ha Tram, and Dong Hung.
He also succeeded in children's music, with approximately 300 songs. The Vietnam Record Organization recognized him as the Youngest Composer with the Most Children's Songs.
Ha Thu
