What brought you and composer Nguyen Van Chung together for this project?

Nguyen Van Chung and I are the same age, but we hadn't collaborated before because we each developed our careers in different parts of the country. When discussing the idea of creating a song for National Day, we quickly found common ground in our desire to create an uplifting, youthful song that could connect multiple generations. This shared vision led to our first collaboration and the birth of "Vietnam - Proudly stepping into the future".

We also appreciate the support of the National Citizen Commercial Joint Stock Bank (NCB), the sponsor of the music video. Their national pride and dedication further motivated our team to perfect the product.

With this song, we aim to inspire love for our country in all generations, capturing current trends while resonating with older audiences.

How does "Vietnam - Proudly stepping into the future" differ from previous patriotic songs you've performed?

This song has a very different feel compared to my previous patriotic songs. From the title itself, it embodies the nation's belief and desire for progress. The lyrics are inspiring, connecting the past and present, reminding us to value our ancestors' sacrifices while igniting the desire for Vietnam to rise and become an "Asian dragon".

The repetition of "Vietnam" reinforces a sense of radiant pride, firmly and proudly positioning the country on the world map.

The song is also my first foray into the Dance/EDM genre. This is my way of connecting with young people, offering them a trendy, catchy melody that retains a familiar sense of heroism. I hope the song will become a "national anthem," following the success of "Mot vong Viet Nam".

Besides the music, the visuals in the MV are very polished. What message do you and the team want to convey through these images?

Under the direction of Vu Hong Thang, the music video portrays a simple yet sacred Vietnam through shimmering cinematic shots. I chose two outfits: red, symbolizing the national flag, and white, representing the youthfulness and aspirations of today's generation.

The music video not only showcases the beauty of the country in peacetime but also carries a message of national pride. If given the opportunity to introduce it to international audiences, I believe these images will promote our culture and tourism, showcasing a prosperous, creative, and potential-filled Vietnam.

The creative LED screen in the music video creates a strong visual impression with the blend of Vietnam's map and Dong Son drum patterns. Photo: NVCC

What is the significance of releasing the song on National Day?

For me, the nation's important holidays always take precedence. Personal projects can be put aside to make way for tributes to the country. I'm proud that throughout my artistic journey, many songs associated with the image of the country, such as "Mot vong Viet Nam," "Oi que toi," and "Con co," have resonated with multiple generations. If these songs become hits with millions of views, it's a great joy because love for the country has been spread widely through music.

What keeps you so dedicated to patriotic music?

Perhaps what keeps me dedicated to patriotic music is my love for the country. I believe every Vietnamese person, regardless of their field, should strive to contribute to building a strong and unified nation. Music is my way of contributing, a way to spread national spirit and inspire unity.

Singer Tung Duong tries his hand at dance music for the first time. Photo: NVCC

Being a singer specializing in patriotic music is a great source of pride in my career. When performing internationally, I always proudly affirm my Vietnamese identity, sharing our national identity with the world through unique melodies. Songs like "Mot vong Viet Nam," "Oi que toi," "Con co," and the latest, "Vietnam - Proudly stepping into the future," not only define my style but also connect multiple generations. And I'm always proud to use music to praise my country.

Many patriotic songs are released on National Day, including those by very young artists. What do you think about this trend in the music scene?

I see it as a positive sign. Each artist has their own way of expressing themselves, but they all share a love for the country. Through music and imagery, we are contributing to the ongoing narrative of peace, expressing national pride and aspirations for the future.

Minh Ngoc