SINGER TUNG DUONG: I want to go all the way with music

For singer Tung Duong, art is not ambition but aspiration - the aspiration to go all the way with music.

Tung Duong's musical journey is always associated with gratitude for his predecessors - those who left great legacies for many generations.

Reporter: You left a strong impression on the A80 Grand Ceremony with special music projects as well as becoming a rare singer to appear in most of the major programs on this occasion. Looking back now, how do you feel? Do you feel pressured to always meet the audience's expectations?

- Singer TUNG DUONG: When I recall the moments during the A80 Grand Ceremony, I am still filled with emotion and pride. Standing on special stages like national concerts and such important events, I feel proud because whether in the position of an artist or in the responsibility of a citizen, I always want to devote myself to the country.

I prepare carefully for each performance, to sing well, with emotion, and to create MVs that convey patriotic messages with the most positive spirit to spread to the community. If I want to do things to contribute to the country, I never feel pressured, but on the contrary, I am very joyful and happy.

A year ago, we talked about a patriotic and life-loving Tung Duong, so what about Tung Duong now?

- Tung Duong can talk about patriotism at any time, in any situation. To me, patriotism is not a "trend", but the "essence" of an artist in particular and of a citizen in general - a great responsibility of a singer as well as of every Vietnamese person.

Only when that love is always present in our hearts can we sow the most positive seeds. And in the future, as well as forever, Tung Duong will still keep that love of country.

What do you think about the patriotism of the young generation when they memorize and sing along to revolutionary songs in major events ?

- We do not need to worry too much about the gap between generations in wartime and peacetime. Each period, each era has a different way of expressing patriotism, but that spirit is always burning. Today, although no longer living in the moments of "determination to die for the Fatherland" like our ancestors, young people still continue the indomitable, resilient spirit of the previous generation on new "fronts" - from economics , tourism, culture to science - technology and still strive every day to build the country to be more and more developed and prosperous.

The moment when more than 50,000 spectators put their hands on their hearts and sang "Marching Song" and "Continuing the Story of Peace " in unison was the most sacred moment. There, the national spirit and the power of music were like a call to arms, spreading patriotism from small individuals to form a large block of solidarity.

What do you think about the role of revolutionary music in arousing the spirit of solidarity and national pride in today's young generation ?

- At present, revolutionary music has a great power of connection. Works about the homeland and country not only arouse love for the Fatherland but also express the national strength, cultural depth and history that the musicians have entrusted. Through each period, "red music" songs have been performed by many generations of artists and famous singers, from the previous singers to us today.

Generations like Nguyen Van Chung and Tung Duong continue to write new stories with new songs and new spirits, but still inherit the immortal values ​​of patriotism and the nation's resilient and indomitable spirit. Music is the bridge between generations, so that everyone feels love and pride, so that we are worthy of the blood sacrifices of our ancestors in the cause of protecting the country. It is that power that makes revolutionary music a continuous flow.

Every year, the audience sees Tung Duong standing on a new step. On that journey, did he encounter any difficulties?

- There are always difficulties on the artistic path, even quite a few thorns. But I think to achieve success, every artist must make a lot of effort. For over 20 years, Tung Duong has always worked hard in his art, every year there are new projects, sometimes live shows, sometimes albums, MVs.

But the most important thing is the right timing. I still remember the moment I sang "Noi dao xa" with Trong Tan, or the moment I received the "Song of the Year" award with "Chiec khan pieu" - a song that is nearly 70 years old but still a resounding success in the hearts of the audience. All are beautiful impressions.

As an ever-innovating artist , how do you balance maintaining your own identity and meeting modern musical tastes?

- On that journey, challenges are inevitable, and to survive, artists must know how to keep up with the times. However, innovation does not mean losing identity. The important thing is to maintain personality, at the same time know how to listen, reduce extreme ego to filter and absorb. Artists are like gems, the more polished through experience, the more beautiful and stable they become.

What special marks has the collaboration with musician Nguyen Van Chung brought to your musical journey?

- Nguyen Van Chung and I never really thought that we would one day collaborate. Before, my music was often "winding", "twisting", and full of challenges, while Chung's music was close and simple. I used to think that those two worlds would hardly meet. But then, very special, we met again on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day (September 2, 1945 - September 2, 2025) - a sacred milestone for any Vietnamese person.

More importantly, through this collaboration, we found a common ground and a sincere friendship. Although we had just met, Chung and I could already see each other as musical soul mates. Chung once said he appreciated the way I treated musicians, and I considered that a valuable recognition, as well as my professional principle: always love, cherish and respect the work of my companions.

Your first LP in your career is about to be released, can you share about this music project? Is there anything different from your previous projects?

- The first LP of my career was titled "Timeless", introducing Duong's "vocalist" spirit through the country's immortal love songs. In Volume 1, I chose songs from the modern music period to after 1975 - both a return to old values ​​and setting much stricter requirements than previous projects.

With high-end music, the audience is especially picky, so the crew chose analog recording, a sophisticated and rare method nowadays. This is the difference that makes "Timeless" a memorable milestone in my musical journey.

Singer Tung Duong (Photo provided by the character)

Every artist needs to know how to distill national values, to put them into music naturally, harmoniously, in tune with the contemporary soul.

We have a huge treasure of traditional music - from lullabies, folk songs to traditional works. These values ​​help affirm the Vietnamese identity on the world music map, without any confusion. In many of my projects, I always take folk music as the root, even when collaborating with international artists or participating in major festivals. Every time I stand on the international stage, I consider it an opportunity to make a "declaration" of patriotism and national pride.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/ca-si-tung-duong-toi-muon-di-den-cung-voi-am-nhac-196250913195112494.htm