Strange Sounds, Old and New

With over 4000 years of history, Vietnam boasts a remarkably rich oral tradition. For millennia, its people have harmonized their lives with the rhythms of nature inherent in the landscape. In the ever-evolving global context, traditional practices are preserved even as new ones emerge, sometimes challenging established customs.

Vietnamese traditional music enjoys recognition within the international community. Among various forms originating from different regions, quan ho, ca tru, and nha nhac Hue have been designated as World Intangible Cultural Heritages. Other genres, such as cai luong, cheo, and don ca tai tu, are also on track for similar acknowledgments. While these musical styles differ in tone, instrumentation, and intended audience, they collectively embody the depth of the country's rich cultural heritage. Despite past struggles threatening their survival, the revival of Vietnam’s economy and increased support from the government, alongside international cooperation, have fostered a renaissance of these treasured traditions.

Folk singing Quan Ho on a boat

Delving deeper into Vietnam's traditional music reveals unique characteristics among its instruments. The dan bau, for instance, is unparalleled in the world. Of the three recognized heritages, ca tru uniquely demands performers to manipulate their voices in intriguing and complex ways, leading to a captivating auditory experience. Historically, quan ho performances were exclusive to the Kinh Bac people during post-Lunar New Year celebrations, while nha nhac was reserved for royalty in palace settings. Nevertheless, the impact of commercialization and modernization has altered this exclusive access, making these art forms more accessible to wider audiences.

Like many countries, Vietnam has its share of modern pop music, which has become a significant industry, contributing over 95% of local musical entertainment. With the rise of digital media, artists in this genre have gained celebrity status and shaped the musical preferences of households and the youth across the nation. Platforms like YAN TV and Xone FM deliver trending hits continuously to eager listeners, while social media outlet Zing Me highlights top singers.

Other contemporary genres such as rock and hip-hop struggle for visibility but maintain dedicated followings. In Hanoi, the Red Tide band expertly blends local influences with heavy metal, appealing to fans for over a decade, while in Ho Chi Minh City, the young artist Karik has made waves with his impactful gangster rap. However, due to the explicit nature of his lyrics, the audience for these genres remains limited, especially among more conservative listeners.

Despite increased investment in the Vietnamese music scene, reaching international audiences has proven challenging. Unlike their Japanese and Korean counterparts, who have solidified a presence in MTV Asia charts, Vietnamese artists have not achieved a top-100 hit in over 15 years. Furthermore, domestic reception of modern musical styles has often been less than favorable. Critics have derisively labeled much of contemporary Vietnamese pop as "instant noodle music," easy to consume yet quickly forgotten. Some artists have sparked controversy; for instance, Phi Thanh Van, sometimes referred to dismissively as a "plastic queen," has been criticized for her limited vocal range.

Amidst these criticisms, there remains a glimmer of hope. The renowned Divas of the 90s—My Linh, Hong Nhung, Thanh Lam, and Ha Tran—continue to perform, maintaining strong and loyal fan bases. These artists often take on the roles of critics themselves, providing pointed feedback to newer generations of performers about the importance of quality.

Singer My Linh - Photo: @laphamhanoi

The impact of Western music on Vietnamese society is significant. While local artists have their appeal, many trendy clubs in major cities predominantly play the latest Billboard hits. Genres like house, techno, and trance have little local involvement, but Western music resonates with Vietnam's growing English-speaking community. From classics like Air Supply to contemporary stars such as David Archuleta, concerts often sell out rapidly.

In the face of these evolving trends, it's important not to overlook "Red music," a genre deeply embedded in Vietnam's history, celebrating the heroes of its wars and their contributions to the nation’s peace and reconstruction efforts. Although this patriotic genre holds less appeal to younger generations, it remains beloved among the older population, especially veterans.

The years have enriched this land, not only with physical resources but also with the creativity and joy of its people. As Vietnam continues to weave together its traditional roots with contemporary sounds, the world looks on in anticipation for the next cultural legacy.