Chi Xê, Hieuthuhai, Thái Lê Minh Hiếu, and Thiều Bảo Trâm are among the first V-pop singers to release their "Summer 2026" music products - Photo: Provided by the artist.
From V-pop to international music, many artists are moving away from overly polished soundscapes and returning to authentic instruments, genuine vocals, and genuine emotions. Simultaneously, a wave of nostalgia and the "post-genre" trend are reshaping how young people listen to music today.
"Original sound" is back.
One of the most prominent trends this summer is the rise of raw, intimate sounds with minimal technological intervention. After the explosion of artificial intelligence (AI) and the abundance of electronic remixes, many listeners are beginning to feel a sense of "perfect oversaturation."
Instead, they seek out more handcrafted products: authentic guitar sounds, authentic pianos, live bands, vocals with breath control, and even subtle, very human-like flaws.
In V-pop, this is quite evident in many recent releases. The OST "Eye of the Storm" from the film "Squad 1978, " performed by Long Non La, is one example. The music video went viral on social media not because of its catchy beat, but because of its genuine and nostalgic feel.
Thieu Bao Tram (MV "Rabbit Hunting "), Chi Xe (single " Chapter 1: Unbeatable and Starting Over "), and Thai Le Minh Hieu (MV "Falling in Love" ) in their recent products have also shown more restraint in production, prioritizing space for vocals and personal emotions instead of just chasing "climaxes" or 15-second music clips to go viral on TikTok.
Madonna's (right) and Sabrina Carpenter's nostalgic collaboration on the song "Bring Your Love" has delighted music lovers worldwide. - Photo: Coachella
In the international market, the return of nostalgic house/disco is also very strong. Madonna and Sabrina Carpenter's single "Bring Your Love" is directly inspired by 1980s house music, showing that 2026 pop is making a "retro" comeback, but in a more sophisticated and minimalist way.
Indie/pop artists in 2026 are also strongly leaning towards chamber pop, folk-pop, and alt-pop with rich, authentic instruments, rather than high-intensity EDM. Albums by Mitski, Holly Humberstone, and emerging indie artists are frequently mentioned for their more "human" feel and rich narrative.
Music Week magazine (UK) commented: "This nostalgia reflects the mindset of a young generation living in an era of immense change: economic crisis, social media pressure, AI, and uncertainty about the future. Old music has therefore become an 'emotional safe zone'."
The "post-genre" era
While artists were previously defined by clear categories such as pop singer, rapper, or rocker, those boundaries have now almost disappeared. A song can be both pop and incorporate elements of afrobeats, Latin, hip-hop, and electronic music. Younger audiences are also less concerned about which "side" an artist belongs to, as long as the music evokes emotion.
The "post-genre" trend is making global music more flexible than ever. Shakira collaborates with Afrobeat and Burna Boy on her new World Cup track , Dai Dai.
Meanwhile, Bad Bunny brought Latin trap straight into the global mainstream. And Oliver Tree, in his album Love you madly, hate you badly , blended pop-punk, alternative rock, indie rock, and pop all in one project.
In Vietnam, this trend is also very evident. With his album "Mắt cửa mắt mở" (Eyes Closed, Eyes Open) , Hieuthuhai has brought rap closer to pop and R&B. Meanwhile, rapper Long Nón Lá incorporated folk elements (the Southern Vietnamese folk song "Lý đất giồng ") into "Mắt bão" (Storm Eyes) , delivering genuine emotions.
Indie bands like Cá Hồi Hoang prioritize a storytelling approach to their songs, giving listeners the feeling of reading a musical diary - Photo: FBNV
In the indie-R&B genre, the rise of artists like tlinh, Wren Evans, Vũ., and Rawww is evident. They combine bedroom pop, neo-soul, indie, and R&B in a softer, more atmospheric way, rather than following the traditional hit structure. These types of songs often sound very "personal," fitting the streaming culture and headphone listening habits of Gen Z.
Meanwhile, folk music combined with a soft, whispering singing style is the direction taken by artists like Táo, Cá Hồi Hoang, etc. Instead of focusing on vocal technique or dramatic climaxes, they prioritize the feeling of "storytelling," sometimes resembling a monologue with background music rather than a traditional pop song. It is this simplicity that creates a very strong emotional connection with today's young audience.
Summer of "branded" festivals
Summer is also the ideal time for music festivals. The " Dreamy Cities Summer " series of sunset music festivals for young people (June) will continue its run in Hanoi on June 20th with an incredibly captivating lineup, bringing together renowned indie and hip hop artists such as JustaTee, Low G, Grey D, WEAN, Thắng (Ngọt)...
Ravolution Music Festival 2026 (June 13th at Van Phuc City, Ho Chi Minh City): marking 10 years of creation, this year's biggest EDM festival in Vietnam will collaborate with A State Of Trance Vietnam, promising explosive sets that will last until dawn for all ravers.
Forestival 2026 (May 30th in Ninh Binh): The trend of combining music with heritage experiences and the vast natural landscapes of Trang An will officially return this summer, perfectly catering to the urban audience's desire for "getaways" and healing through music.
Legacy of Love (June 28th at the National Convention Center, Hanoi) No. 2 is a place for nostalgic audiences to enjoy the timeless melodies of composer Thanh Tung through trendy classic crossover arrangements.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/am-nhac-he-2026-tim-lai-cam-xuc-moc-mac-20260520101032126.htm
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