“Flood Run” Vol.1 has set many rock lovers' hearts on fire

The theme “Long ma ngu trieu” was chosen to convey the spirit of prosperity, inspired by the mascot that has become a familiar symbol of Hue Festival since 2002. Tran Hoang Gia Huy, one of the founders of Hue Capital Rock, shared: “Long ma is associated with strength and prosperity, when combined with the name “Chay vu”, which is both familiar to Hue people during the rainy season and is also the slang of architecture students when running projects, the show has both intimacy and majestic atmosphere”.

Bringing “long ma” into the show is also the organizers’ way of emphasizing the intersection between modern music and traditional culture. Rock has a rebellious, explosive spirit; “long ma” symbolizes longevity and faith. These two elements blend to create a “grand opening ceremony” that is both classical and modern.

As both a rocker and a former architecture student, Huy said: “Rock and architecture both require creativity, discipline and construction ability. A rock show is similar to an architectural work: it must have a foundation (sound, light), a layout (setlist, emotions), and must create its own mark. Each rocker or architect has their own personality that they want to convey in their product. The goal is to create a playground and keep the fire burning for rock bands in Hue, while affirming that Hue not only has Hue songs and royal music, but also has its own rock.”

The stage of “Flood Run Vol.2” will gather 7 bands: The Clocks, Free Bird, Big Foot, Napalm, Bug Splat, and two guests from Da Nang , Dai and Brainwave (Runner-up of Rock Viet 2022). Huy commented: “This lineup is like a miniature music map, where different personalities blend together: the strength of Napalm, Bug Splat, Big Foot; the individuality of Dai, Brainwave; the freedom of Free Bird and the youthfulness of The Clocks. All will paint a colorful rock picture.” Not just a performance, the “lineup” also affirms the connection of the Central rock community, bringing different styles together in the same “rock dynasty”.

Remembering the first episode of “Flood Run”, Huy said: “The most touching thing was that after the show ended, the audience and the band members still lingered, hugged each other, and said that they saw a very different Hue, young and full of life. That moment made me determined to make Vol.2”.

Accompanying Huy is Ho Nguyen Gia Long, who currently lives and plays music in Da Nang. Long often travels back and forth to support the Hue rock brothers. His busy schedule does not prevent him from maintaining community activities and inspiring projects. It is this enthusiasm that helps programs like “Flood Run” run smoothly, while also inspiring the organizers and young bands.

According to Long, the biggest challenge for rock to return strongly to Hue is the fear that the audience will not accept it. Long also experimented with incorporating local culture into rock, such as the folk rock song “Cau ho me toi”, in collaboration with Cochinchine band, and believes that: This direction can open up a unique path for rock in the Central region.

Gia Huy also agreed with his friend: “The most important thing to build a Hue rock brand is identity. It must have Hue character, be fierce but also rich in emotion. If we just copy movements from other places, it will not be sustainable.”

Both Huy and Long appreciate the development of school music: Many clubs in high schools are nurturing passion. “I hope the next generation dares to break out, dares to try. Rock doesn’t need to be like anyone else, it just needs to have its own thing,” Huy said. He also revealed his plan: “In addition to big shows, we want to do many smaller events to create a habit of listening to rock in Hue, connect with bands from other provinces, and turn Hue into a rock meeting place in the Central region. In the future, I hope rock will enter schools, so that the Hue rock community can stand shoulder to shoulder with Hanoi and Saigon.”

Gia Huy and Gia Long believe that Hue rock can absolutely come back, even more brilliant than before. Not only in performances, but also in nurturing the younger generation and linking rock with Hue culture, which is rich in historical depth.

Pham Phuoc Chau

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/van-hoa-nghe-thuat/van-nghe-am-nhac/rock-hue-troi-day-cung-long-ma-ngu-trieu-157876.html