Soobin: Striving to become an all-around artist.

Attracting 8,000 attendees each night at his first concert, after more than a decade of dedicated work, Soobin has proven what it means to be a multi-talented, versatile artist who constantly transforms and reinvents himself.

Congratulations to Soobin on the successful two All-Rounder concerts at the end of May, following his award-winning album "Turn It On" and the highly-received "Brother Overcoming a Thousand Obstacles" program . How have you been feeling lately?

Honestly, the past period has felt like a dream to me. The success of the album "Turn It On" came as quite a surprise, because when I started working on it and when it was released, I didn't have high expectations. Perhaps it's partly thanks to the popularity of the show "Brother Overcoming a Thousand Obstacles," which helped audiences learn about and embrace the album more.

As for the All-Rounder concert , the two nights were the result of over six months of meticulous preparation with the team, paying attention to even the smallest details. I still feel the excitement of stepping onto the stage, seeing the eyes and hearing the cheers of the audience. After 14 years in the industry, I've finally achieved my biggest dream. With everything that has happened, all I can say is: Thank you, thank you so much for always believing in and supporting Soobin!

Why did you choose the name All-Rounder for this concert?

The recent concert was not just a simple music project, but also a big dream I've cherished since the early days of my artistic journey. "All-Rounder," for me, represents an artist who isn't confined within any limitations. I want viewers to encounter many different versions of Soobin – from gentle ballads to edgy, explosive personalities. While the name might evoke different thoughts and feelings in different people, for me, naming my first concert after 14 years of activity "All-Rounder" is a way of using the title my fans have affectionately given me to show my gratitude.

Furthermore, All-Rounder creates a sense of being surrounded, imagining oneself standing in the embrace of the audience and performing. That is the happiest moment in any artist's professional life. In addition, the concert is an "exclusive" musical feast, where the audience can enjoy "signature" songs associated with Soobin's name, or "fusion" (unconventional) flavors, representing modern and fresh songs.

The All-Rounder Concert showcased Soobin's versatility in the Vietnamese music scene.

PHOTO: PROVIDED BY THE SUBJECT

Soobin himself handles most aspects, from choreography and songwriting to playing instruments… What are your thoughts on the image of an all-around artist in today's era?

For me, an all-around artist isn't just someone who sings well, but also someone who can master every aspect of their musical journey. From live performance ability, musical thinking, personal style, to storytelling through visuals, stage presence, concept direction, and visuals... everything must be harmonious, interconnected, and clearly reflect their unique mark. An all-around artist is also someone who constantly learns, dares to challenge themselves with many different genres and roles.

To reach that image, I know I can't rush; I need to take sure steps. Every product, every stage performance is an opportunity for me to further improve my skills, confidence, and emotional depth. I always ask myself: "What will the audience feel when they watch or listen to this product?", because only when I truly connect with the audience does "all-around talent" have meaning.

And above all, I believe a truly versatile artist is someone who knows how to maintain their unique style while also being open to innovation. That's precisely the journey I'm pursuing every day.

He recently participated in a program that sought out young talents with "all-around abilities." How does he assess the artists of the younger generation?

I am delighted to be working alongside these young talents in the All-Round Rookie program. In terms of strengths, the current generation of young artists has many advantages: they are very quick to adapt to trends, know how to utilize technology and social media to spread their music; they also have a modern mindset, dare to experiment, and strongly express their individuality. More importantly, many of them are very versatile, not only singing but also writing their own music, producing their own, knowing how to dance, and commanding the stage – something not everyone could do before.

However, there are also unique challenges. Sometimes, focusing too much on versatility prevents you from truly delving into and mastering any core strength. Or sometimes, the pressure to be perfect in every aspect can easily lead to stress, disorientation, and even a loss of naturalness and sincerity in your music. Meanwhile, success comes not only from skill, but also from emotion and a genuine connection with the audience.

Most importantly, young people should maintain their individuality, not be afraid to make mistakes, not be afraid to face challenges, and at the same time, hone their skills every day, so that they can become both a versatile artist and a true storyteller through music.

In the album "Turn It On," it's clear that you challenged yourself by collaborating with many young producers like 2pillz, Wokeup… Can you share more about this?

I've always enjoyed experimenting and exploring new things in music, so when making this album, I wanted to try out different styles and collaborate with young producers. I believe music is a journey of constant innovation, and working with young people helps me broaden my horizons, access new trends, and experience a very different kind of creative energy.

Through these collaborations, I've learned so much: enthusiasm, a willingness to think outside the box, and fresh approaches to music that I'd never considered before. They bring a very fresh energy, helping me break through my own limitations and make music more diverse and richer. That's how I learn, grow, and still maintain a fresh perspective on music.

And what about SpaceSpeakers, the entertainment company that witnessed and played a crucial role in his success?

My success truly owes a great deal to SpaceSpeakers, not only because of their production support but also because of the camaraderie, the inspiring journey, and the way the members constantly pushed me to continuously improve.

To this day, I and my SpaceSpeakers brothers still maintain the same respect, trust, and support for each other as before. And I must say that I am not alone, as I always have my brothers by my side, both in music and in life!

Every segment of the first concert was meticulously prepared.

PHOTO: PROVIDED BY THE SUBJECT

Recently, traditional elements have received a lot of attention. Soobin also has many hit songs, such as the remake of "Trong Com" (Rice Drum ) and the performance of "Muc Ha Vo Nhan" with his father and Binz at the recent concert. What are Soobin's thoughts on the responsibility of young artists in recreating and extending the vitality of traditional values?

I believe it is crucial for young artists to preserve and promote traditional values, especially in today's rapidly changing modern society. Traditional music is not only a part of our cultural heritage but also an essence, an endless source of inspiration, helping me and the younger generation connect with our roots and the profound values ​​that previous generations have painstakingly preserved.

When I performed remakes like "Trong Com" with "Nha Sao Sang" or participated in the Xam folk music performance "Muc Ha Vo Nhan" with my father and brother Binz, I saw it not only as a way to honor the past but also as a bridge to recreate, renew, and spread traditional music to younger audiences. I want to prove that tradition is not outdated but is actually very good, very unique, and can integrate, innovate, and develop alongside contemporary elements.

For young artists like myself, it's a responsibility but also a great opportunity to reinvent myself, create unique and meaningful works, and contribute to preserving and extending the vitality of Vietnamese music culture in the hearts of modern audiences. Most importantly, this passion stems from my roots, from my personal love for music, and I don't feel forced at all. That's the most important thing.

Soobin performed the folk song "Muc Ha Vo Nhan" with his father and Binz.

PHOTO: PROVIDED BY THE SUBJECT

What are the limits of combining tradition and modernity for this approach to be successful?

I think the limit lies in preserving the essence of the traditional values ​​that we want to convey. This means that no matter how creative or innovative we are, we must not lose the core essence and inherent identity – the very thing that makes it unique and profoundly meaningful. If we only chase modern trends while forgetting our roots, the result will easily become disjointed, inauthentic, and fail to touch the hearts of the listeners.

Furthermore, harmony and balance are also crucial. The combination should be a "dialogue" between tradition and modernity, not an imposition or forced blend. When we find common ground, points of contact that both sides respect and build upon, that's when the product truly comes alive, being both familiar and innovative.

Furthermore, the success of this approach also depends on whether the artist has the subtlety to perceive and convey that "boundary," how to both respect tradition and create something new and appealing, rather than simply combining elements in a perfunctory way. It's a big but worthwhile challenge, and Soobin always wants to continue exploring that path.

Does Soobin intend to choose this as his next career path, having been involved with R&B for quite some time?

After a period of focusing on R&B, I also wanted to challenge myself in newer musical genres, those that are deeply rooted in culture but still maintain a modern and youthful feel. This is a way for me to not only develop personally but also contribute to renewing and diversifying the Vietnamese music market. I believe that if done well, this combination will not only make music more accessible to a wider audience but also preserve and promote traditional values ​​in a creative and contemporary way.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/soobin-no-luc-vuon-toi-nghe-si-toan-nang-185250615111801509.htm