The trend of singer-songwriters

Recently, the song "Sunshine in the Yard," composed and performed by musician Hua Kim Tuyen, has gained popularity among many people.

Trends of the times

Responding to the online community's love for "Sunshine in the Yard," Hua Kim Tuyen shared: "This song was created when I thought about my niece - Pam (my sister's daughter). Through this song, I want to send a message to parents that 'the sunshine and rain outside can help your children grow and discover many things.' Because Asian parents often overprotect their children, wanting them to live a simple, peaceful, safe life without too many hardships. But I think it's better if children are more independent because the more challenges they face, the more life experiences they gain, and the more interesting life becomes."

Singer Phuc Anh. (Photo provided by the subject)

It was through the meaningful message of "Sunshine in the Yard" that Hua Kim Tuyen also had the opportunity to reflect on his life experiences: "Tuyen decided to pursue a career in music because of his passion, but also because he wanted to explore himself, to see how far he could go with those passions." That's how Hua Kim Tuyen, instead of just being content as a hit maker, chose to also sing.

It can be said that singer-songwriters are the new trend of the times. Audiences are not only familiar with Dong Thien Duc's music but also see him performing everywhere with his captivating songs such as "Tomorrow She'll Get Married," "Who Can Be Faithful Forever," "Two Promises," "Beautiful Dreams of the Past," "Why Does It Have to Be You?"... This is also the image of songwriters Bui Cong Nam, Khac Hung, Vu Quoc Viet, Chau Dang Khoa, Do Hieu...

Versatility is key to survival.

Singers have recently been racking their brains over the copyright fees for a song. According to reports, the copyright fee for a song associated with a hitmaker's brand is 300 million VND per song. This is an average price, subject to certain conditions such as a half-payment upfront or a minimum order of three songs. 300 million VND per song is an unimaginable figure for many in the industry.

Paying this price for a song isn't something everyone can afford. Of course, the number of songwriters who can charge 300 million VND per song isn't large. There are also songwriters who accept writing songs for a lower price. However, whether it becomes a hit song or not still depends on luck.

Faced with this rather challenging reality, many singers have to take on songwriting roles as well. Vietnam Idol 2023 winner Ha An Huy received praise from all three judges, My Tam, Nguyen Quang Dung, and Huy Tuan, for his ability to compose, produce, and perform music. Ha An Huy is not the only young singer pursuing the trend of becoming a singer-songwriter. Many others started as singers but later transitioned to songwriting, including prominent names such as W/n, Phung Khanh Linh, LyLy, Orange, Tang Duy Tan, Phuong My Chi, Phuc Anh, and Thanh Thao...

Singer Phuc Anh said: "No one understands my song better than myself, and no one understands me better than myself. Every time I compose, I pour my heart and soul into my creation, and if the performer can fully convey the meaning of the song to the audience, then it is a sublime artistic performance."

Composer Duong Khac Linh believes this trend isn't new, but it's clearly developing more strongly among young people – a generation that's quickly adapting to the global music scene. "This '2-in-1' trend helps young artists be more proactive in their careers and increases their competitiveness. It's also an economical option as singers can participate in multiple stages of the production process. Of course, not every singer can do it; it requires ability and training and refinement over time," composer Duong Khac Linh observed.

According to musician Huy Tuan, the "compose and perform" model is not a mandatory requirement. However, if one can try it, it would be a significant advantage for a new face in the current Vietnamese music market.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/van-nghe/trao-luu-ca-si-kiem-nhac-si-20231123205123871.htm