Army band: A unique feature in the musical life of Vinh City.

(Baonghean) - Many people who frequent cafes simply to enjoy live music are undoubtedly impressed by the young band Army band. They possess unique and unmistakable characteristics, as each member has the opportunity to shine on stage with their own distinct personality.

In the grounds of Moc Cafe on a winter morning, the song "An Unnamed Dream" by the Army Band filled the air, illuminating the space as if by the pristine light of dawn. The poignant lyrics, sung in the deep, husky, wild voice of the short-haired girl Nhu Quynh, resonated with unusual rhythms.

According to Hoang Son, the leader of the Army band, since its formation, the band has composed 8 songs, mainly about love, youth, and social issues; and hopes that one day they will be able to open a tea room, performing only their own original songs, in their own unique musical style.

The Army band was formed two years ago. Its members have never received formal music training, but they share a burning passion for music. For example, the band leader, guitarist Hoang Son, was trained in information technology but fell in love with the guitar, dedicating over a decade to it and making it his career. He's remembered not only for his sweet guitar playing, unique chord arrangements, and distinctive intros, but also for his talent as a music producer and a "sing-my-song" singer (performing songs he composed himself).

It was through music that Hoang Son and Phuong Linh – who played keyboard and had studied at the University of Foreign Languages ​​– met and became husband and wife. Starting with these two amateur members, the young band Army Band was born. Subsequent members joined the band after meeting on an amateur stage and finding they shared similar musical tastes.

The Army Band performed at a cafe in the city.

The band currently consists of Cảnh Hoàng, an architect who plays drums; Hoàng Lưu, a recent graduate of Hue University of Economics, who plays bass guitar; Thái Phú, a fitness trainer with an impressive rock singing voice; and Như Quỳnh, a girl with a unique voice and impressive mid-range resonance, who is also a bank employee.

Some people choose music as a side job, viewing it as a platform to express themselves and share emotions with the community through musical instruments; but others see it as their calling, like Phuong Linh. In the band, Phuong Linh is a singer who reached the finals of the "Vietnam Idol 2012" competition, and she was also invited to participate in the Asian Voice competition. After graduating from university, she was invited to teach music at Blue Sky Primary School. Later, she opened her own Lyun Piano Club at home, teaching piano to elementary, secondary, and even university students and civil servants in their forties...

Alongside his wife, guitar group leader Hoang Son also faced many dilemmas when choosing music as his career path. He said: “After graduating from university with a degree in IT, I didn't think I would choose music as my livelihood, but I kept following my friends around playing guitar, and then I couldn't give it up. Through those experiences, many cafes, programs, and events invited me and some friends like Hoang Luu and Canh Hoang to play for them.” Therefore, the guitar profession became Hoang Son's destiny without him even realizing it.

Now, with the couple having built a successful business – a music club teaching 40-50 students and the Army band having long-term contracts with many cafes – they themselves believe that "music chose us." Every week, many young people eagerly follow social media to see when and where the Army band performs, so they can relax and connect with the emotions the band brings.

The Army band is loved and admired by young people and music lovers in the city not only because of their professional approach but also because more and more young people are drawn to beautiful music and a unique and distinctive music-listening environment.

Thanh Nga