Singer Viet Hoan U60: Living on the hill, doesn't like teaching just for money

1,000 times "bigger" than when he first started his career

Meritorious Artist Viet Hoan.

- What do you remember about your first days in the profession?

Up to now, I have been working professionally in music for more than 30 years. I am proud to be on the right path. I improve every day thanks to meeting, learning and filtering the good things in life. Viet Hoan today and when he first started his singing career are completely different in terms of lifestyle and musical thinking. I am now 1,000 times "bigger" than I was then.(laugh).

- Is the current Viet Hoan the best version when standing on stage?

Not yet! I am confident that the value will increase but I am still striving for the best version.

I want people to remember me in the best and most beautiful way, so when I turn 60, I may not sing anymore. At that time, I will sing for free or only when I am appreciated for my worth. I should stop at the right time, find a “landing” point so that the audience will remember me.

Meritorious Artist Viet Hoan is still searching for the best version on stage and in life.

- What funny incident while performing that you remember forever?

In 1986, I went to Hai Phong to become a singer with only two sets of clothes. At that time, my sister prepared for me an old set of clothes that had been exposed to chemicals and torn at the buttocks. I still remember the image of me sitting and patching my pants to go on stage. At that time, dancing was the trend but I just stood there singing, not daring to turn towards the audience.

Back then, we only had a record player to bring along for performances, and we didn’t have the money to hire a band. Those records would get scratched and tripped over time. One time, while I was singing, the record stopped, and I had to sing half of the song a cappella. Afterwards, the audience applauded, which moved me. That was the love and great motivation the audience gave me.

I should stop at the right time, find a "landing" point so that the audience will remember me.

- What about the incident with the fans?

Many people love and admire me when they hear me sing or see my photos on social media. But when they see me in real life, they are disappointed, so I... have many broken hearts. People like flashy things, but I am dark and skinny.

Don't give up singing to become a farmer

- You build a rustic image on stage, but what about in real life?

Many people call me a simple farmer. I find it true and like my current life.

I believe that artists must create trends and inspire. Currently, I live a more leisurely life, freeing my soul more. Ms. Thanh Lam, singer Tung Duong and other friends all think that I made the right choice. When mentioning Viet Hoan, people think of clean vegetables, clean food and drinks, which makes me feel that I live a true artist.

No matter how impulsive or sublime, artists must still follow the general rule of not violating ethics or laws, living positively, and filtering the best things to convey to everyone.

Meritorious Artist Viet Hoan has changed a lot after 7 years of "leaving the city" to live in the suburbs.

- After nearly 7 years of "leaving the city" for the suburbs, how has your soul changed?

So wonderful! First, I don't have to live in a noisy, bustling city, saving gas, not causing traffic jams in the city. I know how to work, transact online and in a more civilized manner. The living environment is spacious, comfortable, close to nature, so my soul soars, working more effectively.

Many people think I have to go far away to work but that's not the case. If you come into contact with and try to live like this, everyone will feel happy. I'm enjoying this life.

- Your voice also improved?

Absolutely. I have good health, spirit, energy and a good mindset. I know how to wash my car, plant trees and flowers myself… All my worries disappear when I live in nature.

- Will you quit singing to become a farmer?

I affirm that it is not. I just remind myself that no matter how good a singer is, at a certain age, one must stop, to leave a good image in the eyes of everyone.

Many artists cannot arrange their lives later, so they are pitied by everyone. I don't like that. I want my position in people's hearts to be good even if I don't sing anymore. Artists must know how to respect themselves, and if they are a monument that others admire, they must maintain it. I find that I live a more civilized and orderly life every day.

- What else do you want when everything is perfect?

I am so happy that I don't want much. I live alone on a hill, raising 4-5 people, still singing and doing meaningful things.

I live in the hills but I am busier than in the city. I have friends coming to visit me every week so I don't feel lonely.

Viet Hoan's voice is more sublime when living close to nature.

- Many people who don't sing anymore will go to teach, what about you?

I also had many invitations to teach, but being a teacher is very difficult, it requires absolute sacrifice. I couldn't do it. I don't have a good teaching background because I only studied vocal music at the age of 29. I also don't like teaching just for money.

If you want to pass on some experience to the younger generation, you don't have to teach me to do it. Talented people should find the right people to develop their strengths.