Singer Le Ngoc Thuy - passionate about folk music.

- Singer Ngoc Thuy, could you share something about your current life and work?

Currently, Thuy's music career is mainly based in Ho Chi Minh City, and she is preparing to release new projects. She still performs at events daily; her life now focuses solely on music.

- As a folk singer who established your career in Ho Chi Minh City, was that challenging for you, since folk music is more suited to Central and Northern Vietnam? How did you win over audiences in Southern Vietnam?

The South has many developed music genres, especially commercial music, while folk music is very strong in the North. However, Thuy has many advantages in developing this genre in the Southern market and is hoping to expand strongly into the overseas market in the future. Everywhere there are people who are far from home and who love folk music, and perhaps there are even more of them in the South.

There are very few folk singers in the South, especially young singers like Ngoc Thuy, so that could be an advantage. Every time she goes to record or releases a product, Thuy pours all her emotions into the product and the song because only when she puts the right emotions into the song will it easily touch the hearts of the listeners.

In her approach to songs, Thúy treats timeless classics in a more youthful and contemporary way. Southerners aren't easily pleased, but if a song touches the hearts of listeners, they'll always enthusiastically support and embrace it.

Everyone is born with a unique mission, and discovering one's mission takes time. Currently, Thuy believes her mission is to become a singer of folk music and elevate that genre to a new level. She also hopes to release many more products in the future to develop her career not only in Vietnam but also in the international market.

Singer Le Ngoc Thuy.

- Ngoc Thuy, could you share some of the experiences you've gained from pursuing folk music? Is your hometown in Nghe An the source that sparked your love for folk music?

Each song, each lyric of this folk music genre, carries a profound meaning about love for one's homeland, romantic love, and family affection. Whenever Thúy sings, the lyrics inspire her to strive to become a more useful person. And when singing this genre, Ngọc Thúy's breathing also improves; she breathes using her diaphragm instead of her chest. By pursuing this genre, her friends and fellow folk music enthusiasts share the same passion and interests, resulting in many positive relationships.

Ngoc Thuy was born and raised in Huong Son district (Ha Tinh province), a land of rich history and talented people. This place nurtured her soul, and in times of joy and sorrow, she always returns to find solace. Folk music was nurtured in her from a young age; every afternoon, the loudspeakers played songs about her homeland, and these songs seeped into her blood without her even realizing it. Her homeland in Nghe An province is the source of her love for folk music.

- Famous songs are performed very successfully by artists, practically becoming ingrained in the public's hearts. So, when Thuy sings those songs again, how does she refresh them so that she remains herself but listeners still enjoy them?

Songs that have stood the test of time, that people listen to over and over again and still love, must surely be beautiful, profound, and possess a lasting humanistic value. Thuy must thank the artists who came before her, the veteran artists who have rolled out the red carpet for the development of Vietnamese folk music. For Thuy's generation, it is necessary to promote, preserve, and make these timeless songs even better and more innovative.

To achieve this, Thúy had to use unique harmonies, arrangements, and vocal techniques to suit current trends. Many people have commented that Thúy's voice is very distinctive, very individualistic, and unlike anyone else's. Thúy has demonstrated a unique personality in her music.

- What advice does Thuy have for young people who are passionate about studying vocal music and pursuing folk music?

Ngoc Thuy believes that you must have passion and determination to have the motivation to conquer your aspirations. Especially, you need the right environment. If you are passionate about studying vocal music, you should apply to an art school to receive training and guidance. Becoming a true singer is difficult, but becoming a genuine artist is even harder. Especially for female singers, if you are beautiful and make the right choices, your future will be bright and you will shine even brighter. Conversely, if you make the wrong choice, it will be a disadvantage for you in pursuing your passion.

For Thuy, it's not just about learning at school or singing at events; wherever there's an opportunity, she's ready to showcase her voice because, in a certain moment, you realize what you need to do for your passions and aspirations.

- Having been dubbed a singer with millions of views, can Thuy share this joy with you?

Every artist dreams of becoming famous and successful. Being dubbed a "million-view singer" makes me feel incredibly happy and joyful. It's because I feel the support of everyone, and they always love my voice. It's also a way for me to prove that my efforts have been rewarded, and that I need to maintain and further develop my talent.

Every time I go out, many fans recognize me. Just one sentence like, "Are you Ngoc Thuy? I always listen to your music," makes me feel so happy and joyful. Or if I happen to walk down a street and hear my singing, I feel so lucky and happy. Even though it's a small thing, that's the value that Ngoc Thuy wants to contribute to art and to life.

- What are Thuy's plans for the end of this year and next year?

Ngoc Thuy's plan for this year and next year is to release many new products. Currently, she is preparing to release 55 new songs with themes of love for her homeland, processed and arranged in her own unique style. Thuy hopes to continue receiving positive feedback from the audience and live up to everyone's expectations. Ngoc Thuy's products always ensure quality from visuals to sound and are released online globally. Thuy always strives to improve herself every day, meticulously crafting each musical product to serve music lovers.

Thank you, Ngoc Thuy, for the conversation!

Van Khanh