Songwriter: Like some of her peers, Le Cat Trong Ly has moved from performing songs to composing her own tunes. — VNS File Photo

by Thu Anh

HCM CITY (VNS) — Young musicians and producers in HCM City this year have succeeded in winning fans and setting new entertainment trends, producing CDs and music videos in different styles.

Hieu, a graduate of the HCM City College of Culture and Arts, says his composing skills have served him well in a fiercely competitive entertainment industry.

He has written both pop and dance music, featuring stars like Ho Ngoc Ha.

Hieu began his career four years ago while he was at school, working with leading composers and showbiz organisers to produce music on stage and in the studio.

He has also been a shrewd businessman.

"Music is not a game with only sweet melodies and beautiful dances, but also a big job which helps make money," he said.

His songs, Hey Boy and Dung Nhin Lai (Don't Look Back), became instant hits when they were released early this year, propelling Noo Phuoc Thinh and Dong Nhi to fans' favourite singers this year.

After releasing the pop song My Baby, performed by pop star Ho Ngoc Ha, Hieu quickly became the market's hottest composer.

In his latest songs, such as Minh Em Voi Anh (You and Me) and Khoang Cach (The Distance), Hieu has written simple lyrics set to electro dance.

The 24-year-old said his songs "encourage youngsters to be good in life and love".

While Hieu's forte is pop, Thang's music lends itself to techno music and jazz.

Writing on a music forum, Thang said he chose jazz because "it is not popular among young people. I wanted to be different".

"I also like techno music because it can help me attract fans quickly and earns money more easily," he said.

The 25-year-old has produced hits Muon Yeu (Want to Love), Dau Mua (Rain) and Lac (The Lost). His songs have been performed by popular singers like Trung Quan, Quoc Thien and Truc Nhan.

Many young listeners appreciate Thang's ability to mix different musical styles and produce something that stands apart from his peers.

In a recent interview with local media, veteran musician Nguyen Ngoc Thien, member of the HCM City Musicians Association, said: "Young musicians like Hieu and Thang combine feeling and composing skills, using studio technologies well. Their style gives audiences a global taste."

"They have been a key factor in the industry's development," he added.

Another successful musician, singer and guitarist Le Cat Trong Ly has begun writing and performing her own songs. After five years developing her solo act, she has become increasingly popular with fans.

Her latest song, Khong Ten (No name), was used as a soundtrack for Scandal 2 – Hao Quang Tro Lai (Scandal 2 – The Glory Returns), a blockbuster film by Vietnamese-American director Victor Vu which was released last month.

"Composing is the most complete way for a young singer like me to train myself and attain a high degree of professionalism," she said. — VNS