usical trend setters: Songwriter Duong Khac Linh (right) and singer Thanh Bui Linh are among a crop of young composers to show their mettle by producing popular works and earning good money to help Viet Nam's music industry diversify and grow. — Photo tiin.vn

HCMCITY(VNS)— Young musicians and producers are initiating new trends in Viet Nam's music industry with innovative products and fresh singing talent.

The young faces, including Duong Khac Linh and Nguyen Hong Thuan, have made no secret of their ambitions as they produce, market and sell CDs in different styles.

Six years ago, when music producer Linh, 31, returned home from Holland as a song writer and composer, he recognised that experience and composing skills were vitally important in a fiercely competitive entertainment industry.

He composed and produced a series of albums and single MVs featuring famous pop stars like Ho Ngoc Ha and Thu Minh.

His single album, Bay Len Tinh Yeu (Blow Up), became an instant hit when it was released last year.

The MV includes three songs, Bay Len Tinh Yeu, Qua Muon Mang (It's Too Late) – both written and composed by Linh; and Hay Mac Em Di (Let Me Alone) by Nguyen Hong Thuan.

Linh recorded songs that combine simple words with pop ballad and dance tunes and music.

The MV pushed Ho Ngoc Ha from a promising pop singer to the industry's new pop queen.

Linh charges around VND40 million (US$2,000) for each song, including the fees for composing, mixing and recording.

His company, Early Rises Music, manages six singers including young talents Ha Okio and Thao Trang.

Another successful musician is Thuan, who is appreciated by young listeners for his ability to mix different musical styles and be different from his peers.

He did well by producing a series of top hits like Kem Dau Tinh Yeu (Love Strawberry Ice Cream) and Bay Sac Cau Vong (Rainbow's Seven Colours).

Thuan's music combines Vietnamese folk musical traditions with modern styles, and the result has been well liked by listeners nation-wide.

His songs have been performed by pop stars like Dam Vinh Hung and My Tam, who have captured the heart of fans in both rural and urban areas.

"I chose pop because it is popular among teenagers," said Thuan, who is also praised by critics for his professionalism.

The 32-year-old artist said his music has helped him attract fans quickly made it easier to earn money.

A movie producer in HCM City who did not want to be named said young composers like Linh and Thuan began their projects working with leading showbiz organisers to produce music products on stage and in studios.

They earn handsome sums, at least VND10 million ($500) for a song and $8,000 for a movie soundtrack. They also provide their customers with professional composing, mixing and recording services, he said. — VNS