By Thu Anh

HCM CITY —  Young musicians and producers in HCM City are working to impart a global flavour to their works, in an attempt to win fans and earn more money.

Khắc Hưng, owner of the music agency AD Productions, became a hit phenomenon after his song, Sau Tất Cả (After All), won top prizes at three music awards events presented by prestigious organisations in HCM City last month. 

The song won Best Song of 2016 and Most Impressive Song of the Year at Blue Waves, Zing Music Awards and Vpop 20 Awards, launched by the Voice of HCM, Zing.vn and YanTV, respectively.    

The song helped Hưng bring home the Best Musician of 2016 title from Blue Waves, and young singer Erik, a member of the boy band Monstar win the Young Promising Talent prize at the Vpop 20 Awards.

Hưng, a graduate of the Việt Nam Academy of Music, said his composing skills had served him well in a fiercely competitive industry.   

“Sau Tất Cả is a love ballad. I used simple words to highlight life and youth,” said the 25-year-old. 

He has composed both pop and dance music, featuring young stars such as Miu Lê, Isaac and Trọng Hiếu.

Hưng began his career in 2012, working with music producers and showbiz organisers to produce TV shows and live concerts.

His songs, Cuộc Tình Không May (Sad Love) and Ngày Đó Ta Gặp Nhau (The Day We Met), became hits when they were performed by pop idol Mỹ Tâm and Vietnamese-American singer Thu Phương.

One of his new songs, Baby Baby, in K-pop style released early last year propelled boy band Monstar to the fans’ favourite pop band. The song attracted more than 900,000 views after release on YouTube.

After releasing Sau Tất Cả and Anh Đang Nơi Đâu (Where are You), performed by young singer Miu Lê, Hưng became the market’s hottest composer. 

“I’ve composed more than 40 songs. I wanted to challenge myself as a mixer this year,” said Hưng.

While Hưng’s forte is pop, producer and rapper Hoàng Touliver’s art lends itself to dance and electronic music. 

“I like electronic music because it can help me attract fans quickly and earn money more easily," said the 37-year-old. 

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

His songs, such as Tell Me Why and Real Love, have been remixed many times by young singers.

He produced hits Ngày Mai (Tomorrow), Big Girls Don’t Cry and I’m in Love, which  helped Vietnamese-American singer Tóc Tiên become a pop star after returning home to develop her career last year.

His new project is a TV show, produced by Hồ Chí Minh Television, expected to air in March.

Musician Đỗ Hiếu, 27, said his songs “encourage young people to be good in life and love.”

Hiếu began his career six years ago while he was at school, working with young singers Noo Phước Thịnh and Đông Nhi.

He succeeded in writing simple lyrics to electro dance. His songs, Gạt Đi Nước Mắt (Forget the Tears) and Đừng Nhìn Lại (Don’t Look Back), were top hits on online music forums last year.

Young musicians like Hưng, Hoàng Touliver and Hiếu combine feeling and composing skills, using studio technologies well. They have been a key factor in the industry’s development. — VNS