Q&A: Minh Tu
Q&A: Minh Tu
July 27th, 2007House of Indies, a (you guessed it) indie label, recently released a compilation called In House 1. This “loose pop” selection includes works by three Vietnamese artists, including Minh Tu, to whom we spoke.
You don’t speak Thai, do you?
No, I speak only a little. Stuff like sawasdee kha or khop khun kha.
But you sing in Thai on two songs on the compilation. Was it difficult for you?
Yes, it was very difficult because the pronunciation feels very strange to me. And also, to understand the meaning of the lyrics, the people in the studio had to translate the words for me.
How would you describe your style?
Alternative and pop.
You are one of the first Vietnamese musicians trying to enter Thailand’s music market. Are you hoping for a V-craze?
I just hope that In House 1 will do well here.
When can we see you live in Bangkok?
We don’t know yet because we’ve just released the album. Pe Varavuthi will arrange a schedule and then we might have a tour. Anything is possible.
What is the difference between the Thai and Vietnamese music scene?
There’s actually not a big difference. People in Vietnam listen to pop music too and they’ve begun to like rock.
What is your dream as an artist?
I want be known by more and more people—not only in my country, but also outside of Vietnam. It’s important for me to represent the modern youth of Vietnam.
Like a Vietnamese version of Tata Young?
(Laughs) I hope so.
What is your dream as a person?
I want to have a good family where everyone cares for one another. And I want to take care of my parents.
Who are you your idols?
Sheryl Crow, Michelle Branch and Gwen Stefani.
.jpg "Escape Routes: Nov14, 2008")
