Ho Chi Minh City might be the largest metropolis in Vietnam and a commercial centre, but the culture of the country is best displayed in Hanoi.
This city of over six million people continues to grow and diversify as the city does and as artists continue to utilize the internet as a tool to promote their music, so does the local music scene.
While the quick rise of young five-piece 18+ (read more below) would suggest that Hanoi has a strong inclination to heavy rock music the musical community of this city is far more eclectic than that.
You only need to look to the other end of the spectrum to see a burgeoning experimental scene. While this local blogger demonstrates just how many experimental music events can be locked in for a single weekend, the likes of Tri Minh, Vu Nhat Tan and Dao Anh Khanh are conclusive proof that the city provides for more than just your average music fan.
A diverse music scene has always been a cornerstone for cultural success, but Hanoi betters Ho Chi Minh City on a more basic front. Finding musicians who play their own original music in Hanoi is far easier than the former where one has to wade through a multitude of cover bands.
While Ho Chi Minh City might have big music festivals like Loreto International Music Festival or Saigon SoundFest the likes of Hanoi Sound Stuff and CAMA have a more grass roots approach to promoting local acts, while also featuring international bands from the region.
That grass roots approach has only been encouraged by another unique feature of the local music scene and that is the increasing number of expats that move to the metropolis.
Go no further than the Hanoi Social Club or The American Club to see a mix of expats bringing their own influences as they integrate into the city’s lifestyle and culture.
There is no denying that Hanoi has a strong local music scene, however there is still a way to go before it reaches vibrancy.
As CAMA founder Giles Cooper told The Voice Of Vietnam the future of live music “is bright without question, provided the residents of Hanoi realize they play a critical role in its growth”.
We can only hope the citizens of Hanoi realize Cooper’s sentiment in a hurry. Because there is potential here to unlock a music scene that could become a truly celebratory asset of not just the city, but of Vietnam.
Shop
Qaung’s Records, 2nd Floor, 131 Bui Thi Xuan, Hai Ba Trung
Finding vinyl in Hanoi isn’t easy by any stretch. While there are vast collections here and there the owners keep themselves obscured, as making a profit isn’t their sole prerogative. Thankfully Quang’s Records makes itself more accessible. Opened in 2007 Quang’s is the first dedicated record shop in Vietnam. There’s a heavy bent towards jazz and the vinyl may not come as cheap as you think it will with the business being only a small venture.
Ho Guom Audio, 75 Pho Hang Bo Old Quarter
Never heard Vietnamese pop? Maybe it’s time you did then and this is a great starting point. There’s also a fair amount of traditional music to sample here too. Ho Guom Audio promotes Vietnamese music and culture in an undisturbed fashion that is far from many other chaotic shops you will visit. Staff in the past have let potential buyers listen before they make a purchase.
Fox Music, 3b Ngo Bao Khanh,
Not far from a cluster of the city’s most popular bars this establishment has provided tourists with a store that sells cheap CDs – most are less than $3 – which includes an excellent selection of world music albums. It’s an affordable and compact way to take home some great Vietnamese albums.
Listen
CAMA Festival
With international acts that include our very own The Cairos along with some local stars this event is one of the best places for Hanoi citizens to see music from around the world in over three days. But CAMA is more than just a festival. Much like Hanoi Rock City (read below), it is also an institution. Hosting their own live shows at CAMA ATK (73 Mai Hắc Đế) it is one the best places to catch up and coming acts.
Hanoi Rock City, 27/52 Tô Ngọc Vân, Tây Hồ, Hà Nội
To say this music scene is vital to the backbone of the local music scene is an understatement. Almost more of a community than it is a physical establishment, Hanoi Rock City is comprised of numerous musicians and DJs that regularly spruik the city’s music scene. It’s not dedicated to just one genre either, Hanoi Rock City features electro, experimental, reggae, alternative and rock acts.
Hanoi Social Club, 6 Hội Vũ, Hoàn Kiếmocial club
Food and music have always come hand in hand and there is no better place in Hanoi than here to experience the best of both worlds. The Hanoi Social Club gets the balance between the two right though. Neither will interfere with each other as the music is largely acoustic and folk based. If you’re feeling a little homesick there are plenty of performances by Westerners here too.
See
Temple Of Literature, Văn Miếu, Đống Đa
This architectural and historical splendour is probably going to be on your list of attractions for tourists visiting Hanoi and for music fans we have some news that might bump the Temple Of Literature higher up the list of things to see. The Sanctuary inside, which is dedicated to Confucious, features various live performances of traditional folk music by costumed women during public hours.
Thang Long Ca Tru Theatre, 87 Ma May Street
While the outside of this theatre is likely to attract the flash of your camera the architecture is not the only reason you need to ‘see’ this building. Take a closer look inside and you’ll not only be able to see the extravagance of the theatre, but also hear traditional Vietnamese music.
Hanoi Acts You Should Check Out
Luong Hue Trinh – Soundcloud
A quick search or two and the origins and basic information regarding this music maker are largely absent. Apart from her Soundcloud page (with a sample and link below) everything that surrounds Luong Hue Trinh is mysterious. However what we can glean from her Soundcloud and a few blogs here and there is that the musician crafts experimental tunes and that those who support her call Trinh one of the most exciting artists of her kind in Hanoi.
18+ – Facebook
At the forefront of Vietnam’s beloved rock and metal music scene is this young five-piece who have quickly transcended a local battle of the bands competition to become one of the country’s most exciting bands. Playing venues and festivals around the country 18+ fuse various rock styles such as industrial, nu metal, hardcore, reggae, punk and groove.
The Props – Soundcloud
While currently based in Ho Chi Minh it’s hard to ignore that the seven-piece originally formed in Hanoi. With each member hailing from different corners of the globe The Props for years were an integral part of the local music scene. Taking their cues from punk, funk, blues, indie rock and alt country this band have cemented themselves as apart of the core fabric of Vietnam’s music scene.
