Professional firms groom pop stars of tomorrow

In demand: A deal with VAA Entertainment has helped pop band 365 strike it big on the national music scene. Photo www.lansongxanh.voh.com.vn

But emerging talents, including singers and bands, are realising that they stand a better chance of succeeding on the big stage with the professional backing and promotion of entertainment companies that are now making their presence felt in the local music industry.

365 members, for instance, attribute their success to their deal with VAA Entertainment, owned by movie star and singer Ngo Thanh Van.

"We were fans, but now we have fans, thanks to our manager who has made our dream come true," said 22-year-old band leader Isaac (real name: Pham Luu Tuan Tai).

VAA says it has invested both money and resources to hone the talent and skills of the band members.

"Our work is to meet and select the best of the young singers. We help talented singers train their voices and perfect their performance styles," said VAA spokeswoman Nguyen Sa.

She said her company also organises music shows and works with music producers and impresarios to make products featuring singers and bands that it has struck exclusive deals with.

Sa said the company motivates bands like 365 to work hard and divide their time equally between their practice and performances.

"The young singers must improve their vocal technique and dance skills with music and dance specialists from the HCM City Music Conservatory and HCM City Dance School," she said.

According to the band, VAA has encouraged them to play pop music which is not simply a copy of popular South Korean bands, but carries international and Vietnamese identities.

"We can never do well in the industry without our sponsor. Its duty is to be a bridge that connects us to our fans," said Isaac, who has benefited handsomely from contracts to perform as a VJ with music channels like Yan TV.

Well-known singers like Ho Ngoc Ha, Thanh Thao and Thuy Tien have also expressed similar views about striking deals with companies and sponsors, saying these have helped the reach out to younger audiences and elicit enthusiastic responses.

There are several entertainment companies operating in HCM City, including Music Faces, HT Production and the Kim Loi Studio Company, who have trained many young singers and pop bands. Some individuals working in the field also act as mentors to aspiring young performers.

"We have signed training and performance contracts with four young singers in the last three years, but at the moment, only two singers, Cam Ly and Quang Vinh, are successful," said Kim Loi official Minh Vy.

He explained that young singers who are naturally gifted often need a few years of training before making it to the top. However, it is also a problem that not all will be successful on the big stage, he said.

"Investing in young singers is like looking for pearls in the sea," Vy said.

Music Box, one of the city's prestigious music studios, has trained and introduced several new signers like Ngo Kien Huy and Truong Quynh Anh who have been making waves in the country's pop music scene.

Music Box is managed by pop star Thanh Thao, who has 15 years' of experience in the field.

"Becoming a skilled singer is not easy for any youngster, even if she or he is a promising talent," singer and lyricist Thao said. "Compared with other singers who work alone, Music Box girls and boys have taken a shortcut to their dreams."

"With investments from their managers, singers will have more opportunities to pursue their careers. But they should retain their creative independence," said music producer Duc Tri of Music Faces.