Born from a fusion of genres such as Blues, R&B, and Country, Rock music emerged in the late 1940s and early 1950s in the United States, and quickly spread worldwide. With its dynamic performance style, electronic sounds of guitar, bass, and drums, and lyrics revolving around love, life, and social issues, Rock music has become a timeless cultural icon.

Over the decades, rock music has continuously evolved and diversified, from the classic Rock 'n' Roll of Elvis Presley to the powerful sounds of heavy metal, and then to the innovations of modern alternative rock and indie rock. But no matter the era, rock has always possessed a unique "essence," an intensity and authenticity that few other musical genres can match. It's a combination of energetic melodies, profound lyrics, and explosive performance style. Rock lovers don't just listen; they live with it.

In Vietnam, rock music emerged in the late 20th century and quickly became an indispensable part of the musical life. One of the pioneering bands of Vietnamese rock was Thuy Trieu Do (Red Tide). Founded in 1998, initially under the name ComingLate, this band not only delivered powerful Heavy Metal melodies but also made its mark on the student arts movement. Although their origins stemmed from pure passion, they contributed to building the foundation of Vietnamese rock music and became symbols of a generation of passionate artists.

In a conversation with Viet James, the lead vocalist of Red Tide, the image of a passionate and sincere rock band emerged clearly. He recounted that in the early days, they played music simply to satisfy their love of it, without thinking about fame or money. They used to cover songs by Metallica and Pantera – icons of Heavy Metal – but gradually, Red Tide carved out its own niche with original compositions bearing a strong personal imprint. However, like any artistic journey, their path wasn't always paved with roses.

Viet James shared that pursuing music, especially rock music, is a challenging choice. "It's really difficult for rock musicians to make a living from it. They often do other jobs to support their passion. For us, rock music is about pure love of the music," he said. When the band first started, they performed at small shows where the pay was barely enough for a few hours of karaoke. But those memories are an integral part of rock – the simplicity, intimacy, and pure joy that music brings.

Despite its heyday, when rock music was wildly popular, Viet James acknowledges that times have changed. Today's musical tastes lean more towards more accessible genres like pop or EDM, while rock, with its complexity and emotional demands, has gradually become a niche genre. But for him, that's not too important. "We still practice and sing together. The important thing is that the passion never fades," he says with a smile. For him and the members of Red Tide, music is not just a profession, but also a way of life and breathing.

One notable aspect that Viet James mentioned is the difference between the older and younger generations of artists. He observed that young artists today invest heavily in their image, but sometimes forget about the quality of the music. "It's true that image is very important, but passion and dedication to music are the most important things," he shared. For him, Rock – and music in general – is not about making a superficial impression, but about touching the hearts of the audience, about bringing genuine joy to both performers and listeners.

What makes rock music special, and why it has endured through time, is the sense of community it fosters. On stage, artists don't just perform for the audience; they fully immerse themselves in the music with everyone. Rock erases the boundaries between artist and audience, creating a dialogue and a sharing that few other musical genres can offer.

“Attending a rock concert, you’ll feel the wildness, the passion, and the intense connection between music and people, something few other shows can replicate. There are times when the band might not perform perfectly, but it’s that authenticity and explosive energy that creates the unique appeal of rock,” Viet James shared. He laughed as he recounted a memorable anecdote: “Back in the day, during one concert, the audience even threw their shirts onto the stage. The atmosphere was truly explosive, incomparable!”

Looking back at the journey of music in general and rock music in particular, it's clear that it never stands still. Each stage of musical development is a new cycle, with creations, innovations, and even a return to roots. For artists, what matters is not fame or financial success, but being able to live true to their passion. As Viet James advises young artists: "Just do your best. Connections between different individuals will bring you unexpected opportunities."

It can be said that music is an endless journey, and rock music – with its intensity, sincerity, and indomitable spirit – will continue to touch the hearts of music lovers worldwide. It may no longer be the most popular genre, but it will certainly never disappear. Rock is not just a musical genre, but a way of life, a way of seeing the world, and a way for people to find themselves. In that world, artists like Red Tide, with their pure passion, will always be an endless source of inspiration for future generations.

Coming soon, Viet James will be participating in the Cam Philharmonic: Rock Symphony program, where powerful rock music blends with classical symphonic melodies, promising a unique musical experience.