Starting from a passion for nostalgic music
Cam Music Bar was founded by Minh and a friend in 2017, starting simply with four small tables and a capital of only five million VND. For Minh, Cam is not just a coffee shop selling drinks but also a place where he can live his passion for music, especially old music.
Minh said that in the past, on Friday nights, he was often invited by friends to sing at various venues, but sometimes he was asked to stop. That was what motivated him to open his own space so that he could freely sing his favorite songs, without having to restrain or limit anyone. Every Friday night, the bar organizes "Singing Night", where the voices and love songs freely resound, lingering in the hearts of listeners.
Minh shared that the name "Cam" was inspired by the "Luc Huyen Cam" tea room of the musician couple Le Uyen Phuong - a symbol of poetic and emotional Vietnamese music in the 70s. For Minh, "Cam" is not simply a name, but also a bridge connecting the past with the present, a way to preserve the sound of a brilliant period of Vietnamese music. "I want each song here to not only be a song, but also a revival of memories, so that listeners can feel a nostalgic space and the deep vibrations of old music", Minh confided.
A sunny corner by the window, with books, plants and paintings at Cam
"Old" space with old songs - the soul of Cam
Cam Music Shop has a simple, nostalgic beauty, from the small, pretty space to each meaningful decoration. Minh takes advantage of old items to create artistic marks for the shop: tree branches become decorations, hot water thermoses are displayed on antique glass shelves, or the gentle light radiates from handmade lanterns. Every corner of the shop is like a slice of time, reminiscent of an old time, bringing a sense of closeness while still exuding respect for the value of memories and objects that once had a life of their own.
Throughout the space of the shop, Mr. Minh hangs all kinds of instruments, from guitars, ukuleles to balalaikas (Russian triangle instruments) or traditional zithers. These instruments are not only decorative but also like an invitation to music, a whisper of a passionate love for melody. Perhaps, this is also the most beautiful feature of Cam - where the shop and music are like soulmates, blending together in every moment.
Stacks of CDs and old speakers
Rustic self-service corner creates a cozy, nostalgic space
Deep love songs always filled the space, sometimes the music coming from an old CD player, carrying the voices of Trinh Cong Son and Pham Duy, sometimes the gentle voices of Minh and his friends. Sometimes, the guests themselves sang the melody, carrying their own passion and emotions, so that each day at Cam became a common song full of echoes, leaving unforgettable memories.
A quiet mark amidst the hustle and bustle of life
Customers come to Cam not only to enjoy coffee but also to feel the peaceful, quiet atmosphere, where they can relax and find old memories. Minh shared that many people like the quiet and a bit of "chill" in the shop, as a place to find a part of their soul in a busy life.
The journey to preserve that space was not easy. There was a time when Minh had to temporarily close the shop for a long time, spending two years looking for a new location. Despite many difficulties, he still persevered, keeping his spirit to maintain an old space that he cherished. For Minh, Cam is not just a job, but a passion, a soul in his life.
Anh Minh, owner of Cam Music Bar, "master" of the singing every Friday night at Cam Ca Night
Although many new coffee shops are constantly appearing, Minh still wants Cam to retain its traditional features, like a peaceful nostalgic corner in the heart of the city. Not rushing to follow trends or promote loudly, Cam attracts people with its own old soul - where memories are recreated and spread through each deep love song. "Actually, Cam is always changing," Minh shared with a smile. "Every guest who comes here brings their own thoughts and stories. Cam also changes according to those emotions, so maybe the shop still 'changes' every day, right?"
A small corner of love for music and memories at Cam
Minh hopes that one day, Cam will become a cultural and artistic meeting place, where people find common ground and share stories and emotions. But for now, he still wants to keep the shop as it is: a small corner where anyone can listen to nostalgic melodies, enjoy a bit of peace in the midst of a busy life and find the most sincere and profound emotions within themselves.
