More than just the album title, Timeless seems to be Tung Duong's artistic manifesto – a vocalist who continues to reinvent himself in music, transforming the challenges of time into material to enrich his own identity.

Tung Duong's release of his new album "Timeless - The Voice Vol. 1" in vinyl format seems counterintuitive in the digital age – where audiences can access a singer's entire career with just a few clicks. But looking back from the beginning of his career, has Tung Duong ever chosen a smooth, easy path?

The singer who was once rejected by promoters at tea rooms despite having a good voice but "singing like he was possessed," "not knowing whether it was popular pop songs or Vietnamese versions of Chinese songs," is now over 40, more mature both in his singing and his approach to music. Between these two versions of Tung Duong, there is still a common thread: "the artist's obsession."

It is this constant obsession with "the urge to seek out the new, the different, to open up space and acknowledge one's own limitations in order to discover the unseen" that has created Tung Duong's brand.

Speaking with Travellive during the hectic period of preparing for his album release, interspersed with a packed performance schedule, Tung Duong still appeared full of energy. He admitted that this is a common feeling whenever he completes a project: “Instead of feeling like I’m at the finish line, I feel like I’m still standing at the starting line. My creative energy and musical inspiration come from life, from real-life stories to dreams, people and nature, everything in the universe, and especially from the inner turmoil of myself.”

“And so, I’ve been on a wide and long road, and my energy has been overflowing to the point that before I even finish this project, I’m already thinking about jumping into other things (laughs). I’m a decisive person; once I start something, I see it through to the end. I always want the audience to see a different Tung Duong in each stage, but still recognize him as Tung Duong – someone who always yearns for rebirth in music.”, Tung Duong confided.

Without his boundless energy and unwavering passion for his craft, it would have been difficult to achieve what Tung Duong has accomplished in the past two years. He released two studio albums, "Multiverse" and "Timeless," with completely different musical styles, held the "The Singing Man" live show marking 22 years of singing at the end of 2024, before regularly appearing in major national commemorative music programs during the A50 and A80 celebrations.

Tung Duong's performance of "Continuing the Story of Peace" in front of over 50,000 spectators at the "Homeland in My Heart" program left the strongest impression. A song that emerged as a phenomenon in 2025, already performed by many talented singers… when in Tung Duong's hands, it took on a different character: more heroic, more spirited, leaving listeners with goosebumps."A song might be performed by someone else in a small auditorium or on a small stage, but in a stadium with tens of thousands of spectators, no one is more suitable than Tung Duong."This was one of the most well-received comments after the show.

Among the crowd singing along with Tung Duong at the My Dinh Stadium concert were many young people – a seemingly inaccessible audience for the 1983-born singer. Following his hit songs like "One Round Around Vietnam" or"Rebirth"Many Gen Z fans admit to actively seeking out Tung Duong's music and appreciating his unique style.

Tung Duong said he was delighted by this openness from the general audience:“For many years, I have persevered on my musical path: sometimes edgy, sometimes not easy to listen to, but always stemming from my true self and a desire to share. But understanding always takes time. And when the general audience opens their hearts more to Tung Duong, I don't see it as a 'victory,' but rather a beautiful encounter and shared emotion.”

"Perhaps at some point, the frequencies between the artist and the public will align, when they are ready to listen with their hearts, and I have also gained enough experience to convey my message in a simpler way, rather than something too abstract or lofty."

He asserted that although he recognized the easy path, he wouldn't abuse it because modern audiences are "sensitive, intelligent, sophisticated, and don't need gimmicks." What they need is genuine creativity and energy."If those elements are present, then whether it's jazz, pop, world music, or ballad… listeners will still find themselves in it."

“If an artist only sings to please the masses, sooner or later they will lose their creative soul. I want young audiences to see in Tung Duong someone who dares to live life to the fullest with art, dares to experiment, and is always genuine in their emotions. When Tung Duong innovates his style, it doesn't mean I'm 'losing my essence,' but rather enriching my own identity.”, he concluded.

Just a few months ago, Tung Duong had the opportunity to enjoy a concert by the renowned singer Andrea Bocelli in Europe and meet and chat with him and his wife backstage. For the male singer, this experience was not only a simple joy of seeing his idol in person, but also deeply moved him about the heart of a great artist.

Tung Duong revealed:“When I listened to Bocelli sing, I clearly felt that his music came not just from technique, but from the soul. He didn't sing to conquer, but to share. It is encounters like these that reinforce my belief that whether a Vietnamese or international artist, music ultimately remains the language of love and empathy. And once you reach that, all boundaries are removed. I learned something simple yet profoundly important from Bocelli: A true artist is someone who makes others feel loved and alive again through music!”.

Bocelli wasn't the only artist Tùng Dương mentioned in the interview. He quoted famous sayings from painter Pablo Picasso and composer Leonard Bernstein when explaining his artistic views, and also mentioned young Vietnamese artists like Hòa Minzy and Đức Phúc when discussing the emergence of young music with folk cultural influences in the past year.

Tung Duong's understanding of popular culture demonstrates his seriousness about his profession and his dedication to Vietnamese music. He said he was happy that Gen Z artists have returned to their roots, exploring national cultural elements with many similarities to projects like...Regarding his work on "Doc Dao" and "Li Ti," he said: "Young Vietnamese artists are not only concerned with form, but are also beginning to become more deeply aware of Vietnamese identity and character. This is not just a trend, but a positive cultural signal, showing that Vietnamese music is maturing, expanding its creative scope while still retaining its roots.".

“When I hear songs like 'Thi Mau,' 'Bac Bling,' or 'Phu Dong Thien Vuong'… made with a modern spirit, I feel a continuing flow is forming, with young people not afraid to experiment, not afraid to break the mold, but still respecting traditional values. Each generation has its own way of expressing itself, its own musical language, but if they all share the same Vietnamese values, then that is truly something to be cherished.”, Tung Duong commented.

Before achieving the widespread recognition he enjoys today, Tung Duong was like a lone swallow, singing contemporary folk songs amidst a modern, electronic music market. But he persevered, conscious of his cultural mission:“For me, that mission is not a slogan, but a natural responsibility. Because I have always believed that music is not just for entertainment, but also nourishes the soul and preserves national identity. I hope that today's young generation will not view national culture as 'ancient,' but will see in it pride and creative inspiration. The past is essential for the present and the future.”.

Title"Timeless"The choice made by Tung Duong for his new album is also perfectly suited to him. Even with the pandemic..."Transcending time"good"Enduring through time", from"Timeless"They all suit his voice and musical personality – an artist who will always have a place in the present, the past, or the future.