“I Just Want to Do What Feels Right for Me”
Has the past year been relatively quiet for you, Khánh Linh?
- Over the last three years, my family has faced many challenges. My father passed away, followed by my brother, and then my mother fell ill. I felt that I needed to take a step back and focus more on my family.
Additionally, over the past two years, there have been numerous game shows and live music events. At this point, people tend to pay more attention to newcomers. I think it’s natural for some of us to experience periods of silence.
However, that doesn’t mean I haven’t been active. For instance, last year, I worked on building my personal YouTube channel.
Instead of waiting for someone to invite me to sing or assign me songs like in the past, I now have full control over my life.
Current singer Khánh Linh (Photo: Facebook)
Once a notable name from the Sao Mai competition alongside Tùng Dương and Ngọc Khuê, why do you think only Tùng Dương has achieved greater success while you and Ngọc Khuê have not?
-* This is about individual choices and paths. For example, Ngọc Khuê always presents something unique, and Tùng Dương charges ahead like a general, always seeking the spotlight.
I prefer a more subtle approach, observing from a distance and doing what feels right for me. It’s not that I haven’t tried to break through; in fact, my recent six albums have all been distinct, which was no easy feat.
Moreover, I’ve also ventured into high-level music projects like musicals and other endeavors. I contribute but not in a flashy, prominent way.
Do you feel any regret for not achieving a higher position in your career, given your artistic background, excellent voice, and well-rounded musical path?
– Everything follows its own course. I acknowledge that I’m not the type of artist who chases mainstream trends. Family traditions don’t allow me to use every means to become famous. But I’m content, not regretful.
I don’t demand much; I just want everything to be worth the effort. I never compare myself with today’s popular artists because everyone has their own place.
I don’t need the spotlight as it’s fleeting. Now, I don’t seek fame; I just want to sing as long as I can and do it well.
Khánh Linh’s vibrant, dynamic image at age 42 (Photo: Facebook)
In the upcoming live concert “Midday Sol,” “Midday Dream” will be very special
Returning to the upcoming live concert “Midday Sol” by Giáng Son, many are curious about which songs Khánh Linh will perform. Having been away from live shows for a long time, do you have any preparations or feel any pressure?
– Actually, I don’t feel any pressure. For me, a live show is a special event that crystallizes the hard work and dedication of an artist.
Giáng Son is a rare female composer in this era, with an extensive collection of beautiful works.
In the upcoming concert, I will sing songs that I’ve rarely performed before, such as Late Sunlight and The Blink of an Eye. These are special moments of trust that Giáng Son has placed in me, wanting me to sing these pieces.
This allows me to explore more about the songwriter and her various perspectives. I’ll also step out of my comfort zone to discover new things. Every artist or singer hopes to showcase new works.
Khánh Linh (second from left) at the press conference for Giáng Son’s “Midday Sol” concert, scheduled for February 15 at Park City Hanoi (Photo: Event organizers)
The “Midday Sol” concert is inspired by the song “Midday Dream.” And when it comes to “Midday Dream,” Khánh Linh is the voice that most audiences associate with the song after 20 years. How do you feel about being expected to be the soul of “Midday Sol”?
– In fact, people will embrace “Midday Sol” with many emotions, marking a significant milestone for both Khánh Linh and Giáng Son.
Since our first collaboration in 2005, I have been singing “Midday Dream” almost daily for 20 years. The song has become part of me. However, it never feels too familiar.
Each time I sing it, I grow more attached to the song, and each performance brings new personal experiences. Throughout the 20 years, I’ve infused my own thoughts and feelings into the song.
But most importantly, I strive to maintain the essence and spirit of the song. In this concert, “Midday Dream” will be particularly special.
I’m also looking forward to the new arrangement and orchestration by composer Lưu Hà An, the music director of the program.
I believe that the classic and elegant nature of “Midday Dream” will remain intact, but it will be even more magnificent in this live performance. With the broad perspective and piano accompaniment of Lưu Hà An, I think “Midday Dream” will always evoke a sense of familiarity.
After 20 years, having experienced many ups and downs in life and a failed marriage, do you think your interpretation of “Midday Dream” has changed?
– Composer Nguyễn Vĩnh Tiến wrote the lyrics. He’s a poet, and his use of metaphors and imagery is evident in the song.
“Midday Dream” is a dream of happiness for a young woman. The line “Is it the horizon or the rain at the end of the sky?” is a rhetorical question expressing her inner thoughts: “Will I find happiness?” This is something no one can predict.
Khánh Linh, whether 20 years ago or now, has always lived in the present and doesn’t know what the future holds. Therefore, I always sing with a mindset of searching for the meaning of happiness.
Sometimes, “Midday Dream” reflects a Khánh Linh who understands more but still finds surprises in unexpected places.
From the music to the lyrics, “Midday Dream” captivates listeners like a gentle breeze, taking them to different places.
These images exist in our minds rather than in concrete reality. Each artist imagines it differently. For me, that’s how I imagine and sing “Midday Dream.”
What do you expect from Giáng Son’s upcoming concert?
– I think this concert will bring Giáng Son immense joy. Artists like myself and others participating will add many dimensions to the event.
There are things that Son couldn’t have imagined would come together so beautifully.
Each participant has their own unique strengths and contrasts, yet they come together in harmony. This diversity is fascinating.
Khánh Linh: “Over the past 20 years, I’ve sung ‘Midday Dream’ almost every day. The song has become part of me. Each time I sing it, I grow more attached (Photo: Facebook)
A Fulfilling Marriage After a Decade
Composer Giáng Son mentioned that “Midday Dream” has generated millions in royalties over the past 20 years. What about Khánh Linh?
-* “Midday Dream” has given me a lasting name. I am deeply grateful to composer Giáng Son and the song itself.
It’s a significant mark for Khánh Linh, following hits like Today’s Tấm and The Nightingale Sings in the Rain. Even when I release new songs and albums, people still ask me to sing “Midday Dream” or “The Nightingale Sings in the Rain.” I think this is the greatest benefit I’ve received from the song.
I always promise myself to sing the song as if it were my first time, feeling the same emotion each time I perform “Midday Dream.”
Khánh Linh shares that she is happy and content with her current life (Photo: Facebook)
What plans or goals do you have for this year?
– This year, I plan to release at least two new songs for my audience. Additionally, I will continue to develop my YouTube channel so that fans can see me more often and won’t ask, “Where’s Linh?” anymore.
I enjoy giving my audience a simple, genuine experience. That’s my raw, unadorned voice accompanied by a guitar or piano.
In the future, do you plan to collaborate with younger Gen Z artists to refresh your style?
– I would love to, but I don’t know if they’d be interested (laugh). We’ll see if they want to collaborate with an older artist like me. We might answer with a new piece.
People are also curious about your personal life recently. Can you share anything?
– My family remains very happy after 10 years together. During the recent Tet holiday, we went on a trip to Hội An and lived like locals. We strolled leisurely, cooked meals, and experienced life as residents rather than tourists.
My children were also excited to join us. I think these trips help us bond and broaden our worldviews. I gain valuable life experiences and appreciate the beauty of life.
Thank you for sharing!
