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| “Chay lut” Vol.1 having set many rock-loving hearts on fire |
The theme “Long Ma Ngu Trieu” (Dragon Horse at Court) was chosen to convey the spirit of strength and prosperity, inspired by the mythical creature that has been a familiar symbol of Hue Festival since 2002. Mr. Tran Hoang Gia Huy, one of the founders of Hue Capital Rock, shared: “The Dragon Horse represents power and prosperity. When combined with the name Chay lut (literally ‘Running into safety from flood’, both familiar to residents in Hue during flood season and slang among architecture students for rushing to finish their projects), the show captures both intimacy and grandeur.”
Bringing the “Dragon Horse” into the show is also the organizers’ way of emphasizing the fusion of modern music and traditional culture. Rock carries the spirit of rebellion and explosion, whereas the Dragon Horse symbolizes endurance and faith. These two elements blend together to create a “grand proclamation” that is both classical and contemporary.
As both a rocker and a former architecture student, Mr. Huy believes: “Rock and architecture both require creativity, discipline, and the ability to construct. A rock show is like an architectural project: it needs foundations (sound, lighting), composition (setlist, emotions), and a unique imprint. Each rocker or architect wants to inject their own personality into the work. Our goal is both to create a playground and to keep the fire alive for rock bands in Hue, while affirming that Hue is not only about folk and royal court music, but also has its own unique rock.”
The stage of “Chay lut Vol.2” will feature 7 bands, namely The Clocks, Free Bird, Big Foot, Napalm, Bug Splat, along with two guest bands from Da Nang: Dai (Wildness) and Brainwave (runner-up of Rock Viet 2022). Mr. Huy commented: “This lineup is like a miniature music map where different personalities converge: the power of Napalm, Bug Splat, and Big Foot; the distinctiveness of Dai and Brainwave; the freedom of Free Bird; and the youthful energy of The Clocks. Together, they will paint a colorful rock picture.” More than just a concert, the lineup also highlights the connection of the Central Vietnam rock community, bringing diverse styles together in a shared “rock court.”
Looking back on “Chay lut Vol.1,” Mr. Huy recalled: “The most emotional moment was when, after the show ended, the audience and band members lingered, hugging each other, saying they felt a very different Hue - young and full of vitality. That moment made me determined to do Vol.2.”
Alongside Mr. Huy is Mr. Ho Nguyen Gia Long, currently living and playing music in Da Nang. Mr. Long often travels back and forth to support Hue rock community. His busy schedule does not stop him from engaging in community activities and fueling new projects. This enthusiasm helps programs like “Chay lut” run smoothly and inspires both organizers and young bands.
According to Long, the biggest challenge for rock’s comeback in Hue is the fear that audiences may not embrace it. He has also experimented with blending local culture into rock, such as the folk rock song “Cau ho me toi” (My Mother’s Folk Chanting) performed with Cochinchine band. He believes this approach could open a unique path for Central Vietnam rock.
Gia Huy agrees with his friend: “The most important thing in building a Hue rock brand is identity. It must carry the essence of Hue - intense yet emotional. If we just copy movements from elsewhere, it won’t last.”
Both Huy and Long value the growth of school-based music: many high school clubs are nurturing rock passion. Huy said: “I hope the next generation dares to break through and challenge themselves. A rocker doesn’t need to be like anyone else, he/she just needs to build their own identity”. He also revealed future plans: “Besides big shows, we want to organize smaller events to build a rock-listening habit in Hue, connect with bands from other provinces, and turn Hue into a Central Vietnam rock hub. Further ahead, I hope rock can enter schools, so Hue rock community can stand shoulder to shoulder with that of Hanoi and Saigon.”
Both Gia Huy and Gia Long believe that rock in Hue can absolutely make a comeback - perhaps even more vibrant than before - not only through concerts, but also by nurturing young generations and intertwining rock with Hue’s deeply historical culture.