Tung Duong has just returned with the music video "What If Life Isn't Brilliant?" . Inspired by the question that has been circulating on social media recently: "What if life isn't brilliant?", songwriter Dat Max developed it into a contemplative song. Instead of seeking an absolute answer, the song opens a dialogue with those struggling between the pressure of success, societal expectations, and unfulfilled dreams.
Tung Duong said he hopes the song will become a moment of reflection, allowing each person to ask themselves questions about their own lives. "In an era where everyone is caught up in the race for success and the standards of prominence, ' What if life isn't brilliant?' is like a moment of quiet reflection, allowing each person to ask themselves whether they can live a life to be proud of even without becoming the brightest star. I think what's important isn't whether life is brilliant or not, but whether one is brave enough to live true to oneself," the artist shared.
Tung Duong at the launch of his new product. Photo: FBNV.
The male singer also admitted that even as an artist who is always performing on stage, there are times when he wants to slow down.
"Everyone needs moments of quiet reflection in life, and artists are no exception. We also experience periods of uncertainty and pressure. Even with family as a support system, I'm always concerned about how to continue creating, how to keep my life fresh and meaningful. It's not that I'm tired of singing, but there are times when things aren't going well. During those times, I choose to spend more time with my family, slow down, and appear less frequently in public. I don't think 'disappearing' is a tragedy. The important thing is that when faced with difficulties, you don't avoid them but dare to overcome them," he said.
Looking back on his artistic journey, Tung Duong believes that the most valuable thing to him is not fame or the spotlight.
"I've always considered myself lucky to have been blessed with a beautiful voice. But talent is just the beginning; what's important is continuous training and effort. The most valuable thing isn't fame, but the image I leave in the hearts of others. If one day my life isn't as brilliant as before, I'll certainly be sad. But I won't sit there regretting it. I'll find another way to continue creating my own brilliance," he said.
The music video, directed by Jayden Tran and Nguyen Truong Kien (Zodiac II), chooses to tell the story through three characters, all played by actor Thua Tuan Anh. Despite appearing in three different roles, they all represent states that anyone can experience on their journey to adulthood.
One is a photographer who once harbored aspirations to pursue art, but gradually lost his identity chasing trends and recognition. Another is an office worker trapped in a familiar work cycle, who decides to take a break. He's not running away, but seeking to rediscover his inspiration for life. The last is a student from a disadvantaged background, studying during the day and working as a ride-hailing driver to make ends meet. Yet, he persistently held onto his belief in the future and one day reaped the rewards.
Tung Duong showcases a new musical style in the music video. Photo: Provided by the artist.
Three different destinies converge on a single question: Is a life without glamour, without distinction by conventional standards, still something to be proud of?
From there, the music video conveys the message that everyone has their own battle to fight. Some struggle with the burden of making ends meet, some are trapped in their comfort zone, and some lose themselves amidst the definitions of success. The important thing is not who shines brighter than whom, but that one still has the courage to move forward and live true to what they believe in.
Musically, "What If Life Wasn't Brilliant?" marks a different side of Tung Duong. The male singer is more restrained in his approach to the song, not focusing on showcasing technical skills but choosing to guide emotions through a narrative-rich singing style. In the climax, his familiar powerful voice still explodes, but it's placed within an overall context of depth, making the story more relatable to the listener.