April 25th, 2009, Hanoi International Music Festival took place for the third time and once again set the town on fire. Organized by the Minsk Club Vietnam and C.A.M.A, this time the all-day live music event was not just a chance to delight in music but also to support a good cause; proceeds from the day go to MAG (Mines Advisory Group) Vietnam.

Showcasing musicians from New Zealand, Australia, the UK, Singapore, Bangkok (Thailand), Manila (The Philippines) and Toronto (Canada) and three local acts from Vietnam, the event was a mind blowing rollercoaster of sounds. From the moment the gate swung open at 12.30 pm until the beats got killed by midnight, the stage was employed by sensational performers and damn fine tunes. Meanwhile, off-stage the entire place was packed with gleeful music fanatics. AnyArena jumped on the bandwagon to interview some of the artists performing at the festival.
 

Minuit
One of New Zealand’s best musical exports, Minuit is an electronic trio, considered by some as the Kiwi music flag. MAG Music Festival in April was the first time this flag flapped in Vietnam. As anticipated, the music was filled with an enigmatic personality derived from the distinct breakbeat sounds, and the irresistible and haunting vocals of the front woman Ruth Carr.

Minuit: Image courtesy of strikeagency.co.nz

Minuit on stage at Hanoi Music Festival 2009 (Image: Chi Mai)

Minuit on stage at Hanoi Music Festival 2009 (Image: Chi Mai)

AnyArena interviews Minuit at the Hanoi Music Festival, April 25th 2009 (video by Fabrice Turri)

Quan Yeomans

Quan returned to Vietnam for MAG Music Festival this time not as the front man of Regurgitator who shook up Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh’s stages last year, but as a soloist. The strike was not any less fierce. Hanoi was treated with an awe-inspiring dance fix to rapturous hip-hop and electro beats, some of which can be found in his debut solo album Quan – the Amateur which has reaped rave reviews since its release last year. More than a gifted music maker, Quan proved to be a fantastic performer and infected the crowd with his spontaneous vibe.

Images stolen from Quan's Facebook

Images stolen from Quan's Facebook

AnyArena interviews Quan, April 2009

James Harries
A golden voice', so Rolling Stone acclaimed. Meanwhile, Vanity Fair heralded James' music as 'a strange mix of something between Jeff Buckley and Oasis'. In his second visit this time, James appeared to best fit in the praise of Observer Music Monthly: ‘Raw, primal…exquisite.’ On an off-record talk at a bar counter past midnight in Hanoi, he let on ‘I just hope to bring people out of their nine-five factory into another world of honest emotions, whether sad or fun.’ With the genuine penchant for music and dedication to the audience, undoubtedly he conquered the entire crowd. Amidst electrifying beats of the day, James and his acoustic guitar was a sweet low key to feel and share love.

James Harries 

AnyArena interviews James Harries at the Hanoi Music Festival, April 25th 2009 (video by Fabrice Turri)

Goo
Reborn from Futon and now based in Bangkok, Thailand, Goo is an English/Thai indie rock band that brought a kind of spiky beats to make MAG Festival’s audience bounce till the last breath. It was a clamorous and glamorous live act that perfectly packaged sex, humor and attitude, carrying the crowd away on pins and needles. Describing themselves as ‘a mind blowing one night stand’, the ultra cool looking Goo left with a message: ‘Or maybe two night stands if you want? Soon, we’ll be back.’

Goo performing at Hanoi Music Festival 2009 (Image: Chi Mai)

 Goo performing at Hanoi Music Festival 2009 (Image: Chi Mai)

AnyArena interviews Goo at the Hanoi Music Festival, April 25th 2009 (video by Fabrice Turri)

WORDS: Chi Mai

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