The Vietnamese New Wave Phenomenon

by on 01-17-2017 in Music

New Wave is a term popularized by Vietnamese for a genre of music produced in Europe during the 80s and 90s. Although sung mostly in English, new wave came predominantly from Germany, Italy, and France and is more commonly known as Euro/Italo Disco or Euro Dance/Pop. Not to be confused with New Wave in America that revolved around punk rock and eventually 80s synth pop, Euro disco has a very different vibe, although it does have similarities to 80s pop music which also featured many European artists such as OMD, Erasure and The Pet Shop Boys.

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New Wave, as known by Vietnamese, had very distinctive beats, unique vocals and catchy love themed lyrics that sets it apart from other music of the day. New wave music never reached mainstream in the U.S., although it is believed to have given birth to electronic dance music that is popular throughout the world today.

New wave was immediately embraced by Asians everywehre when it emerged during the 80s and 90s, but Vietnamese Americans took it to another level. It spawned a subculture of young Vietnamese new wavers sporting funky big rooster-like hair and clad in dark clothing with excessive accessories. Many Vietnamese singers during that time became popular performing covers of hit New Wave songs. New wave cassette tapes, which had cover art featuring then popular artist Nagel, were flying off the shelves of Little Saigon and Chinatown. New wave was a big part of the Vietnamese youth culture during that time. It's popularity still rages today, perhaps out of nostalgia for Vietnamese immigrants of Generation X who grew up during the 80s. Today there are a still club parties in the Little Saigon area that center around New Wave music. Worldwide it is also remains popular with huge concerts every year such Diskoteka in Moscow featuring the aging stars. When music is good, it its timeless. It looks like New Wave still lives!