Real name: Nguyễn Hồng Nhung

Effective period / Period of releases: 2014 - 2020

Sound Awakener is a solo music project of Nguyễn Hồng Nhung (Nhung Nguyen) from Hanoi, Vietnam. She has classical piano training (2002-2007). Since 2007 she is developing her own techniques focused on composition and improvisation.

The experimental musician and sound artist behind the alias Sound Awakener has been composing and playing experimental music since 2011. She has been creating sonic waves in Hanoi’s underground music scene for the last couple of years. In addition to her solo projects, she has teamed up with artists working across various media and from around the world to add audio elements to visual experiences. She has participated in exhibitions and projects such as What Dreams Are Made Of (2015), Map Of The Imaginary (2015), Into Thin Air (2016), To Name It Is To See It (2017), Departures (2017),.. Since 2014, Nhung has been releasing music under the project Sound Awakener and eventually under her real name. She has worked with labels such as Time Released Sound [US], Unknown Tones Records [US] Soft [FR], Flaming Pines , Syrphe [Germany]…While Sound Awakener is focused on abstract experimental sounds, releases under the name Nhung Nguyen are close to melodic, cinematic material.

Artist’s statement

My work explores the relationship between sound, environment, awareness and technology. I’m concerned about creating an immersive sonic experience where the listeners can get lost and find themselves at the same time. Some common themes in my sound works are nature, solitude, memories and mental experience. My sound pieces consist of a wide range of sonic elements from instrumentation, found objects, field recordings, analog tools and laptop processing. By using these elements I intend to create dark, abstract sonic territories and a sense of time and places. In both of my sound pieces and live performances. I’m focused on creating a variety of nuances: from soft, quiet pieces to harsh, noisy ones.