Ha Noi

Sound of Northern Vietnam

Introducing Ha Noi, an ode to the magic of Vietnam's capital city. This project is the outcome of an immersive creative residency in Vietnam, undertaken by our gifted in-house sound and visual designer, Noah Sherrin.

Born from the sound world of Hanoi, a city renowned for its dramatic contrasts, vibrant music, and rich history, Ha Noi is our look into the heart and soul of the city's unique musical heritage. We were graced by the talents of top-tier, local musicians who contributed characteristic sounds and expressive performances, drawing from time-honored traditions and innovative contemporary techniques.

The Perform View artwork flow's from the story of Hoan Kiem Lake, or The Lake of the Restored Sword, in the center of Hanoi's Old Quarter. The story says a fisherman once came across a large shiny blade while casting his net in the lake and gifted it to a rebel leader named Lê Lợi. The sword gave Lê Lợi and his army immense strength, enabling them to defeat their enemies. After the war was won, Lê Lợi, now emperor, was taking a boat ride on the lake when the Golden Turtle God, Kim Qui came up and asked him to return it to his master the Dragon Lord Long Quân. Grateful for the strength the sword had given him, Lê Lợi returned the sword to the Golden Turtle who took it in his mouth and swam down into the lake. Some say you can still see the shiny reflection of the sword at the bottom of the lake. Depicted in the style of a Đông Sơn drum, massive ornamental bronze drums crafted by people of the Đông Sơn culture, the story is told through abstract drawings and geometric patterns in concentric circles.

Leveraging the transformative power of our MNDALA 2 engine, these already-vivid sounds have been artistically reinterpreted and reshaped into a multitude of new forms. This creative endeavor presents a dynamic palette brimming with a myriad of sonic-colors that reflect Hanoi, including not only instruments but also soundscapes captured throughout Northern Vietnam.

With Ha Noi, you are invited into the soundworld of this special city. Ha Noi tells a rich tale of heritage and innovation that resonates with the heartbeat of a city in motion.

{See video at top of page}