There's nothing more cathartic than closing out a chapter of your life that's way overdue. Whether that's bidding goodbye to people you've outgrown or finally moving forward from months of tears and heartache, it's time to leave the past in the past and honour what's yet to come. 

It's exactly what thuy's celebrating in this era of her musical career. Now stepping into her own, full of confidence, power, and impressive musicality, the Los Angeles-based Vietnamese act is charged and ready to take on whatever life brings her way. 

"This project was really a musical form of therapy for me to close out a certain chapter in my life. I feel like I can finally step into my confidence, my womanhood, and my relationships with a clear heart because I was able to figuratively declare an end to a certain time in my life," thuy says on the recently released deluxe version of her debut album, i hope u see this. 

thuy first broke out onto the music scene, as she was in the middle of pursuing medicine, with her single 'Hands On Me'. Since then, she's been capturing hearts while healing hers with her signature brand of R&B inspired by icons of the early 2000s like Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, Tamia, and Brandy. 

This 2022, the 'chances' singer is gearing up for an exciting year full of new music and live performances. Most recently, thuy was announced as part of the line-up of 88rising's Head In Clouds Festival 2022 alongside Jackson Wang, Jay Park, NIKI, BIBI, and more. 

Bandwagon caught up with thuy to talk about her musical beginnings, her inspirations, and what's in store for the future. 

Hi thuy, what have you been busy with these days?

Hi there! I have been busy with so much! Currently, I’m working on wrapping up my sophomore project and I cannot express how excited I am for everyone to hear it! I’m also working on my festival sets with my team and since they’re my first festivals, I really want to hone in on my set and make it a memorable one! 

Walk us through your earliest memories with music. How did you know this was something you wanted to pursue, especially after initially pursuing medicine?

My earliest memory of loving music was when I was about 8-years-old. I discovered Britney Spears and quickly aspired to be just like her. However, songwriting and recording music didn’t happen until I graduated from college. Getting in the recording booth for the first time felt so surreal because, at that moment, I knew it could be the start of something beautiful. 

How would you describe the music that you make? Who and what are some of the inspirations and influences behind it?

I would describe my music as authentic. I write a lot about my own personal experiences and I really put my heart and soul into my music. I think that’s why so many people relate to my music. Growing up, I was influenced by Brandy, Tamia, Mariah Carey, and so many other queens of my day. 

What message do you hope to share with your listeners through your music?

That they are never alone. I hope that my story lets them know that I will always be their older sister that has experienced life (whether good or bad) and came out on the other side even better. I hope they just feel good listening to my music and can either escape or help them get through certain points in their life.

Your single ‘Hands On Me’ kicked off your amazing career. After almost seven years, what does that song mean to you?

That song was the catalyst for everything! After getting on the local radio station, I knew then that I could do amazing things if I just worked hard and put my all into it. That song really showed me that people wanted to hear about my story and that it was important. I felt very much supported even back then and I think that support has carried me where I am today so I’m extremely grateful for it.

Beyond your sound, your music and music videos take on a very distinct visual direction, how do you usually come up with these concepts?

I do feel very strongly about conveying a certain message through visuals so I’ll usually just think about how the song makes me feel and how I’ll want to show that through the music videos. 

You're going to perform at 88rising’s Head In The Clouds festival this August. What are you most looking forward to for that performance? What can we expect from your set?

I cannot wait! This is one festival I’m extremely excited about because I get to be surrounded by other incredible artists! I’m looking forward to seeing all the dope artists that look like me! You can definitely expect a party. Me and my band love throwing a set that feels like a party and I really just want everyone to come and have a good time!

What do you feel is your greatest strength as an artist?

My ability to connect. I live my truth 100% of the time. This is my greatest strength because I’m not afraid to get vulnerable and tell people about myself – toxic or not.

Outside of music, what do you enjoy doing? What shows or movies have you enjoyed recently?

I enjoy being with my loved ones and dog, Oliver. I really enjoy finding the little things in life that make me happy; talking to strangers, finding the hidden coffee shop, or buying a new trinket. I just love experiencing life. I just finished Stranger Things and WOW! I cannot wait for the second volume!

What’s next for thuy?

More music, more visuals, and more of who thuy is. 

Listen to thuy's i hope you see this (deluxe) here.