Kiey – “phan thiet”

An unexpected trip along the coast during the Lunar New Year of 2026 sparked the creation of this track. Vưu Tuấn Kiệt, the independent singer, songwriter, and producer who records as Kiey, was traveling from Phan Thiết back to Ho Chi Minh City when the waves and sea breeze inspired him to write down the melody on his phone. He wanted to translate that relaxed ocean air into music, naming the song “phan thiet” after the place where it came to life. Kiey is one of the most talented artists I’ve discovered in the past months.

The track is a beautiful blend of dream pop and R&B. Unlike his previous English-titled releases, this one uses a Vietnamese name. The lyrics focus on a young man remembering a coastal road trip with a woman he loves, before waking up to the reality that she is gone. It is a quiet, honest look at loneliness and the emotional aftermath of losing someone.

Kiey spent nearly two months refining the song in the studio to get the final master perfect. He brought that same dedication to the visual side, investing in a two-day shoot on location. Directed by FA Châu Trần and starring Sỹ Hậu and Millie Vũ, the cinematic video follows a scientist who tries to resurrect his former lover by building a robot. Kiey chose to stay behind the camera entirely, letting professional actors handle the complex acting.

I absolutely love this release. The way the breezy, warm sounds frame such a sad story is brilliant. After you listen to “phan thiet”, I highly recommend checking out Kiey’s previous releases to hear how his independent sound has evolved. Please follow Kiey on his streaming profiles and social media to stay updated on his new music and creative projects during the rest of this year, as he is a genuinely exciting independent artist who is worth keeping on your radar.