Erdem Aslan performed as a comedian in his native Turkey, but aftermoving to Vietnam in 2006, he found inspiration in traditional singing.His first album of Vietnamese songs, "Aslan's Story", was released onNovember 5. He talked with Viet Nam News' Inner Sanctum.

* What brought you to Vietnam and why did you decide to stay here for such a long time?

I used to work as a comedian in the two years before leaving my job. Iwas in an accident and in the following several years, I could not doanything because my confidence and hope was locked away.

Because of the accident, I did not think that I could continue my artscareer. When Turkish businessmen, who had worked in Vietnam, asked meto go to the country for a translator position, I did some research onVietnam and accepted their proposal.

My health hasbecome better during my time spent living here. I started to learn moreabout Vietnamese music and arts. Right now, I feel I want to stay inVietnam for a long, long time.

* What did you know about Vietnam before coming here? How does that compare with what you have seen here?

Before their proposal, I did not know much about Vietnam. My familymembers and friends did not support the idea of working in Vietnam;however, I still decided to leave Turkey.

Vietnammade me surprised because it was totally different from what I thoughtbefore. Somebody said that there was a war in Vietnam but I saw apeaceful country with nothing to be scared of or worried about.

* You spent eight months studying Vietnamese at the Ho Chi Minh CityUniversity of Social Sciences and Humanities. Did you find it difficultto learn Vietnamese?

At first, I had a lot ofdifficulty learning Vietnamese. The language was very difficult,particularly the pronunciation. I thought I would never become fluent.Whenever catching a taxi, I could not communicate well with the driver. Iwas taken to the wrong places many times. That made me lose confidence.

* You worked as a comedian in Turkey but tried yourhand in music. Why did you choose music and why do you make music for ayoung audience? Do you have any intention of going back to a comedycareer in Vietnam?

I had been interested in thearts since I was a child. Comedy was the first forms of the arts Itried. When starting my new life in Vietnam, I wanted to try a differentform of the arts and cater to young people.

Beforereleasing the album, I had performed in some programmes at universitiesand international schools. I also took part in TV shows produced by AnNinh TV (Security TV) and VTV6 channels and these gave me the confidenceto bring out my first album.

Comedians all knowhow to sing and how to perform songs in front of the audience. I want togo back to comedy - my former field and real interest. At the moment, Iplan to perform music and do stand-up on stage.

* How did you practise singing Vietnamese songs and what difficulties did you face?

I had practised all the songs in this album on my own before recordingmy voice and seeking advice from friends. Singer Pham Khanh Phuonghelped me a lot to improve my vocal range. Then I would continuepracticing my voice until my friends thought I was good.

However, I intend to study vocal technique professionally withspecialised teachers. It may mean that my next songs will be much better(smile).

* What message do you want to send toVietnamese and Turkish music lovers through this album? And what do youplan to do next?

I hope that the album willcontribute cultural exchange between Vietnam and Turkey. Vietnamesepeople can listen to a Turkish voice performing local songs andVietnamese music can reach Turkish people.

I loveboth countries. Vietnam is my second mother land and "Aslan's Story" wasmade to help the two nations understand more about each other.

Right now, I am preparing an album with 12 folk songs, including duetswith Vietnamese singers. I will release a singles album for my youngerfans.-VNA