Two artists, two cultures, one goal.
Last June, ALL EARS: FOCUS AUSTRALIA was held in Hue and Hanoi. The project was a joint collaboration between the Australian Embassy in Vietnam and Hot Panda Media to bridge the Australian and Vietnamese music industries. The artists tasked with being the centrepieces of the inaugural showcase were the uber-talented Mỹ Anh and Matthew Ifield. Looking through each artist’s wrap sheet, in my humble opinion, they couldn’t have picked any better choices.
Mỹ Anh is a Vietnamese songstress who blends together alternative R’n’B with contemporary V-pop. Mỹ Anh’s music details her journeys of self-growth and affirmation. With sincerity, joy, and undeniable vocal chops, her music soared to an all-new peak with her 2025 EP, Phases of the Moon. Matthew Ifeld is an Australian singer-songwriter whose hybrid brand of pop and alt-rock hits with the warmth of a hug in a fuzzy sweater. Since his debut in 2021, Ifeld has been spinning a sonic spell on music fans with his songs of angst and longing. Recently, Ifeld signed major international deals and completed a sold-out tour across India.
We caught up with the duo to recap their one-of-a-kind experience and the lessons they learnt from each other.
Firstly, congratulations on the musical partnership! How did you two first become aware of the “All Ears: Focus Australia 2026” program?
Mỹ Anh: When I first heard about the program, I was so excited because this is the first time I’ve ever participated in a series of events like this! I truly believe connections and relationships are one of the core foundations to creating something meaningful – especially in music. It is exciting to see such opportunities happening in Vietnam, and it is exciting seeing growth in my country’s music industry. And of course, I love Matthew’s music – I had such a blast collaborating with him.
Matthew Ifield: Thank you! Super grateful to be given the opportunity. I heard about the program back in March through my manager and immediately got excited to visit Vietnam and sing alongside Mỹ Anh. It was a really cool opportunity to connect across different countries.
Did you two notice any similarities in your approach to music or sound?
MA: I think what was interesting about this collaboration was that we are very different musically! Different approaches, different genres, ways of singing; but I think because of that, it made the collaboration very awesome that we merged two very different styles of music. In terms of the tone of our voice, I thought that our voices really complimented each other well 🙂 To me, it is always exciting working with someone with different musical approaches to mine.
MI: We’re both huge fans of similar artists. Mỹ Anh saw a Bruno Mars concert recently, someone I really admire for their stagecraft. I also felt that our voices went really well together when we were duetting our songs. We’re very different musically but still found similar influences.
What do you both think is the key to a successful collaboration?
MA: I think there are many elements but if I had to choose one, it would be balance. Balance between staying true to yourself but also being open minded to new ideas, styles…
MI: For me, I need to get on well with whoever I’m working with. I like to learn about people and what they like before even picking up an instrument. It’s really important to do this; otherwise, you’ll start writing a song that you both don’t like.
Why do you think music is such a strong tool for connecting both industries and culture?
MA: Music is a universal language and I stand by that. The arts in general are such a vulnerable, beautiful way to represent artists as well as culture. Music can be emotional, personal but can also be powerful, moving, influential. Doesn’t matter where you come from, it helps us let our guard down a little, and just open up to feeling emotions and understanding one another more.
MI: Music is an international language, and it has no borders. Music is enjoyed by everyone around the world. No matter where you are, you’ll connect with anyone over music. That’s why it’s so important. That’s why I love it.
Was there anything you learnt from each other?
MA: During one of our conversations, we shared about our musical journey as well as our struggles with balancing social media and music. One thing I learned is that struggles and doubts are shared experiences.
MI: I think being onstage together was one of the first for both of us. We both learnt how to work together onstage and sing in harmony for the crowd. It was really fun.
What are your plans for the rest of 2026?
MA: I am currently writing new music, training and preparing for my first US tour this upcoming September! I will be touring in California, Houston and New York – and will be performing new unreleased music as well. Very, very excited!
MI: I plan to finish my songs so they’re ready to be released over the coming months. I have huge plans to tour and come back as soon as I can <3.
Thanks to Mỹ Anh and Matt for taking the time to chat. Make sure to follow them on socials and listen to them across streaming platforms. A huge shout out to the good people at @thismuchtalentau for making this happen.
