Vietnamese independent artist, songwriter and producer Kiey prepares to enter a new chapter with ‘METROMIRAGE’, an ambitious third studio album that brings together introspective songwriting, globally informed production and a distinctly modern approach to English-language pop.
Led by latest single ‘fun fiction’ featuring Cece Truong, the project positions Kiey as one of Vietnam’s increasingly compelling independent voices with ambitions extending far beyond his home market.
Bringing together refreshing blue-toned aesthetics, positive energy and a more expansive sonic palette, ‘METROMIRAGE’ continues Kiey’s exploration of the emotional spaces between pop, R&B, electronic music and alternative songwriting.
Rather than chasing conventional commercial formulas, the album places emphasis on atmosphere, lyrical intimacy and considered production, creating a body of work designed to reveal more with every listen.
The project’s latest release, ‘fun fiction’, featuring Vietnamese singer-songwriter Cece Truong, offers a clear introduction to that vision. Described by Kiey as a collaboration that feels “like a conversation between two worlds,” the track brings together two distinct artistic identities, with Kiey’s introspective storytelling and emotional restraint complemented by Truong’s charm, femininity and captivating presence.
Built around acoustic textures, R&B and electro-pop influences, ‘fun fiction’ moves with an understated confidence. Its relaxed rhythmic foundation allows the songwriting to take centre stage, while its city-pop-inspired atmosphere creates a cinematic backdrop for a portrait of youthful romance. Lines referencing late nights in Shinjuku, intimacy and the feeling of being transported by another person give the track a distinctly contemporary perspective, balancing international pop sensibilities with a deeply personal point of view.
Originally written entirely in English, the track also reflects Kiey’s increasingly international outlook. Its live-performance presentation, inspired by the popular ‘Killing Voice’ format, reinforces the importance he places on vocal performance and musicianship, while the production itself demonstrates an artist increasingly confident in defining every element of his creative world.
Elsewhere, ‘METROMIRAGE’ reveals further dimensions of Kiey’s songwriting. ‘white boy i sat next to on a plane’ moves into more vulnerable territory, combining soft electronic production, piano-pop textures and sultry R&B with subdued vocals and layered harmonies. It is an intimate and melancholic piece that highlights Kiey’s ability to create emotional weight without resorting to oversized production.
‘plan thiet’ continues that quieter thread, pairing piano-led production with intimate vocals and an understated sense of movement. Kiey’s voice sits at the centre of the arrangement, simultaneously soft and assured, allowing the track to unfold naturally while maintaining a sense of emotional control. Across the project, that balance becomes increasingly important: Kiey creates music that rewards sustained listening rather than relying solely on immediate impact.
Central to that approach is Kiey’s hands-on involvement throughout the creative process. Beyond performing and writing, he personally oversaw music production and visual development, investing significant time in monitor mixes, rehearsals and the finer details of the production process. His involvement extends beyond the recording studio, with the visual direction of ‘fun fiction’ carefully developed to support the wider identity of the project.
With ‘METROMIRAGE’, Kiey now enters his third studio album era with a clear sense of direction. Blending emotionally honest songwriting with contemporary pop, R&B and electronic influences, the project reflects an artist moving confidently beyond geographical boundaries and towards a more global audience.
As Vietnam’s independent music scene continues to attract wider international attention, Kiey is making a compelling case for what its next generation can look like: self-directed, globally connected and unafraid to create outside conventional boundaries. ‘METROMIRAGE’ is not simply the next release in his catalogue, it is Kiey’s statement of intent on the world stage.
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