Meet InQ
The Founders
Core Values
Our mission statement is always been focused on the creative.
The music industry needs the rule breakers, the risk takers... the mavericks. Often this means we don't follow just the money. The history of the music industry has proven this ideology.
We want to create the space for such artists. Not for sake of doing it but that an artist can truly feel comfortable in their own skin.
We are also advocates for artists rights. This means protecting their IP rights and educating them so that they can pass on the information to the next generation of artists.
Michael Choi
Founder/CEO/Creative Director
Michael was born to a Korean diplomatic family, growing up in Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Panama and finally in England. His music career kick started when he formed Tone Productions with the legendary Jerry Dammers (The Specials/The Specials AKA). Jerry mentored him in all aspects of writing, producing and performance. Their first show was at Glastonbury in 1997 and culminated in a headline festival performance in London, for 120,000 people in 2006. Performing with Michael on stage at time was Damon Albarn (Blur, The Gorillaz) and Paul Simonon (The Clash).
During this time, Michael made a name for himself as a bass player, music producer, music director and programmer, working with the likes of Annie Lennox, Gareth Gates, Atomic Kitten, Mr Hudson & Kanye West to name but a few. He became best known for his role as the music director and bassist for MIKA for his 1st album “Life In Cartoon Motion”, playing to sellout stadium crowds for over 3 years, traveling many times around the globe. Nearly every major TV show around the world, from The Tonight Show in the US to Graham Norton Show in the UK to Rove Live in Australia was covered, and the biggest festivals from Coachella to Glastonbury to Fuji Rocks had MIKA on as either headline or major guest.
In 2011, Michael moved to Los Angeles due to schedules of his clients. Over the next 6 years Michael worked with the likes of T.Mills, Shamir, Zara Larsson, Haim, Beth Ditto and the incredible SOHN.
In 2017, Thanh Bui invited Michael to come to Vietnam. Having never lived in Asia, it was an undeniable opportunity. After establishing InQ International, Michael has already made an impact and has produced Vu Cat Tuong’s latest album “Inner Me” as well the album “3” from Ngot. Both albums were nominated for Best Album at the national awards 2020.
Thanh Bui
Founder/Songwriter
Born in Australia to Vietnamese parents, Thanh Bui developed his talents in Melbourne. His initial start was as a songwriter and a member of The North Band, releasing 2 albums and having hits all around Asia.
In 2006, he left the band and continued to be a successful songwriter, having songs accepted all around the world from Europe to Korea. Eventually returned to his calling to be a singer and Thanh entered Australian Idol in 2008. He reached the top 8 and inspired a new generation of Asians in Australia.
In 2009, Thanh appeared on Paris By Night, which brought him to the attention of the Vietnamese public. His first single “Lặng thầm một tình yêu” with Ho Ngoc Ha was released soon after and kicked off a successful career as a singer and songwriter in Vietnam.
He continued to have hit after hit, writing and featuring with acts such BTS (“Danger”) and Tata Young (“Where Do We Go”). He has also collaborated with luminaries such as Wayne Hector (Britney Spears, One Direction, Nicki Minaj etc) and RedOne (Lady Gaga).
In 2013, Thanh launched Soul Music & Performance Arts Academy (SMPAA), a premier performance arts school in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. The school has helped develop acts such as Vu Cat Tuong, Tien Tien, Thuy Binh and Trong Nhan. Thanh is currently one of the leading figures in education in Vietnam, promoting the benefits of the arts to children and adults alike. His passion for the arts and education is unparalleled and continues to inspire the country.