Eric Nam is back with his second English album, along with an accompanying tour in Europe, the United Kingdom, North America and more!

On Friday (7/1), Eric Nam released his sophomore album There and Back Again, marking the start of a 'new era' of his music career as it takes on a more organic, and sophisticated direction. 

“What If” this album was made for you? https://t.co/Kd2lneRxst

— Eric Nam (에릭남) (@ericnamofficial) January 5, 2022

There and Back Again is meant to take fans on a journey of life and an emotional rollercoaster. Produced during the pandemic, the album is  "a little bit of everything" — love, breakups, and retrospection — that reflects the uncertainty of times. Eric has shared the album was born out of a lot of time (a whole year!), reflection, tedious mixing, and experimentation — even venturing into pop-punk (rest assured, the idea was scrapped). 

"As much as it took a long time, it's also the most mature album I've put together sonically, and it's a step up"

Having hosted numerous shows, recently completing the last episode of his podcast I Think You're Dope on Dive Studios, Eric has shared real and raw conversations with numerous artists, actors, politicians, entrepreneurs, and the like, which have each inspired his upcoming album. 

This follows the release of his first English album Before We Begin, and singles 'I Don't Know You Anymore' and 'Any Other Way'. As his first album since becoming an independent artist, and he shares the process was long and tough, but worthwhile nonetheless. Joining him in the journey is a close friend and GRAMMY-nominated producer, Rabbit, who has worked with him on many albums since his hit album Honestly in 2018. 

I’m an independent artist, I can tease / spoil music however which way I want hahaha. ALBUM IS COMING FRIDAY AHHHH pic.twitter.com/04fws5l3jQ

— Eric Nam (에릭남) (@ericnamofficial) January 5, 2022

"When it comes to writing, I'm always trying to beat the other songs, and write a better song, and that has never changed. I think what is different is that it's a lot more work for me [but] it's as equally liberating and freeing, and fun, as it is terrifying. When you're coming from a big system or a big label, you don't have to think about all the little details and all the accounting things, and all the small little details of how the supply chain affects getting albums and lightsticks out to fans across the world, and how the exchange rates work and all that. Outside of being a musician and writing, and directing and producing, it's like all of this is a part of it."

Along with the release, Eric will be embarking on his first world tour since the pandemic hit, which he shares he can't wait for. 

"For so long I feel like this is what I love to do, this is what we love to do, — as people who love music, arts, and entertainment — to perform and to connect with people using music, arts, and entertainment." 

"I'm super excited, I am taking a band on tour with me, so it's going to be a bigger production, probably a little wilder. There's something about real instrumentation that hits different from a track."

In addition to his album documentary and the music video of the title track 'Lost On Me', 7 lyric videos of different tracks on the album will be released as well. Eric also teased that fans can expect more content on his platforms such as lifestyle vlogs, behind-the-scenes snippets, TikTok challenges, and even maybe a series on creating songs on the road with producers. 

Listen to 'There and Back Again' here: