Eric Nam Reveals His Tour Rider, the Current State of Kpop and Mental Health
May 15, 2024
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Eric Nam, Kpop artist, discusses his World Tour, the changing landscape of Kpop, and mental health in the Asian community. Topics include tour challenges, cultural dynamics, hair issues, and navigating the entertainment industry as a Korean American artist.
Touring takes a toll on physical and mental health, challenging but rewarding experience.
Cultural differences impact fan engagement experiences, Brazil stands out for intensity.
Eric Nam faces challenges defining his identity in the blurred realms of K-pop and pop music.
Deep dives
Challenges of Touring and Performance Fatigue
Touring and performing extensively can lead to physical and mental strain, as highlighted by Eric Nam discussing his 75-show tour around the world. He mentions the excitement and challenges of wrapping up such a tour, including performing new songs and celebrations, but also the toll it takes on health, mentioning occasional sickness while on the road and dealing with voice loss during extensive tours.
Cultural Differences in Fan Engagement
Eric Nam discusses the diverse fan engagement experiences, particularly noting the passionate Brazilian fans who not only sang along to his songs in Korean and English but showcased a unique level of fandom intensity during live performances. He reflects on how cultural differences impact concert experiences, highlighting examples of fan interaction in Brazil compared to other Asian countries.
Navigating Identity in the Music Industry
Eric Nam delves into the complexities of navigating his identity in the music industry, emphasizing the challenges of being categorized within the K-pop genre despite his broader pop music style. He expresses frustration over the perception of his music and the struggle to differentiate himself in a market where distinctions between K-pop and pop music are blurred, pushing for deeper understanding of the nuances of being Korean American and making pop music.
Navigating the Shift from Korean Label to Independent Artist
Transitioning from a major label to independence was a challenging yet necessary decision for the artist. Within the Korean system, clashes arose from creative differences to financial disputes, prompting a search for autonomy. By establishing a dedicated team within the label and emphasizing increased productivity and artist satisfaction, the artist successfully navigated the shift to full creative control upon contract completion.
The Evolution of Podcasting and Artistic Integrity
The growth of podcasting in Korea initially faced resistance due to a stigma associated with political or news-focused content. However, recognizing the platform's reach and impact on international fan engagement, artists began embracing podcasting. Amid the saturation of content creation in Korea, maintaining authenticity, fostering real conversations, and engaging transparently with fans emerge as crucial strategies to stand out amidst a competitive landscape.
Fun With Dumb Ep #287: Eric Nam is back from his World Tour and sits down with Dumbfoundead to learn that they have more in common than they thought....From what's on their tour rider to how Kpop has changed throughout the years, this is a conversation you don't want to miss!
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