Eric Nam takes his brand of existential pop on a world tour: 'More than anything, be happy'

It's hard to put Eric Nam into a category.

Best known as a singer-songwriter, he also hosts a podcast called the Daebak Show where he interviews fellow celebrities and is the co-founder of Dive Studios and Mindset, a mental health and wellness platform.

Over the last decade in music, Nam has exemplified adaptability and what it means to grow with an ever-changing world.

"I live in multiple worlds all at once," Nam told USA TODAY.

Wanting to find your place, somewhere with a sense of belonging is something most can related to, and Nam's latest album "House on a Hill," out now, encapsulates this experience.

"This album is about an existential struggle of what and why we do what we do," he said.

Meet Eric Nam

Nam, 34, was born and raised in Georgia. After graduating from Boston College, he got a job offer in New York City. Life, however, would take Nam to a different starting point, one more than 6,000 miles away in South Korea, where he competed on a music program and later earned a label contract.

Since then, Nam has made his name known worldwide. He was named GQ Korea's "Man of the Year" in 2016 and was featured on Forbes' 30 Under 30 Asia list in 2017. He also co-founded DIVE Studios and Mindset with his brothers, Eddie and Brian.

In 2019, Nam released his first English-language album, "Before We Begin," followed by "There and Back Again" in 2022. "House on a Hill," his third English-language offering, debuted Sept. 8.

Growing up in America, Nam felt like he didn't fit in. When he went to South Korea, the feeling followed him. "Wherever you go, you never actually fit into any box or circle or checkmark," he said. "I think that was a stressor for a while."

But what he once thought was "hindrance" has since "supercharged" Nam. "There's a synergistic flywheel effect where I can contribute to meaningful conversations or moments of culture," he said.

This sentiment is reflected in Nam's music. From starting off in K-pop to now pursuing another realm of pop, Nam is a complex artist. His latest album highlights this expansion and its accompanying world tour – which kicks off Sept. 21 in Orlando, Florida – is setting the stage for even more.

Nam ruminates on human nature in 'House on a Hill'

The eight-track album traverses through a moment of existentialism. When it came time to write music, Nam had trouble since the last few years were shaped by a packed touring schedule and COVID-19 lockdowns.

Nam did eventually find inspiration from a house. Though he didn't end up buying the house, it sparked his introspection.

"Why do I want a house? Why do we all want a house?" Nam said. "Is it because it gives us a sense of stability? A sense of self-worth or value or status?"

The house catalyzed an album that reflects a deeper contemplation into human nature and how our actions influence attempts toward happiness. "What makes us click, what makes us work, what makes us driven and makes us want to exist," said Nam.

"House on a Hill" embodies that yearning for fulfillment and trying to make sense of our role in this world.

Nam says the power of live music is 'like core memory'

Nam is set to travel to over 66 cities with more to be announced during the "House on a Hill" tour. A little over half of those shows are in the U.S., with that leg wrapping Dec. 3 in Houston.

For Nam, touring is something very important. "There's something so special about going to a concert that becomes like core memory or experience," he said.

He wants to "upgrade" on each tour, "to bring something new, a new element."

Nam has also learned how powerful and fun it is to connect with fans in person. This is why he makes an effort to go to as many cities as possible.

And while he still has the capacity, Nam is driven to keep performing globally. "I should just do it now and not regret it in the future," he said.

Nam wants you to 'do all the things that you want'

Nam is grateful for his experiences. He said his younger self wouldn't believe where he is today. Along this journey, Nam said he's getting better at appreciating it all.

"For so much of our lives, we are prone to comparing ourselves to people who are doing more," he said. "There's a part of me that still does that."

The most meaningful part of Nam's career is being able to have an impact, he said – To create, start conversations and provide representation.

"I don't think people are able to put themselves in a position of a dream until they see it fulfilled somewhere," he said.

Nam hopes to make a social impact and stand for something. "That's always kind of been at the core of what I do," he said.

And no matter what the future holds, Nam has just one overarching frame: "Do all the things that you want, and more than anything, be happy."