“Touring has been a extremely large a part of my upbringing and I’ve been lucky sufficient to journey for various causes,” says singer/songwriter Eric Nam, 29. “I’d wish to suppose that it has had an affect on my character and persona, which finally impacts my music.” Born and raised in Georgia, Nam at present is on tour selling his Billboard World High 10 EP, “Truthfully.” His tune, “Float,” might be featured within the upcoming movie “Lodge Transylvania 3: Summer time Trip.” Nam at present resides in Seoul, South Korea, the place he is also an on-air TV and radio persona who has interviewed celebrities similar to Jamie Foxx, Miranda Kerr and Robert Downey Jr. For tour dates, take a look at his web site (https://www.ericnam.com). Nam additionally interacts with followers on Twitter (https://twitter.com/ericnamofficial) Fb (https://www.fb.com/ericnamofficial and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/realericnam/).
Q. Rising up in Georgia, did you suppose you can be a pop star?
A. No, I had by no means actually felt that method. I used to be born and raised within the suburbs of Atlanta, which as you'll be able to think about, was not probably the most numerous place to develop up in as a Korean American. I assumed it could be so cool to be a musician, however I at all times thought it was inconceivable, as a result of I'd by no means be accepted in mainstream media. The truth that I’m in a position to tour North America and all over the world is an unbelievable blessing, and I'm grateful each time I do it. I’m doing my job, as a result of I like it and I’m obsessed with it. However I additionally do it as a result of there must be extra Asians actively pursuing and doing these items the place we’re beneath represented.
Q. You sang at a St. Peter’s Basilica Mass in Rome once you have been within the Atlanta Boy Choir. What was that like?
A. I do not forget that expertise very clearly. I used to be about 12. I had a solo half. There have been about 40 of us youngsters and our conductor was an older one who ran a really tight ship. I used to be at all times on edge, since you by no means knew once you would get in bother. (Laughs) We stayed in actually attention-grabbing villas and ate Italian pizza for the primary time. We sang in entrance of tons of or hundreds of individuals in a language I had no concept what I used to be singing.
Q. Talking of languages, how bilingual have been you previous to shifting to South Korea?
A. I used to be bilingual in English and Spanish, however I didn’t communicate Korean actually. I knew just a few elementary phrases, nevertheless it was very damaged Korean. My pronunciation was terrible. It was a really large problem for me to get to the place I'm proper now.
Q. The place did you be taught to talk Spanish so properly?
A. I discovered Spanish as my second language from center college by way of highschool. I grew up volunteering at homeless shelters and tutoring youngsters of Latin immigrants in Atlanta, who didn’t communicate any English. That ready me for once I traveled. Each summer time from ninth grade, I'd spend time in Latin America doing a mission journey or a service-oriented journey. I began in Mexico and went to Panama and Guatemala. In school, I went to Bolivia.
Q. Did you are feeling that you just made a distinction on these service journeys?
A. To be sincere, it was a really eye-opening expertise for me. I felt nearly egocentric, as a result of I used to be going there to do a service, however on the similar time you be taught a lot from the expertise. I hope that their lives are enriched by us going there, too, in opening their eyes to new individuals from all over the world.
Q. On these journeys, have been individuals shocked that you just have been American?
A. I keep in mind on one of many journeys that I went on they have been calling me Jackie Chan. I mentioned, “I’m not Jackie Chan.” (Laughs) Then they mentioned, “You’re Chinese language.” I’m like, “No, I’m Korean-American.” However they didn’t know that. For a few of them, I used to be the primary Asian particular person they noticed in actual life. A few of them had very detrimental perceptions of Asians, from what that they had been instructed or seen of their native media. I lived with the locals for weeks at a time they usually mentioned, “We’re actually glad we met you,” which was so good to listen to.
Q. What are your 5 favourite cities?
A. London, Seoul, Osaka, Mexico Metropolis and Atlanta, as a result of it’s residence.
Q. In case you may hop on a aircraft proper now and go to anyplace, the place would it not be?
A. I actually need to go to Istanbul. I’ve solely linked by way of there, however I need to spend a while in Turkey. I believe it’s a captivating place.
(Jae-Ha Kim is a New York Occasions bestselling creator and journey author. You may reply to this column by visiting her web site at www.jaehakim.com. You might also comply with “Go Away With...” on Twitter at @GoAwayWithJae the place Jae-Ha Kim welcomes your questions and feedback.)
(c) 2018 JAE-HA KIM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.
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