Korean-American singer/songwriter Eric Nam delivered a charismatic and engaging performance packed full of fun interactions and anecdotes (and even the occasional cockney slang) at London’s Eventim Apollo Arena; more than compensating the audience for what would have otherwise been a miserable Tuesday evening.
Nam took to the stage looking dapper in a suit, completely at ease in the spotlight as he welcomed the audience to his “concert/Ted Talk.” The show was a milestone for Nam, being the 70th show of an ambitious worldwide tour, one that has taken the singer to pretty much every major city you could think of.
The show seemed in every respect to match Nam’s personality. It’s his style that sets him apart from other performers. The show was personal and intimate and felt more like a gathering than a concert. His unique ability to engage with people on a personal level I felt was largely due to the down-to-earth interludes between songs. I loved watching him perform, but felt that this was where Nam really shines.
Full of smiles, Nam engaged merrily with the audience, building a rapport as if it was the most natural thing in the world to him. On more than one occasion he made sure to encourage the audience to drink the water which the “kind water people” were handing out. Nam waved cheerfully and often to happy audience members, and generally did everything in his power to ensure that everyone had a pleasant and special evening. Combining all of the above with a simply styled set, and Nam’s vocals (smooth, dreamy & versatile), we were treated to a wide mix of music: upbeat tracks, ballads, melodies, one song in particular which came with an entertaining choreography warning from the star. Hint: it was ‘You’re Sexy. I’m Sexy’.
The highlight of the evening for me was his performance of House on the Hill. I was really impressed at the lack of difference between album recordings and how he sounds live. This song, the namesake of the ongoing tour but also Nam’s recently released album. The album is a collection of music which Nam describes as an “existential crisis in musical form.” Many of the songs penned by Nam feature lyrics which are honest and unguarded, something which he excels at. I think its great that he doesn’t just sing about romantic love, but uses his music to explore and touch on a wide range of issues, mental heath for example. It’s not hard to be impressed by this when you consider it in conjunction with the wonderful way Nam uses his public forum to encourage mental wellbeing, understanding and kindness. If you haven’t already, do check out the Mindset App.
We were also treated to new music (available to pre-order) which Nam wrote in conjunction with Zak Abel. The pair met a few years ago and worked together to create ‘In My Mind’. It was written here in London and Nam described the song as being one that is “very special” to him. When Abel joined him on stage, Nam showed an endearing mix of excitement and nerves about performing the song live for the first time.
Nam ended his concert by offering thanks to all “who made the concert possible”, including the starting act (which I missed but heard was great), the band, the dancers, staff, and the audience. Nam thanked the audience honestly for being there, acknowledging that “going to concerts can be tough”, listing all the things to contend with in order to be there: travel, the rain, money, time, logistics – but that he feels grateful for those who like his music and “allow me to continue to do what I love” – and he does love it, you can tell.
The atmosphere was great and I could tell from looking around me that everyone was having a wonderful evening. That being said, I’m equally not sure that I can can say anyone enjoyed being there quite like Nam did. I felt that despite the great atmosphere, the biggest smiles of all were worn by him.
“If I come back, will you?” he asked.
“Yes!” came the answer.
Set list:
‘Sink or Swim’
‘Undefined’
‘Any Other Way’
‘What If’
‘You’re Sexy, I’m Sexy’
‘Wildfire’
‘House on a Hill’
‘Exist’
‘Lost on Me’
‘Don’t Leave Yet’
‘Paradise’
‘I Wish I Wasn’t Me’
‘Love Die Young’
‘In My Mind’ ft. Zak Abel (live debut!)
‘Echo’
‘Runaway’
‘Honestly’
‘I Don’t Know You Anymore’
Encore:
‘Only For A Moment’
‘Don’t Call Me’
‘Congratulations’