When MTV asked Addison Rae who she would set up a fan account for if she had to, the TikTok-turned-pop star chose Ericdoa, the 18-year-old who quickly became a major disruptor to pop music. “It’s kind of like a cool new artist,” she said, shouting it. “I think his music is great.”
It references Ericdoa’s 2021 debut album, “fantasize,” which was most recently followed by “back n back” – an explosive track arriving alongside a music video that literally sees him blowing up his own Hyundai. 2008.
The structure of the song reflects its title, written by ericdoa as a back and forth in a spiral between him and his lover. “I tried to make it work, but it turns out for the worst,” he sings of their relationship. “I can feel you crawling through my head.” Then, on the chorus, she responds, “Dude, you don’t deserve me,” before declaring, “I fucking hate you all.”
For ericdoa, his failed car brings those ideas to life, with its 117,000 miles and everything broken, from the air conditioning to the sunroof and the radio. Although he had it since he started high school, the four-door sedan was quickly becoming a safety concern and eventually had to be stopped.
That’s why for the visual directed by Oliver Cannon, Ericdoa drives his Hyundai through an Atlanta forest before smashing all the windows and loading it all up with fireworks. “I feel like I’m finally free,” sings the stuntman, smiling at maniacal bursts. “Somewhere where I need to be.”
Below, ericdoa explains the metaphor behind her “back n back” video and updates PAPER whether or not he plans to replace his recently destroyed vehicle.
How long have you had the car featured in this video and why did you decide to blow it up?
I’ve had this car since I started my sophomore year of high school. The vehicle was actually starting to pose a safety issue [laughs], so many problems that I can go on, but it had to be fixed. However, the car acts as a metaphor like something of value in your life. Even when it starts to break down, it’s so hard to let go even after causing you so much trouble.
How did the production process for the “back n forth” video go?
My lovely friends at Shot Clock, a New York-based production company, really helped make the vision for the video a reality. My manager and I usually have ideas for the videos, and after complaining about my car for several weeks, we both figured out what we wanted to do immediately. We filmed everything in a stable in Atlanta near my home.
“The car acts like a metaphor like something of value in your life. Even when it starts to break down, it’s so hard to let go.”
How does video processing help complete your song’s message?
The song is structured as a “flashback” with someone you discuss staying with and spending your time with – the twists and turns through a mentally draining relationship. The car acts like something we all have which may seem like a good thing to have at first, but after so much wear and tear it can cause problems for our well-being.
What is your favorite memory from the shoot? Was it scary to play in front of an explosion?
This is exactly what my favorite part was [laughs]. After receiving a safety talk from the fireworks crew, I was actually puzzled that I almost exploded with my car. I remember we did a second take of the fireworks literally right behind me. It got so bad they were like projectiles and I had to hide behind the fat ass of a Ford F250 assistant.
It’s too easy to lump yourself into a larger genre. How do you describe the music you make?
Just music, to be honest. It’s been described as so much lately – my favorite being “trash fire” shit made me cry – but what me and my team of friends create is just us in the form of music. We all understand it’s not contemporary, but come on, aren’t you sick of it?
What was important in the creation of this song?
I did this song, actually, in a Star-Wars themed venue in Orlando on one of my first trips to make music. Fortuneswan – also known as Rickie – is based there and I loved working with them, so we decided to get behind the wheel and all stay in this Airbnb to work together. I worked there with fortuneswan, Glasear, KimJ and myself.
“What me and my team of friends create is just us in musical form.”
Charli xcx recently tweeted RIP to Hyperpop. Thoughts?
In my opinion, Hyperpop is invented. I believe it’s a general term to make people who are confused about what it is, more comfortable. Do I hate being called a hyperpop artist? Hey, but if that helps people not to be anxious about exploring something that is clearly genderless, so be it. We’re just making music, for real.
Finally, have you had a replacement car?
I wish that! I’m scared to death, to be honest, because I hate spending money and car salespeople are scary. However, I need to be able to transport myself, so whenever I can, I try.
Photos courtesy of ericdoa
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