The Story Behind the Song
Erik wrote this track during the aftermath of his divorce, a period marked by anger, guilt, and confusion. He describes feeling like he'd failed as both a partner and father, wrestling with how his choices would affect his children.
He experienced the quiet aftermath of emotional trauma — waking with stomach knots, functioning externally while feeling hollow internally. He kept replaying regrets and blame, unable to move forward.
The turning point came through honest self-examination without defenses. "I didn't lose myself overnight. I slowly gave pieces of myself away." He realized he'd spent years shrinking himself, adapting, and abandoning his passions to maintain peace.
Understanding that choosing himself didn't mean abandoning his children or responsibilities. He could take responsibility while building authenticity. He reconnected with music, creativity, and genuine relationships — a smaller but deeper circle.
The song represents acceptance rather than victory. Better, though not fully healed — simply less heavy than before, with freedom to live honestly.
Better Than Before reached #1 on iTunes Country charts in Peru, Costa Rica, and Brazil. It charted across Europe, Asia, and South America — and generated 100,000+ streams in the first 6 weeks without label support.
