In late January 2020, Erika Leah’s grandfather called her out of the blue and asked, “Are you still making music?”. This question came at the perfect time as she had just gotten out of her months-long writer’s block by writing “Again,” the first song on her new album. Leah and her grandfather always had what he called a telepathic connection, so when he asked her this she felt as if that were true. He ranted to her that she must never stop making music because it is what she is meant to be doing. That was the last  conversation she ever had with him.

A week later, whilst sorting through all of his items with her grandmother, Leah discovered a piece of paper from her childhood. Written in Japanese, the paper read, “My name is Erika. I want to be a super idol. Why can’t people fly? Nicole and I think we can fly. If I could fly I would go to Kumi’s place” (Kumi’s place is in reference to her mother who passed away when she was two years old). This piece of paper, kept safe by her grandfather, inspired her to write “If I Could Fly” in tribute to her late mother and grandfather.

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The rest of the album followed naturally as Leah decided on the name, 506, which is her childhood apartment number in Tokyo – in dedication to her grandparents. Leah is deeply vulnerable on this record as she reflects on her lost relationships and upbringing. 506 is for the people who encourage her to push the boundaries of her music again and again.