Pop Montréal : Haru Nemuri, Japanese rock prodigy

Interview by Alain Brunet
Genres and styles : Avant-Rock / Electronic / J-Pop / Noise Rock

Additional Information

Haruna Kimishima is known in Japan as Haru Nemuri. Without claiming to know much about the current Japanese musical spectrum, it is easy to acknowledge the talent of this artist who will probably make a big splash at Pop Montreal this Saturday.

Typhoon of punk poetry and rap, hardcore aesthetics with virtuoso components, the music of this brilliant artist also involves J-Pop, noise or electro referents.

We owe him 3 albums and an EP since 2018: “Harutosyura” (2018), “Kick in the World” (EP, 2018), “Lovetheism” (2020), “Shounka Ryougen” (2022). Already, we can talk about consistency and depth across the board.

PAN M 360 just jumped on the bandwagon, we really insisted on making the following conversation with Haru Nemuri possible.

PAN M 360: How do you see the progression of your craft  since the beginning?

HARU NEMURI: I’ve been making music by wanting to become stronger, more beautiful, and more dignified.

PAN M 360 : What would have been the main steps ?

HARU NEMURI: I think that progress is made by never stopping to question both society and myself.

PAN M 360 : Are you self-taught or also have you been trained in music?

HARU NEMURI: I am self-taught.


PAN M 360 : How did you build this language of sounds?


HARU NEMURI: I don’t know, to be honest (laugh). I actively use things that feel sacred, things that have a destructive feel, and things that have a compelling atmosphere.

PAN M 360 : Of course, different crucial influences are observed :  hardcore punk, avant rock, rap, avant pop, noize, synthpop, post-minimalism, nujazz, to name a few. What would be your own description of styles and influences from Japan, Occident and other parts of the world ?

HARU NEMURI: When it comes to Japanese music, I first fell in love with bands that are categorized as “ROCKIN’ON-kei (style)”. As for western music I like alternative and hardcore bands and in Russian punk and hip-hop.

PAN M 360 : There seems to be no separation between experimental culture and popular forms in your approach. How do you see it yourself?

HARU NEMURI: To me I think it’s interesting to have both coexisting and I’m consciously creating that state.

PAN M 360 : So you are « closer to the ideal », better in composition and playing. How do you work in your studio?

HARU NEMURI: I can’t really see the destination of where the ideal is as of yet, but I think so. Basically, I make all the songs at home and then in the studio I’m often taking time recording and spending time mixing.

PAN M 350 : For you, what are the main differences between « LOVETHEISM » album and « SHUNKA RYOUGEN »?

HARU NEMURI: I think “SHUNKA RYOUGEN” has a blank space where there are more existences of others.

.

PAN M 360 : The musicianship seems to be excellent! Can you tell us how you have built your band?

HARU NEMURI: Depending on the situation, the case, and the piece of music, I decide each time who I want to have them join the performance. I decide who to play with based on if they are not discriminatory and cool.

PAN M 360 :Who is playing what in the studio? 

HARU NEMURI: Depending on the song, guitar, bass, and drums are often performed by musicians who specialize in each.

PAN M 360 : How is it translated on stage? What is the gear? Who is playing with you? What is the visual aspect of your show? What is the performing aspect? Are there a lot of electronics involved?

HARU NEMURI: I often hear my own sound through a monitor. From the computer through an interface the sound is outputted from two guitar amps, one bass amp, and speakers. The mic is passed through a vocal effector. My manager is operating the computer and controlling the sound to come out.

PAN M 360: Most of your international fans do not understand the Japanese language. They feel the poetic intentions and they love the music. Is it okay with you?


HARU NEMURI: Of course. It gives a lot of meaning to my choice of using music as an expression.

PAN M 360 : Do you see your craft as songwriting or music composition including words and  melodies through a musical proposal?

HARU NEMURI: I think it would be the second one. (music composition including words and melodies through a musical proposal).

PAN M 360 : You can play in many kinds of festivals. What are your favorite events ? Where do you mainly perform in Asia and in the rest of the world ?


HARU NEMURI: Every event I’ve attended so far has been great. I don’t actually have a specific venue that I always perform at but in Asia it would be in Tokyo and Taiwan. For the rest of the world, I go to Europe and America. I’d love to go anywhere.

PAN M 360: So this is it! Thank you for your answers and have a safe flight to Montreal!

HARU NEMURI: Thank you so much!

AT POP MONTRÉAL, HARU NEMURI IS PERFORMING AT ENTREPÔT 77, ON SATURDAY, 10 PM. FOR MORE INFOS CLICK HERE.

Latest 360 Content

Shaina Hayes and her Kindergarten Heart

Shaina Hayes and her Kindergarten Heart

Piano Symphonique | Julia Mirzoev, Braden McConnell & Antoine Rivard-Landry

Piano Symphonique | Julia Mirzoev, Braden McConnell & Antoine Rivard-Landry

In Pursuit Of Repetitive Beats Experience Strives for Human Connection through VR

In Pursuit Of Repetitive Beats Experience Strives for Human Connection through VR

Martha Wainwright about her new jazz festival

Martha Wainwright about her new jazz festival

Semaine du Neuf | There Is No Music Without the Wind. L’être contre le vent by Matthias Krüger

Semaine du Neuf | There Is No Music Without the Wind. L’être contre le vent by Matthias Krüger

Deena Abdelwahed’s Swana electro: syncretism, commitment, a new standard

Deena Abdelwahed’s Swana electro: syncretism, commitment, a new standard

The Cool Trad of Nicolas Boulerice and Frédéric Samson

The Cool Trad of Nicolas Boulerice and Frédéric Samson

Semaine du Neuf | Psychedelic Afghanistan by Sam Shalabi and Shaista Latif

Semaine du Neuf | Psychedelic Afghanistan by Sam Shalabi and Shaista Latif

Semaine du Neuf | Sixtrum: the magic of… aquatic percussion!

Semaine du Neuf | Sixtrum: the magic of… aquatic percussion!

Semaine du Neuf | Haptic and Interdisciplinary Experiments by Jimmie Leblanc and Fareena Chanda

Semaine du Neuf | Haptic and Interdisciplinary Experiments by Jimmie Leblanc and Fareena Chanda

The country chaos of Nora Kelly

The country chaos of Nora Kelly

Matana Roberts explores radically different musical settings

Matana Roberts explores radically different musical settings

Gueuleuses: a web directory of extreme female vocalists

Gueuleuses: a web directory of extreme female vocalists

Semaine du Neuf: Les Percussions de Strasbourg… Ghostland of another kind

Semaine du Neuf: Les Percussions de Strasbourg… Ghostland of another kind

Ëda Diaz: a Colombian “French touch”

Ëda Diaz: a Colombian “French touch”

The Asadun Alay label: independent rhymes with the Levant

The Asadun Alay label: independent rhymes with the Levant

Erika Angell and The Obsession With Her Voice

Erika Angell and The Obsession With Her Voice

Game ON!: the FILMharmonic conducted by a pioneer of symphonic music for video games

Game ON!: the FILMharmonic conducted by a pioneer of symphonic music for video games

OPCM: Wallis Giunta becomes Carmen

OPCM: Wallis Giunta becomes Carmen

All Quiet On The Western Front Composer comes to Montreal as Hauschka

All Quiet On The Western Front Composer comes to Montreal as Hauschka

What a time to be alive! A conversation with Sarah Rossy

What a time to be alive! A conversation with Sarah Rossy

Igloofest backstage: VJs, a behind-the-scenes profession… in the spotlight

Igloofest backstage: VJs, a behind-the-scenes profession… in the spotlight

Ducks Ltd.: Catchy jangle pop about human follies

Ducks Ltd.: Catchy jangle pop about human follies

Barbara Hannigan: double duty with the MSO

Barbara Hannigan: double duty with the MSO

Subscribe to our newsletter