Hari Vasan's Americana/folk release, "The Experiment," explores identity, belonging, and what it means to be the son of immigrants trying to be seen as American. The track, written in the wake of George Floyd's murder, speaks to personal experience within a much larger conversation about multiracial democracy.
"The Experiment" nods to the notion of America as a work in progress, an experiment in creating a genuinely multiracial democracy. Vasan applies this idea to his own story, giving the song an emotional core about the search for recognition and belonging.
Evan Kornblum produced the track with Jason Schoenfeld on piano and Chris Pierorazio on drums. Jay Turner played bass, Ken James Kubota played cello, and Alex Berman played banjo. Together, the credited musicians lay down the instrumental foundation for Vasan's anthemic take on Americana.
"The Experiment" is compelling because it connects its larger topic to its personal perspective. It is born of a lived narrative of wanting to be known as belonging. Hari Vasan's songs approach American identity with intelligence, and "The Experiment" serves a serious, emotional purpose with distinct personal significance.