HARU NEMURI – anointment

By starrymag | May 16, 2025

By: Mariah Thomas

 

 

 

Q) Your music blends together so many genres. How would you describe your sound?

 

A) Art pop, alternative, art rock…maybe somewhere in between.

 

Q) Who are some artists who have influenced your music?

 

A) Fujifabric, Shinsei Kamattechan, Seiko Oomori, Björk, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, AURORA, FUGAZI… so many!

 

Q) What do you enjoy most about bringing American audiences into the world of J-Pop?

 

A) Honestly, my music doesn’t really fit into the mainstream definition of “J-Pop” in Japan. So, when it’s labeled as J-Pop from an international perspective, I feel like it expands the meaning of what J-Pop can be. Also, J-Pop is often closely associated with anime or otaku culture globally – but I want people to know that Japanese music isn’t necessarily all tied to that. (Though I do like anime!)

 

Q) “Naughty AI” explores many themes related to AI. What enticed you to be a part of this song?

 

A) I don’t usually write songs by creating characters or telling stories, so it was really interesting for me to step into someone else’s fictional world. It felt new and exciting.

 

Q) You previously worked with Pyra on “Don’t Make Love Vow.” What was it like collaborating with her again?

 

A) We actually worked on both songs at the same time! The production process was so smooth – it just flowed.

 

Q) As a songwriter, what is your process like when working on a collaboration? Do you usually write the beat and lyrics, or do you work on both together?

 

A) It really depends on who I’m working with, but I prefer to co-produce from the beginning – starting with the beat and building everything together.

 

Q) Many of your songs focus on experimental and hyperpop sounds. “anointment” is a powerful track—what’s the story behind it?

 

A) I’ve been really interested in the relationship between holiness and authority – and how that relationship can be dismantled. I want to believe in something truly sacred, something that exists beyond structures of power. Historically, anointing was used to legitimize authority through rituals like coronations. I wanted to take that same ritualistic symbolism and crack it open from the inside—to subvert the very structure it once reinforced.

 

Q) Your latest single, “anointment,” has a music video filled with vivid colors and rich imagery. Do you have a favorite moment from filming?

 

A) Some scenes were filmed at a very old shrine, and I really loved that place. It felt like somewhere a forgotten god might still quietly reside.

 

Q) You have a tour coming up! What song do you always look forward to performing live?

 

A) “Narashite.” It’s such a beautiful feeling when people sing along – even though the lyrics are in Japanese. It makes me feel truly connected with everyone there.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform live?

 

A) Hmm… honestly, anywhere! But I especially love performing in places I’ve never been to before.

 

Q) With your new single out, can fans expect an album or EP soon?

 

A) Yeeees! I’ll be releasing my new album, ekkolaptόmenos, on August 1st, 2025.

 

Q) Who are some artists you’d love to collaborate with?

 

A) AURORA, Jpegmafia.

 

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters?

 

A) Thank you so much for loving my music. I’ve been searching for ways to survive through sound, philosophy and history – so if my music helps you survive, even a little, that means the world to me.