HCL Interview Series: Haruhi Kobayashi

The HCL Artist Interview Series offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, inspirations, and forthcoming projects of the artists within HCL’s residency programs.

Our first interview is with Haruhi Kobayashi, a Chicago-based sound artist and vocal performer from Tokyo. Originally a J-pop singer-songwriter, she now explores the themes of identity, tradition, love, fear and humanity while seeking to liberate sound from its fixed meanings. Her work is an intersection of experimental pop, classical composition and avant-garde songwriting through voice, bass, and electronics.

Freedom from Freedom to | Performed April 12th, 2025 at Elastic Arts, Chicago, IL

High Concept Labs (HCL): In what ways does your work navigate the balance between concept, exploration, and execution?

Haruhi Kobayashi (HK): My work is driven by exploration, navigated by execution, and ends with a concept discovery. It begins with experimentation—exploring the boundaries of techniques, sounds, and genres—driven by curiosity, to uncover new sonic possibilities. As I refine these ideas, a question emerges: How can this sound better? This in turn transforms exploration into intentional crafting and sculpting. Throughout the process, an underlying emotion or theme often guides me—sometimes subconsciously—until it crystallizes in the final stages. The last touches are about honing the conceptual core, distilling the "why" behind the work, and giving it its final form.

HCL: What place does experimentation and risk have in your practice?

HK: Everywhere! Experimentation and risk are at the core of my practice. During my AIR residency in 2024, I realized that my artistic identity thrives in the liminal space between experimental sound exploration and the emotional connectivity of songwriting. It’s a narrow, shifting terrain, but it’s where I feel most at home. I am constantly navigating and pushing the boundaries within and around this space as a part of my artistic practice and journey. 

HCL: How do you make use of time and space in your creative practice?

HK: Time in my creative practice is largely dedicated to exploration—listening, experimenting with new sound combinations, and refining both analog and digital recording techniques. This phase is essential as it allows me to uncover new possibilities, and experiment with different textures of sound. Conceptually, my work tends to reflect my artistic evolution and the time spent making my craft, bringing together influences from my journey—from a J-pop background to the experimental improvisation scene. I enjoy freely moving between these sonic influences, embracing the fluidity of my musical identity. However, I’m eager to explore different physical spaces. My process is often rooted in my home studio, but shifting to new environments could introduce fresh sensory experiences and inspirations. 

HCL: How do you see your work fitting into a broader creative ecosystem, and what role does collaboration play in your process?

HK: I am a huge fan of collaboration. I believe that some of the most classically recognized artists and works have emerged through collaboration, and I’m always envisioning new ways to integrate it into my practice—whether locally, nationally, or internationally. The exchange of diverse backgrounds and experiences brings fresh perspectives that pushes work in unexpected directions. Right now, I’m in the process of expanding from regional to national recognition, with the long-term goal of reaching an international stage. This year, my focus is on producing a theatrical presentation of my sound work, premiering it in Chicago, and developing it into a tourable piece. The ultimate goal is then to connect with national venues to further expand its reach and impact.

Paige Naylor x Haruhi Kobayashi Tour | August 30th, 2024 at The Kerr Foundation, St. Louis, MI.

HCL: Looking ahead, what new artistic risks or experimental directions do you anticipate taking during the residency and how do you envision your work evolving?

HK: Right now, I’m in the process of transforming my upcoming album ("Maybe you should talk to someone", release date early October 2025) into a multidisciplinary theatrical production. I am planning to include visual projected elements, dance, dramaturgy, and lighting. This evolution introduces a whole new set of creative risks I’ve never done before. To refine the production, I plan to host several “soft” openings and test runs, allowing space for experimentation and adaptation before the full premiere later this year. It’s an exciting, ambitious step, and I’m eager to see how this journey shapes my artistic voice. Wish me luck... and see you there?

Learn more about Haruhi’s practice: https://haruhikobayashi.com/