Folk singer/songwriter Hari Vasan released his second single, “The Experiment,” on Sept. 23. The song, a deeply personal reckoning with Vasan’s identity as a second-generation American, draws from influences such as Jason Isbell and Hozier.
Vasan’s first release, a self-titled EP, came out in 2016. After a 10-year hiatus, he returned to releasing music with his April 2026 single “Castaway.” Now, with “The Experiment,” he raises tough questions about belonging and identity.
“The Experiment” begins with guitar strumming, setting the scene with a sound reminiscent of quintessential American folk music. Given Vasan’s concern with what it means to be an American, this is a powerful choice; drawing from a national musical context allows Vasan to affirm his American identity musically as well as lyrically.
Vasan’s voice, a striking bass, enters with drums to begin sharing the story of his parents’ respective journeys to the United States from their countries of origin. The opening lyrics narrate, “My father came onto this land / Much like your forefathers did / Ages before, with the same plan / To live a better life for him.” By drawing a parallel between his own father and the people who voyaged to America centuries ago, Vasan emphasizes the literal and figurative common ground between himself and all other American citizens.
Despite this common ground, Vasan does not feel connected. In the song’s chorus, he laments the sense of exclusion he feels from the American identity. As the music and vocals ramp up in intensity, he implores his fellow citizens to “see the man beneath my skin / See that I’m an American.”
After the second chorus, the song takes a moment of calm. Over solemn strings and soft piano notes, Vasan wonders, “Have we rectified what history has done?” As the bridge progresses, his vocals escalate in volume and emotion, eventually leading into the final, most energetic rendition of the chorus.
Though “The Experiment” deals with heavy subject matter, Vasan’s clear, strong voice does not buckle under its weight. Tastefully chosen melodic embellishments and powerful climactic notes showcase the singer’s vocal skill and highlight the emotional content of the lyrics. The song closes with an uneasy fade out, leaving listeners to ponder whether America has really lived up to its ideals of freedom and equality for all.
