Girls’ rock: female vocal bands that were active in the 2000s
The 2000s saw a surge of female singer-songwriters and a string of hits from idol groups.
At the same time, large-scale rock festivals were born and youth punk became hugely popular, making it a period when rock bands drew a lot of attention on the domestic music scene.
Among them, many bands featured female lead vocalists who captured the hearts of listeners at the time.
In this article, we’ll introduce bands with female vocalists that formed around the year 2000 and were active throughout the 2000s.
We’ve picked a wide range of acts, from all-female bands to groups with only the vocalist being female, regardless of genre.
If any band catches your eye, be sure to take your time listening to their songs!
Girls' rock: female vocal bands that were active in the 2000s (1–10)
Last SmileLOVE PSYCHEDELICO
Formed in 1997 in the music club at Aoyama Gakuin University, this male-female rock duo—affectionately known as Delico—made a name for themselves with a decadent, dry sound that evokes psychedelic rock, as heard in songs like “Last Smile” and “Your Song.” This style was rare in the J-pop scene at the time, and the folk song elements woven into their tracks helped propel them to major hits.
They held an Asia tour in 2004 and officially debuted in the United States in 2008, earning immense popularity overseas, especially across Asia.
UkifuneGO!GO!7188
A three-piece rock band that made their major-label debut with the tagline “A foreign body contaminating the music industry! A super-natural GS cute punk band.” With the uncommon lineup of female vocals/guitar and bass, plus a male drummer, and an alternative sound that pairs surf rock–inspired guitar riffs with nostalgic melodies, they projected a truly one-of-a-kind presence.
The distinctive, idiosyncratic lyrics found in songs like “Koi no Uta,” “Ukifune,” and “C7,” along with compositions built from the bare minimum of sound that a three-piece can offer, create a live feel unlike the breadth and depth of tracks packed with many layers.
They have many timeless classics—this is a band you should start listening to even now.
Girl SSCANDAL
Originally affiliated with the Caress Vocal & Dance School, this girls’ band was formed by four members who were high school students at the time.
In their early days, they were known as a hard-working, self-made band, performing energetic street shows at Osaka Castle Park—known as Shiroten Street—with Osaka-jō Hall in view, a stark contrast to their cute, uniformed, “current high school girl band” image.
Because they performed live overseas even before their major debut, they continue to have many fans both in Japan and abroad, and since they write and compose their own songs, they are renowned as a highly skilled band.
majority bluesChatto Monchī
A girls’ band formed in Tokushima Prefecture in 2000 that concluded its activities in 2018.
They released hit songs such as “Shangri-La” and “majority blues,” and are known as a leading girls’ band for their lyrical worldview and solid, uncompromising band sound.
In the J-pop scene, girls’ bands are often associated with an idol-like image, but their robust, concept-defying songs turned that notion on its head and continue to influence many girls’ bands today.
MONSTER TREESHAKALABBITS
Formed in 1999, SHAKALABBITS.
Their band name carries the meaning of “SKA Love it,” and it’s a band where the charm of the sole female vocalist, UKI, truly shines.
Though she has a cute singing voice, UKI shows many sides depending on the song, including a powerful, husky tone.
Every member has serious skills, making them an absolutely top-tier band in every respect.
From early punkish, melodic hardcore-leaning tracks to songs driven by ska beats and richly varied melodic numbers, the word choices and phrasing are pure UKI world through and through—so dive in headfirst!
A Sunlit SlopeDo As Infinity
A male-female duo known for numerous tie-ins across films, TV anime, and commercials.
They disbanded once in 2005 but reunited in 2008, creating a buzz by sending fans into a frenzy.
With famous songs like “Fukai Mori” and “Hi no Ataru Sakamichi,” they’re a compelling act featuring vocalist Tomiko Van’s powerful yet composed voice and guitarist-composer Ryo Owatari’s rich, layered rock tunes.
If you’re looking for music that’s different from the cute, poppy image of many girl bands, give them a listen.
PRIDEHIGH and MITY COLOR
A six-member rock band that electrified fans with what could be considered the most expansive lineup in the rock scene: dual male-female vocals, a 7-string guitar, a 5-string bass, and double-bass drums.
Formed when Marcy, a female vocalist, joined the five male members of the metal band Anti-Nobunaga, they released hit songs such as PRIDE, featured in the TV anime Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY, and Ichirin no Hana, featured in the TV anime BLEACH.
Their thunderous, technical sound was shocking for a band of their generation, and even after disbanding in 2010, they continue to be talked about as a legend.