[2026] For Band Beginners! Recommended Songs from Popular Bands That Get the Crowd Going at Live Shows

RikaSIX LOUNGE

“Rika” SIX LOUNGE Music Video / Illustration by Miku Masuda

If you’re looking for cover songs for a three-piece band, how about this one? Rika by SIX LOUNGE is a track from their 2016 album Shinonome.

A re-recorded version was later released digitally in 2023, which drew a lot of attention.

It’s a mid-tempo rock number characterized by a thick, almost oozing expression of love.

Many listeners will relate to its message, which blends single-minded devotion with a touch of madness.

The relaxed tempo also makes it easier for the whole band to lock in their ensemble.

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1999Hitsuji Bungaku

Hitsujibungaku “1999” (Official Music Video)

Let’s immerse ourselves in an alternative world! “1999” by Hitsujibungaku is a track that was released as a single in 2018.

It’s a Christmas song with a nostalgic atmosphere, and the layering of sounds is incredibly delicate.

Listening to it makes you feel as if you’re in a city on a snowy night.

There aren’t any technical phrases, so it’s easy for beginners to try.

To get closer to the feel of the original recording, we recommend using spatial effects on the guitar, such as chorus.

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MusicaBurandē Senki

Brandy Senki – Musica (Official Music Video)

Musica by Brandy Senki, a rock band from Osaka.

Released digitally in December 2022, the track is marked by its rough, distortion-heavy guitar sound.

Its melody line has a kayōkyoku-style approach, giving it a mature atmosphere.

Since the drum pattern stays largely the same throughout, it should be easy to learn at first.

The decisive move into the big final chorus from that simple structure is what ultimately defines the song’s coolness.

Practice that transition repeatedly to keep the rhythm from becoming shaky.

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Without putting it into wordsSIX LOUNGE

SIX LOUNGE “Even Without Words” Music Video

SIX LOUNGE’s “Kotoba ni Sezudomo” was also chosen as the theme song for the TV anime BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Conflict Arc, and with its sense of speed and emotional sound, it’s a track that’s sure to shine on stage.

The tight, powerful ensemble unique to a trio setup is extremely instructive for honing band performance skills, so it’s definitely worth a try.

The guitar’s strong chord strumming forms the backbone of the song; even with mainly power chords, varying your use of palm muting should get you close to the nuance of the original.

The bass lays down a tight 8-beat, and the melodic phrases that appear throughout will make for great practice for any bassist.

The drums support the whole with a steady beat—especially aim to nail the spotlighted fills cleanly by listening closely to the other instruments and locking in together!

Psychic Lockyangusukinii

Young Skinny – Mental Rock [Official Music Video]

“Youngski” aka Young Skinny’s track Mental Rock is definitely a punk rock tune that will hype up any crowd if you cover it live.

There are surely plenty of bands who want to take the stage with this song.

For performance tips: first, the vocalist needs to deliver the high register and rapid-fire lyrics straight and passionately.

The guitar should be raw yet crisp; even with mainly power chords, you can capture the original’s drive.

That said, try to recreate the countermelody-like phrase that keeps ringing beneath the chorus as much as possible.

For the rhythm section, it’s perfect if you can even reproduce the distinctive snare sound, but at the very least, aim for a dynamic contrast: go wild in the pre-chorus part where the bass and drums rampage, then lock in tight for the chorus.

Carnivalmuque

muque – Carnival (Official Music Video)

muque’s “Carnival” was born as a commemorative theme song for a local FM station and is a pop-rock number brimming with hope.

Its straightforward 2000s-style sound and the canon progression in the chorus make it highly memorable, and it’s sure to get the crowd going if your band covers it.

The key to the performance is having every member convey the song’s warm, uplifting vibe.

The guitar should deliver the distinctive intro riff cleanly, while the bass locks in with the drums to lay down a steady 8-beat.

Even simple drum fills can tighten the track, so nailing the timing is essential.

If you sing the lyrics with emotive expression like Asakura, it will undoubtedly resonate with listeners!

Live house!Conton Candy

Conton Candy – Live House! / LIVEHOUSE! [Official Video]

Conton Candy’s “Live House!” is an energetic guitar rock track that captures the raw heat of a live venue, and plenty of people will surely want to cover it.

Written, composed, and arranged by the band themselves, the song is filled with a straightforward love for live houses and their audiences—a bona fide anthem guaranteed to unite the room when played on stage.

Let the guitar drive the track with powerful power chords, while aiming to articulate the distinctive stabs and signature phrases clearly.

Because the guitar parts are relatively simple, the bass often moves more and carries a heavier load, but it’s a crucial role for creating a supple groove, so handle it with precision.

For drums, start with a solid 8-beat foundation, and incorporate detailed touches like rim shots that shift the song’s feel—there’s a lot to learn from that kind of nuanced playing.