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

1106WANIMA

WANIMA-1106 (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

From the 2010s to the present, WANIMA has been loved across generations as a nationally renowned band, even appearing on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

In 2023, they ended their long-standing contract with PIZZA OF DEATH MANAGEMENT, established their own company, and embarked on a new chapter.

Their songs are already staples for school festival cover bands, and the track “1106” introduced here is a popular choice recommended for beginners.

It’s one of their earliest songs, included on their indie-era mini-album “Can Not Behaved!!,” and it’s a live staple and classic.

Within the driving pop-punk sound, the melancholic melody and subtly nostalgic lyrics are quintessentially WANIMA.

However, the most demanding part to cover is the drums, which must maintain a fast tempo.

It’s not just mindlessly pounding out an 8-beat; the arrangement subtly shifts its feel depending on the section, which can easily trip you up.

Start by slowing down the tempo and gradually speeding it up through repeated practice, letting your whole body get used to it!

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KOH-1

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At least for today.TETORA

TETORA – Official Live Music Video for Today at Least

It’s a heartbreak song sung as if squeezing out the ache of parting—one that tightens your chest.

TETORA’s “Kyou Kura iwa” (“Just for Today”) is included on their first album, From a Corner of the Classroom, released in 2019.

With a simple band sound centered on guitar chord strumming, each and every word seems to leap straight into your ears and your heart.

On top of that, Hayane Ueno’s one-of-a-kind vocals expand the song’s world.

Pay attention to the bass playing and drumming that firmly support the melody and guitar.

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Araki Jakkan

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The Story You Don’t Knowsupercell

The Story You Don’t Know – supercell

For a band setup with keyboards, this song is also a great pick.

If you try to copy the original exactly, the drum fills and cymbal work can be tricky, so feel free to simplify them in your own way.

The guitar parts are mostly straightforward phrases, but the song has lots of chord changes, so make sure each chord rings out cleanly.

If the rehearsal studio has a whiteboard, it’s a good idea to jot down the chord progression.

Once everyone gets comfortable with the arrangement, try practicing vocal harmonies to bring out a sparkling, vivid atmosphere.

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zunx2P

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stainMakishimamu Za Horumon

Maximum the Hormone 'Shimi feat. ATARASHII GAKKO!' (MV Special Ver.) Music Video

Take on high-energy loud rock! “Shimi” by Maximum the Hormone is a track from their 2007 album “Buiikikaesu,” and in 2024 a collaborative version with ATARASHII GAKKO! was released, creating a huge buzz.

The dynamic ebb-and-flow of the song structure is quintessential Hormone.

The key to performing this track is tuning both guitar and bass to Drop C, just like the original.

This is especially recommended for guitarists, since it lets you play power chords with a single finger.

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Araki Jakkan

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Ms. SeptemberRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Ms. September [Official Live Video from “RADWIMPS Outdoor LIVE 2013 ‘Aoi to Mememe’”]

RADWIMPS are known for songs that are rich in flavor and enjoyable from a storytelling perspective, with works that make use of a variety of musical styles.

They’re an extremely popular band, but many of their songs are quite difficult, aren’t they? Even so, I think this song falls into the relatively easy-to-play category.

The lead guitar’s single-note part might be tough until you get used to it, but keep practicing it over and over.

Their songs often seem to give drummers a hard time, but this track mainly features a simple rhythm, so that’s reassuring!

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Hane Keisuke

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Third Eyethe pillows

Third Eye / the pillows

This song is characterized by an exhilarating melody and a driving, fast-paced sound.

Known as one of the pillows’ signature tracks, it was released as a single in November 2005.

As their final work from the King Records era, it reached No.

29 on the Oricon chart.

It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser live, and despite its simple structure, it’s packed with appeal that grabs listeners’ hearts.

The lyrics evoke a sense of liberation from the everyday and hint at new possibilities, resonating with many listeners.

The guitar, bass, and drum parts are relatively easy to play, making it a great choice for band practice.

It’s the perfect song for performances at school festivals or live music venues.

TV ManiacsELLEGARDEN

Ellegarden – TV Maniacs

ELLEGARDEN is a four-piece rock band that has had a huge influence on rock bands in the J-POP scene since the 2000s and continues to stay at the forefront.

“TV Maniacs,” included on their fourth album RIOT ON THE GRILL, gets your adrenaline pumping with its straightforward rock sound that kicks off with a powerful guitar riff.

The tempo is quite fast, and the drums in particular can make or break the overall quality of the track depending on whether the beat remains steady to the end, so take care.

Also, since the lyrics are entirely in English, vocalists should thoroughly learn the song before band practice so they can keep up with the ensemble.

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Hoshino Takashi

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