[J-Pop/Rock] A roundup of bands with cool singing bassists
When you think of someone playing an instrument and singing in a rock band, most people picture a guitarist-vocalist.
In reality, it’s most common for the guitarist to stand at the front, and it’s relatively rare for members of the rhythm section—like the bassist or drummer—to handle lead vocals.
That’s precisely why bands with a bassist as the lead vocalist tend to be distinctive and unique.
In this article, we highlight Japanese bands that feature a bass-vocalist, introducing them across different eras and genres.
You might even discover that the singer in a band you love has actually been singing while playing the bass!
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- [Low End] A Collection of Japanese Songs Featuring Standout Bass Solos [2026]
- [Low End] A collection of Japanese songs with high-difficulty bass parts [Cool]
- Love at first sight with a bass girl! The female bassist of a popular band
- A collection of cool songs that sound great when sung by women, originally male songs
- [2026] Easy J-Pop and Japanese Rock Songs Recommended for Beginner Bassists
- [2026] Cool Japanese Rock Bands: From Rising Talents to Veteran Acts
- A high-energy band number! A hype, crowd-pleasing track with male vocals.
- [2026] Charm Explosion! A Roundup of Japanese Three-Piece Bands [Plenty of Young Acts Included]
- [Vocaloid] Not too high, easy to sing at karaoke. Attractive low vocal range
- [For Beginners] Recommended Japanese songs for female vocal bands. Use this as a reference for choosing songs! [2026]
- A compilation of cool Japanese rock band songs. Recommended tracks for cover bands.
[Japanese Rock] A roundup of cool bands with bass-vocalists (71–80)
deep breathEVERLONG
EVERLONG is a three-piece band based in Nagoya whose sound is rooted in melodic punk while remaining poppy and catchy.
Centered around Mitsuchan on bass and vocals, the band features distinctive members Okuyu and Kim.
They debuted in October 2012 with the mini-album “Lovers” on TRUST RECORDS.
Their addictive melodies and lyrics with a unique worldview have drawn attention, leading to appearances at major festivals such as 04 Limited Sazabys’ YON FES and SiM’s DEADPOP FESTiVAL.
Mitsuchan’s bass playing ranges from melodious lines to aggressive performances, and the way they play while singing sets them apart from other singing bassists.
Their energetic live shows and hometown-rooted approach have earned strong support from melodic punk fans.
1983S.M.N.
S.M.N.
is a young melodic punk band formed in Fukuoka in 2001.
Although they’re a three-piece made up of high school classmates, their talent is proven—they’ve even supported tours in Japan for famous overseas punk bands.
In January 2006 they released the cover mini-album “Knocking My Soul,” followed by their first full-length “How About It?” in February, raising their profile in the major scene.
Their momentum didn’t stop there: in January 2007 they released the album “What Is Bad To Be Fun!!”.
Kosuke Nishimura, a multi-instrumentalist who handles both bass and vocals, serves as the cornerstone of the band’s sound.
With a driving pace and a positive vibe, S.M.N.
is recommended not only for fans of melodic punk but for all music lovers who want to charge full speed through their youth.
SpectatorSideChest
SideChest, a rock band from Nagoya, was formed in 2016 while bassist-vocalist Takumi Matsuoka was still in university.
Known for their emotional melodies and solid sound, the group evolved into its current four-member lineup as members joined over time.
Matsuoka’s bass anchors the rhythm section while projecting a melodic yet powerful presence.
Their album BUFF features a range of sharp, pop-leaning tracks and has garnered high praise from music media.
In May 2022, they continued their energetic activities by performing at Shibuya Spotify O-Crest, among other shows.
Their stripped-down yet densely crafted songs and commanding live performances resonate with a wide spectrum of music fans, from devotees of classic rock to those drawn to more emotional sounds.
In conclusion
I introduced a cool bass-and-vocal band. They shine precisely because they put in a lot of effort to take on the highly demanding role of singing while playing bass. If you listen to their songs with a focus on the bass vocals, you might discover a different kind of appeal than before.