[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!
- Packed with slap groove vibes! A collection of songs with cool bass
- 【2026】A Roundup of Japanese Bassists: From Big Names to Rising Stars
- [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
- Cool band: A rock band that represents Japan
- A high-energy band number! A hype, crowd-pleasing track with male vocals.
- Charm overload! A roundup of Japanese three-piece bands (perfect for cover bands, too!)
- [Karaoke] A compilation of Vocaloid songs that are easy to sing even for people with low voices
- [For Beginners] Recommended Songs for Female Vocal Bands: Great for Choosing Your Setlist! [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)
Sagittarius1000say
API, the vocalist of 1000say, is a multi-instrumentalist who also handles bass in the group, which champions a unique concept called “Next-Generation Fantasy” that fuses male–female twin vocals with electro sounds.
Launching their band activities with the first mini-album STARGAZER ORCHESTRA in 2008, they have continued to produce music energetically, releasing in 2011 their first full-length album APOLLON—an ambitious concept album themed on Greek mythology.
API’s soft, airy vocals form a striking contrast with MAN’s edgy singing, adding depth to their tracks.
In July 2011, they also performed at JAPAN EXPO 2011 in Paris, France, delivering a confident set before an audience of 8,000.
They are highly recommended for those who want to experience a distinctive world where digital and analog coexist.
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.
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.