[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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[Japanese Rock/Pop] A roundup of cool bands with bass-vocalists (11–20)
LuckySUPERCAR
SUPERCAR debuted in 1997 and disbanded in 2005, emerging in the latter half of the 1990s rock scene during Japan’s band boom.
Miki Furukawa serves as the bassist and vocalist.
Her appeal lies in a solid, muscular bass sound paired with vocals treated with a dreamy, Komatsu Miho–like effect.
Led by her, SUPERCAR is incredibly cool, showcasing a wide musical range—from Lucky, which they say was inspired by David Bowie’s Strangers When We Meet, to Strobolights, which makes effective use of electronic sequence phrases.
SteadySHANK
SHANK, the three-piece melodic hardcore band from Nagasaki Prefecture, is also famous for having a bassist on lead vocals! Their overwhelming sense of speed and catchy melodies capture the hearts of many live music fans.
Above all, their biggest draw is the passionate vocals of bassist-vocalist Shohei Iihara.
His gritty, shouted delivery is irresistibly appealing, and if you haven’t heard them yet, this is a band you should definitely check out.
beautiful personkurage keikaku
Formed in 2014 in Tachikawa, Tokyo as a three-piece, Kurage Keikaku is now a four-member band drawing attention on Tokyo’s indie scene.
The music video for their 2024 track “Utsukushii Hito” has surpassed 10,000 views on YouTube, and despite being an indie act, their presence has grown notably among fans of genres like dream pop and shoegaze.
Be sure to listen for the guitars’ ethereal, sometimes alternative interweaving drenched in spatial effects, the supple drumming, and the poised, soaring vocals and melodic, song-like basslines of Hinata, the bassist-vocalist.
The worst love songOKOJO
Just hearing the name OKOJO evokes a certain familiarity, yet their actual sound is singular, sharpened by an unpredictable edge.
From the vantage point of a bass-vocal lead, a low-end groove intertwines with a richly nuanced voice, and in the track “The Worst Love Song,” they weave a story full of light and shadow.
A careful ensemble across the instruments threads in refreshingly new rhythmic ideas that spark the listener’s senses.
They are, in short, a cutting-edge trio that clearly defines its stance while effortlessly leaping beyond conventional bounds.
A Little Love SongMONGOL800
MONGOL800, known for singing “Chiisana Koi no Uta” and “Anata ni,” are hugely famous in the band scene and beloved as staple hit songs.
The vocalist is Kiyosaku, who also plays bass.
Their driving, catchy sound and relatable lyrics have captured the hearts of many fans.
They also have charming, laid-back ballads, so if you’re interested, definitely give them a listen!
ROARulma sound junction
The song ROAR by ulma sound junction is a powerful track that brings the bass vocals to the forefront.
It is also known as the opening theme for the anime Ragna Crimson, perfectly expressing its dramatic worldview through music.
Its striking bassline blends with lyrics that carry a message of breaking through hardship, leaving a strong impact on listeners.
In particular, the phrase “drive a blade into the darkness” has enough force to awaken a spirit of challenge.
The song feels like a cheer for those seeking the courage to face adversity and a new beginning.
[Japanese Rock/Pop] A roundup of bands with cool singing bassists (21–30)
LET IT ROCK feat. JESSENAMBA69
With a booming, hard-hitting bassline and passionate vocals, NAMBA69’s track “LET IT ROCK feat.
JESSE” vividly lights up Japan’s punk rock scene.
The rebellious message in the lyrics and the dynamic chemistry with JESSE are sure to make a powerful impact on listeners.
Brimming with fiery emotion, the song has continued to resonate with many fans long after its release, securing a solid place in the music scene.