Popular band songs that hype up cultural and school festivals & recommended latest hit songs

Dance AloneSia & Kylie Minogue

Sia & Kylie Minogue – Dance Alone (Official Music Video)

A refreshing, catchy track that blends dance-pop and nu-disco elements.

The powerful vocals by Sia and Kylie Minogue are truly captivating! Centered on liberation from heartbreak and the celebration of freedom, it portrays a journey of self-discovery and personal happiness.

Released in February 2024, this song is perfect for live performances at school festivals and cultural fairs—highly recommended if you want to energize the crowd.

It would also work well as background music for a booth.

With its danceable vibe, it’s recommended not only for light music clubs but also for dance teams.

GRADUATIONSBACK-ON

GRADUATIONS (Theme song for V-Cinext 'Kamen Rider Gotchard GRADUATIONS')

This is a song that gently encourages you as you say goodbye to close friends and take a step onto a new path.

Holding the memories of precious friends you spent time with, it captures the wavering feelings of young people heading toward their respective futures through an emotional melody and powerful guitar sound.

The track serves as the theme song for “Kamen Rider Gotchard GRADUATIONS,” released by BACK-ON in February 2025, and stands as a supportive anthem that stays close to the major life turning point of graduation.

It blends seamlessly with the worldview of the V-Cinext production, further heightening the work’s emotional impact.

It’s a perfect song for the grand finale of a school or cultural festival and for making memories with friends.

While feeling the importance of friendship and bonds, this song gives you the courage to take your first steps toward the future.

It starts here!DREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE “It Starts Here!”

A heartwarming friendship song from DREAMS COME TRUE, filled with hopeful cheers and a powerful anthem.

Released in January 2025, the track features an energetic, vibrant rhythm that blends ’80s disco sounds with modern Latin grooves.

It carries messages of friendship, the courage to take on challenges, and encouragement for those stepping into something new.

Created as the theme song for the “Osaka-Kansai Expo Commemorative ACN EXPO EKIDEN 2025,” this lively tune is perfect for singing and dancing with friends at school or cultural festivals.

It’s also ideal for choral or dance performances practiced with friends, as well as background music for video projects.

Enjoy this uplifting cheer song that adds color to cherished memories with your friends.

Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa

Lord of Major / Precious Things

A heartwarming message song that reminds you of the bonds with cherished friends.

It’s a track where a driving, high-energy rock sound—packed with Road of Major’s musical essence—beautifully harmonizes with straightforward lyrics.

Portraying encounters and partings, friendship, and hope for the future, the words continue to resonate deeply with many young people.

Released as an indie single in September 2002, it remained in the Oricon Top 10 for 19 consecutive weeks and achieved an astonishing total of 900,000 copies sold.

In 2009, it was also featured in a commercial for the Taiwan-market Mazda Mazda3, becoming a song loved across borders.

Its band-friendly arrangement makes it easy to perform, and it has the power to unite the audience during live shows.

Falling in Love -10 YEARS THANK YOU-SHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “Koisuru -10YEARS THANK YOU-”

SHISHAMO is a three-piece rock band that captivates fans with vividly descriptive lyrics that paint clear scenes and a straightforward rock sound.

“Koisuru -10YEARS THANK YOU-,” included on the concept album For Everyone Who Knows Love, created to commemorate their 10th anniversary, is a re-recorded track from their first album.

Each part features simple playing, making it easy to take on, but if you’re using the same arrangement as the original, be careful: it can be tricky to sing without letting the tight guitar backing pull your rhythm.

It’s a rock tune that will hype up any school festival, with lyrics that resonate and evoke the romance of youth.

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Shangri-LaChatto Monchī

Chatmonchy “Shangri-La” Music Video

This is Chatmonchy’s third single, used as the ending theme for the TV anime Hataraki Man.

While it’s a straightforward rock number, the irregular meter in the chorus serves as a hook.

None of the parts are technically difficult, but the bass line—though mostly root notes—features frequent moves up to the high frets that create the song’s groove, so playing it accurately helps capture the overall feel.

With its catchy melody and comfortable beat, it’s a number that would likely go over well when performed at school festivals or cultural events.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Endless JourneyMr.Children

Mr.Children “Endless Journey” MUSIC VIDEO

A song that expresses, through music, a way of life that cherishes individuality, driven by the powerful message, “You don’t have to imitate anyone.” As one of Mr.Children’s signature works, it inspires the courage to overcome setbacks and doubts and to follow your own path.

Released in October 1998 as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Naguru Onna,” it became a hit, selling 516,000 copies in its first week.

Despite running over seven minutes, its appeal lies in an intricate arrangement featuring nine key changes and a grand sound built on a compelling guitar riff.

Even those just starting out with band performance should be able to present it confidently on a school festival stage by playing a simple arrangement together with friends.