Recommended Songs for Beginner Bands at School Culture Festivals

PromisestarBiSH

BiSH / Promise the Star [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

BiSH is an idol group known for the catchphrase “a punk band without instruments,” captivating fans with their aggressive songs and live performances.

Their major second single, Promise the Star, lifts your spirits with its driving ensemble and poppy melody.

Since the performance overall is a standard 8-beat, it should be approachable even for beginners with instruments.

However, because the arrangement prominently features piano and strings, it’s a rock tune where the keyboard’s effort will likely be the key.

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Hoshino Takashi

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1999Hitsuji Bungaku

Hitsujibungaku “1999” (Official Music Video)

“1999” showcases Hitsujibungaku’s distinctive musicality, born from Moeka Shiozuka’s lyrics and composition steeped in her unique worldview, Yurika Kasai’s soaring high harmonies and bass, and Hiroa Fukuda’s drumming that combines delicacy with power.

Set on Christmas Eve of 1999, the song portrays the turn-of-the-century shifts and the protagonist’s inner turmoil.

Since its 2018 release, it has drawn attention as one of Hitsujibungaku’s signature tracks.

Give this stylish, ennui-tinged rock number a try.

DOLLSCANDAL

SCANDAL 「DOLL」 ‐Music Video

Released as SCANDAL’s major-label debut single, this work is a stirring song that portrays the struggles and desires of young women.

The powerful yearning for freedom and the pure longing for love mesh perfectly with its rock sound.

It was released in October 2008 and peaked at No.

26 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It garnered significant attention, including heavy rotation on radio stations nationwide.

If you’re forming a band for a school festival, this is definitely a song you’ll want to perform—it’s sure to convey your feelings to the audience.

Full driveKANA-BOON

KANA-BOON “Full Drive” Music Video

This is the third major-label single by KANA-BOON, a rock band formed in Osaka in 2008.

It was created with the aim of delivering a stronger first impact than their previous releases, and it’s a number that cranks up the energy right from the intro.

Since the overall rhythm is tight, focusing on when to play and when to cut the sound will help you recreate the feel of the original.

The fast tempo may make it sound difficult, but the phrases in each part are simple, so it’s a recommended song even for beginner bands.

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Hoshino Takashi

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We AreONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK: We Are [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

ONE OK ROCK has become a band active on the global stage.

The members are highly skilled, and many of their songs are difficult, but “We Are,” a staple at their live shows, is mid-tempo and relatively approachable to try.

While strong vocal ability is required, it would still look cool performed as a straightforward rock number without keyboards.

There’s also a Japanese version.

Racing through my horny springtimeichou BOYZ

Seiko Omori × Kazunobu Mineta “Racing Through Sexual Youth” (Ginnan BOYZ)

This is a song by GING NANG BOYZ, a band that defined an era of youth punk rock.

Ferocious instrumentation and lyrics that squeeze your heart—it’s a track where the word “youth” fits perfectly.

Their fiery live performances make this a classic you’ll definitely want to emulate.

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Araki Jakkan

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Shangri-LaChatto Monchī

Chatmonchy “Shangri-La” Music Video

This Chatmonchy song is recommended for beginner girls’ bands.

If you like songs with a cute vibe, definitely give it a try.

The rhythm section—drums and bass—is the key, so the practice can be a bit challenging, but it’s a track that really gets the crowd going!