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Masculine Allure: Artists and Bands with Husky Voices

A lot of people love husky singing voices, don’t they?

In particular, a male artist’s husky voice can feel really alluring and masculine!

Even within husky voices, there are many different styles—cool and edgy, gentle and soothing, and more.

In this article, I’ll introduce artists with a variety of husky voices.

From cool, rock-driven artists with a strong masculine vibe to gentle husky-voiced singers who shine on ballads, we’ve gathered a wide range.

Hopefully you’ll find a new favorite artist!

Masculine Allure: Artists and Bands with Husky Voices (11–20)

Goodbye ElegyIshizaki Hyuui

Huwie Ishizaki – Sayonara Elegy / THE FIRST TAKE
Goodbye ElegyIshizaki Hyuui

Singer-songwriter Huwie Ishizaki.

He’s well known for writing songs for Masaki Suda.

He’s not the type who relies on explosive vocal power, yet he captivates with vocal nuance, breath control, and the way he places words.

That’s why he has an unusually strong persuasiveness in ballads and mid-tempo numbers.

Have you watched Huwie Ishizaki on THE FIRST TAKE? I got goosebumps.

What amazed me was the trembling delicacy, the rasp that borders on a shout—it felt so soulful and hit me right in the heart.

He sings while playing guitar, yet neither his voice nor his guitar wavers at all.

I think he’s the kind of artist who changes the air the moment he steps on stage!

The person I lovedŌno Yūdai (from Da-iCE)

Yudai Ohno (from Da-iCE) / "The Person I Loved"
The person I lovedŌno Yūdai (from Da-iCE)

Da-iCE is a dance and vocal group known for its two vocalists with distinct voices.

One of the vocalists, Yudai Ohno, has a husky tone, and his warm singing voice makes rich use of overtones.

He has also showcased his solid vocal ability by appearing to throw the first pitch at professional baseball games and singing the national anthem a cappella.

His vocal prowess shines in cover songs like Kazuyoshi Saito’s “Utautai no Ballad” and Alice’s “Tooi Kideki o Kikinagara,” which he delivers as if they were his own.

My beloved, be prepared to die.Shinkai (Onmyo-za)

Onmyo-za / Beloved, Prepare to Die @ Pacifico Yokohama
My beloved, be prepared to die.Shinkai (Onmyo-za)

The leader of Onmyo-za, a band known as a “yokai heavy metal” act.

He’s the command center, handling bass, vocals, and writing and composing nearly all of their songs.

While Onmyo-za often performs anime songs, hearing Matatabi’s voice will surely bring the phrase “anison rock” to mind! His voice is fantastic; his greatest weapon is a powerful, deep low register that contrasts with main vocalist Kuroneko’s high tones.

Despite its depth, his voice is very easy to understand.

Matatabi is also famous for never stopping once he starts talking on stage.

With passionate MCs, a compelling delivery, and staging that makes full use of his height, he draws the audience in and builds the band’s world.

To Us Who Were Once GeniusesCreepy Nuts

[MV] Creepy Nuts – To Us Who Were Once Geniuses
To Us Who Were Once GeniusesCreepy Nuts

Formed in 2007, the hip-hop duo Creepy Nuts consists of DJ Matsunaga and R-Shitei.

They made their major debut in 2016, and their track “How to Get High Legally” became a massive hit.

Known for their unique style that fuses rapping with turntablism, they are also highly regarded for their live performances.

Their 2020 album “Katsute Tensai Datta Oretachi e” (To Us Who Were Once Geniuses) received high praise as a work that reflects their philosophy.

They have won numerous freestyle rap competitions, firmly proving their skills.

R-Shitei is not only a skilled rapper but also a talented singer; his husky vocals are likely one reason listeners are captivated.

They’re the perfect artists for anyone who loves energetic and distinctive music.

The End of the WorldTHEE MICHELLE GUN ELEPHANT

The End of the World / thee michelle gun elephant
The End of the WorldTHEE MICHELLE GUN ELEPHANT

The band thee michelle gun elephant, which whipped countless rock festivals and live houses into a frenzy until they ceased activity in 2003.

Vocalist Yusuke Chiba’s rough, untamed husky voice sears the coolness of their rock into your ears.

They left behind numerous legends and remain a beloved Japanese icon even after their breakup.

If the moon draws nearer, it should calm down a bit.ASKA

ASKA – If the Moon Comes Closer, Maybe I'll Calm Down a Little (Live at ASKA SYMPHONIC CONCERT TOUR 2008 “SCENE”)
If the moon draws nearer, it should calm down a bit.ASKA

ASKA debuted as part of CHAGE and ASKA in 1979 and has produced many hit songs.

In his early days, ASKA’s singing voice had a husky quality, as if he used a lot of breath.

In the 2000s, he reportedly went through a rough period after damaging his throat, but through trial and error, his voice has evolved in recent years into an even more refined husky tone.

Enjoy ASKA’s husky vocals in songs like Hitori-zaki, CHAGE and ASKA’s debut track, and PRIDE, which was remade for the first time in 32 years and released as one of ASKA’s solo songs!

[Masculine Allure] Artists and Bands with Husky Voices (21–30)

somedaySaucy Dog

Saucy Dog – Someday / THE FIRST TAKE
somedaySaucy Dog

When it comes to bands with a captivating husky voice, Saucy Dog comes to mind.

Centered around vocalist Shinya Ishihara, the trio—also featuring Yuika Seto and Uso Akizawa—formed in 2013.

Their music is characterized by a foundation in pop rock and indie rock, with occasional emotional elements woven in.

In 2021, they successfully held their first concert at the Nippon Budokan, and the following year they made their debut on the Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

Ishihara’s husky voice, perfectly matched with their nostalgic sound, captivates listeners.