A master of keyboard-vocal performance who sings and plays. An artist drawing attention from band projects to solo work.
In rock bands, guitar-and-vocal or bass-and-vocal roles aren’t uncommon, but keyboard-and-vocal is less familiar, isn’t it?
In recent years, groups like King Gnu and Official HIGE DANDism come to mind, but beyond them, there might not be many examples, right?
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of artists—both bands and solo acts—who sing while playing keyboard or piano.
If you’re looking for songs you can perform as a keyboard-vocal, whether for solo renditions or cover bands, be sure to use this as a reference.
And of course, if you’re simply searching for wonderful keyboard-vocal artists, please have a look as well.
A master of keyboard vocals who sings and plays. An artist to watch, from band projects to solo work (1–10)
PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism
Official HIGE DANDism had a major breakthrough in 2019 with Pretender.
Satoshi Fujihara, who handles vocals and keyboards, was originally such a skilled drummer that he aimed to go pro, and his sense of rhythm shines through in his groovy, cool, rhythmical piano playing.
They’ve had hits like Pretender, I LOVE…, and Universe, and they’re a band whose appeal lies in a sound that spans a wide range of genres, from rock to Black music.
TWILIGHT!!!King Gnu
Centered around Daiki Tsuneta, the band began its activities and, after some lineup changes, settled into the current four-member formation.
In 2017, they changed their name to King Gnu, and in 2019 they made their major-label debut with their second album, Sympa.
Each member’s individuality shines through, and the band’s overwhelming musicality—incorporating elements from a wide range of genres, including not only rock but also J-pop and R&B—is a major draw.
A notable feature is the extensive use of strings in their arrangements.
Vinyl has a sultry, mature vibe, and the bold music video is a must-see!
Don’t Stop Loveofukōsu
Off Course left a major mark on the Japanese pop scene with their beautiful melodies and harmonies.
Debuting in 1970, they centered their sound on folk rock and pop.
Their signature songs, “Sayonara” and “Yes-No,” are probably ones everyone has heard at least once.
At the core of the band was Kazumasa Oda, who sang while playing the keyboard.
His clear, high-register voice intertwined with delicate piano tones created a truly one-of-a-kind soundscape.
They rarely appeared on television, focusing instead on music production and concerts, and in 1982 they achieved a 10-day consecutive run of performances at the Nippon Budokan.
If you love beautiful piano melodies and vocals, or you’re exploring the roots of singer-songwriter performance, this is a band you should definitely listen to.
ChainedSHE’S
Formed in Osaka in 2011 at the invitation of keyboardist-vocalist Ryoma Inoue, SHE’S is a popular band whose signature songs include “Chained,” a track with beautiful piano tones that served as the theme song for the film And, the Baton Was Passed.
They’ve also provided tie-in songs for numerous movies, TV programs, and commercials.
Their sound—where gorgeous melodies fuse with tastefully crafted band arrangements—is guaranteed to get you hooked after just one listen!
Sukuwaremasepoppu shinanai de
The band that creates a unique world with just keyboards and drums is Pop Shinanaide.
It was formed in 2015 by keyboardist-vocalist Kamegai and drummer Kawamura.
Their signature song is “Sukuwaraimasu,” which was used as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s show God Tongue.
Kamegai’s vocals—sung like spoken words over a repeating chord progression—and their sound are truly one of a kind.
In 2020, they released their first full-length album, Jojo.
log maropeNisshoku Natsuko
Singer-songwriter Natsuko Nisshoku performs in a piano-and-vocal style.
Born in Iwate Prefecture, she began playing piano at age nine and started her full-fledged career in high school.
Her music blends a wide range of genres, including jazz and rock.
Since releasing the mini-album “Ijō Tōmei” in 2012, she has been active at major festivals.
“Suiryū no Rock,” which was highly praised by Koichi Tsutaya on a music program, could be considered one of her signature songs.
Her album “Anti-Freeze” was a winner at the 14th CD Shop Awards 2022.
Their performances, which generate an orchestral level of sonic power using only piano and drums, are stunning.
She’s an artist I recommend to anyone who wants to be captivated by a meticulously woven lyrical world and passionate piano.
The Last Night and the Shooting StarsWEAVER
WEAVER is a piano rock band that began activities in 2007.
The leader, Yuji Sugimoto, who sings and plays the piano, has been familiar with the instrument since childhood and is skilled enough to have played piano as support in other bands.
Most of the band’s signature songs, such as “Hard to say I love you ~Iidasenakute~” and “Yume janai kono sekai,” were composed by Sugimoto.
Their catchy sound makes tasteful use of synthesizers, and they’re a band I highly recommend you listen to!