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!
GingerTOMOO
Singer-songwriter TOMOO vividly paints inner landscapes alongside the tones of the piano.
Centered on piano-and-vocal arrangements, her music is simple yet profoundly emotive.
She made her major-label debut in 2022 and is known for signature tracks like “Super Ball” and “Ginger.” Her name spread even further with “Endless,” which was used as the ending theme for the drama The Department of Anomalous Affairs.
Her live performances are highly acclaimed; at her 2022 show at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA, the performance she delivered after overcoming health issues moved many.
She’s the perfect artist for those who want to immerse themselves in the piano’s timbre and the contemplative world of her lyrics.
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.
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!
ChicagoKuramubon
Clammbon is the band that singer-songwriter Ikuko Harada—an idiosyncratic, self-accompanying vocalist who collaborates, co-writes, and performs solo—belongs to.
It’s a three-piece with bassist Mito, who is also active as a producer, and drummer Daisuke Ito, whose groovy beats feel great.
The members are graduates of the Jazz Department at Shobi Music College in Tokyo, and their stylish sound, grounded in jazz theory, also shines through in Clammbon’s music.