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.
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A master of keyboard vocals who sings and plays. An artist to watch, from band projects to solo work (1–10)
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.
Spirit Of LoveSing Like Talking
SING LIKE TALKING has secured a firm place in Japan’s music scene with their sophisticated AOR sound.
Many listeners have surely been captivated by their urbane musicality that skillfully weaves in jazz and soul.
Since their 1988 debut, their prowess has been widely recognized, with albums like ENCOUNTER and togetherness topping the Oricon charts.
Vocalist Chikuzen Sato is not only known for his clear, expansive singing but is also a masterful keyboardist.
The way his gentle keyboard tones blend with his voice is the very definition of a sublime ensemble.
Their high level of musicianship—honed through collaborations with top-tier international players since their early days—is especially noteworthy.
They’re the perfect artists for those seeking authentic, high-quality pop or a band sound you can sit with and truly savor.
Storysakaiyuu
Yu Sakai’s voice—hailed as a “silky voice that invites tears”—resonates deeply with the heart.
A master keyboard-vocalist, he crafts one-of-a-kind pop grounded in R&B and soul, enriched by a wide musical palette.
He even moved to the U.S.
alone at 22 and taught himself piano.
After making his major-label debut in October 2009 with the single “Story,” he drew major attention, including being selected for power play on 43 FM stations nationwide.
You might also know him from the opening theme of the anime Nodame Cantabile Finale and for singing “Happy☆Boogie,” the theme song of the latter half of the 2023 NHK morning drama series.
His ever-expanding activities—such as collaborations with world-renowned musicians and an appearance on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts—are equally compelling.
He’s an artist you should definitely check out if you want to immerse yourself in soulful piano and vocals.
A master of keyboard vocals who sings and plays. A standout artist drawing attention from band projects to solo work (11–20)
EVERBLUEOmoinotake
Omoinotake is a piano trio band that draws influence from soul music and hip-hop.
Formed in 2012 in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, they made their major debut in 2021 with the EP EVERBLUE.
EVERBLUE was selected as the opening theme for the MBS/TBS anime Blue Period.
The rhythmic piano intro, the band’s groovy feel, and the soulful vocals of lead singer Reo Fujii are seriously cool.
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.
Take care and have a good day!Higuchi Ai
Ai Higuchi is known for her powerful, expansive vocals that instantly captivate listeners.
She began playing piano in childhood and is a singer-songwriter with roots in classical and jazz.
She made her major-label debut in November 2016 with the album “160 Degree.” Later, in 2022, she gained global attention for creating the ending theme for the TV anime Attack on Titan The Final Season Part 2.
The song “Akuma no Ko” topped Apple Music’s J-Pop charts in many countries, and its profound themes resonated deeply with audiences.
Expanding her range of activities, she has also provided lyrics for the anime Bocchi the Rock! Ai Higuchi is an artist for those who want to be moved by candid lyrics that portray everyday struggles and by the expressive power of her piano-and-vocal performances.
366 daysHY
When it comes to bands where the keyboardist stands out, many people might think of HY! Izumi Nakasone, who’s even been called the queen of breakup songs, has written countless classic love ballads.
Her voice, with its deep resonance, and above all the relatable, heartfelt lyrics leave a strong impression.
In songs where piano is indispensable—like HY’s signature track “366 Days”—and even in rock ballads like “AM11:00,” her keyboard sound adds rich color to the music.
