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. A standout artist drawing attention from band projects to solo work (11–20)
I want to become a DQN; I want to die in my forties.Kyūso Nekokami
Formed at Kwansei Gakuin University in 2009, they made their major-label debut in 2014.
Even after their debut, they’ve remained a Kansai-based band.
Known for pairing a hard-edged rock sound with poppy, catchy lyrics that turn everyday gripes into something compelling—most notably in songs like “I Want to Be a DQN, I Want to Die in My 40s.” They perform live with great intensity, featuring call-and-response, moshing, and stage diving, creating an energetic atmosphere and a strong sense of unity in the venue, and giving the audience a feeling of closeness.
I love youfumidō
Fumido is a piano trio band consisting of Kazuhisa Wata, Yuya Nakatomi, and JOHN Masaya Toriguchi.
Wata, who handles vocals and piano, is influenced by jazz pianist Oscar Peterson and writes both the lyrics and music for the band.
Their signature songs include “Nakimushi no Uta” and “Aishiteru,” characterized by a pop yet bittersweet sound.
In addition to his work with the band, Wata also supports other artists as a pianist and provides songs for them.
sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)Nihonmatsu Hitomi
Hitomi Nihonmatsu, who performs as “Sensei” handling keyboard and vocals in the rock band Tokyo Karan Koron, is also active as a solo singer-songwriter.
Hailing from Osaka, she began her solo career in 2004 and joined Tokyo Karan Koron in 2009.
Her 2014 release Hinageshi was selected as the theme song for the film Spring, Has, Come, and her 2015 single Spice was used as the ending theme for the TV anime Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma.
Wonderful LifeQaijff
Qaijff was formed in March 2012 in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, when Ayano Mori—who had been active as a solo singer-songwriter—met bassist Akihiko Uchida and drummer Yukihiro Miwa.
Mori, a highly skilled musician who graduated from the Piano Department of Nagoya College of Music, showcases her technique across a variety of songs.
While the band has tracks with pop melodies and grand, expansive sounds, the occasional appearance of complex rhythms and phrases also hints at the influence of progressive rock.
Lady BluesLUCKY TAPES
LUCKY TAPES is a city pop band known for its groovy rhythms and dark sound.
Formed in 2014 by Kai Takahashi, Keito Taguchi, and Kensuke Takahashi, they made their major-label debut with the 2018 EP “22.” The 2016 release “Lady Blues” features electric piano, while the 2022 release “Night Diver” uses acoustic piano, resulting in a stylish sound.
N.E.O.CHAI
With the concept of a “New Excite Onna Band,” CHAI delivers a genreless sound.
Formed in 2012 around twin members Mana (keyboard/vocals) and Kana (guitar/vocals), their track “Gyakkanboo” from the 2016 EP Hotaraca Series ranked 36th on Spotify’s UK chart.
They successfully completed a U.S.
tour in 2017, and in 2018 they toured the U.K.
as a support act for the rock band SUPERORGANISM.
A master of keyboard vocals who sings and plays. An artist attracting attention from bands to solo projects (21–30)
Allegro CantabileSUEMITSU & THE SUEMITH
SUEMITSU & THE SUEMITH captivates with its fusion of classically inspired, brilliant piano and exhilarating, fast-paced rock.
It’s a solo project by musician Atsushi Suemitsu.
He majored in piano at a music university, and there’s even an anecdote about him wrapping a piano in blankets and practicing eight hours a day.
He began his activities in 2004 and drew attention with albums like “Man Here Plays Mean Piano.” His songs have been featured as theme music for anime and TV dramas, testifying to his established talent.
He also actively collaborates with other artists, such as Takeshi Hosomi of the HIATUS.
If you’re looking for technical yet beautiful piano rock, his music is sure to resonate with you.