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.
- Songs that hype up Sports Day and Athletic Festivals: Japanese Music / J-Pop Artist Rankings [2026]
- [Karaoke] A roundup of easy-to-sing King Gnu songs
- A roundup of bands featuring piano [Rock / Jazz / Ballad]
- Masterpieces by male artists known for their captivating high notes. Recommended popular songs.
- [Piano × Guitar] A roundup of perfect songs for sessions
- Karaoke songs you can enjoy singing in your natural voice without changing the key
- [Karaoke] A Special Feature on Vocaloid Songs That Are Easy for Women to Sing!
- The Allure of the Keyboard: A Collection of Piano Vocaloid Songs
- [2026] Recommended Breakout Artists: A Roundup of Era-Defining Singers and Groups
- [Karaoke] A Roundup of Official HIGE DANDism Songs That Are Easy to Sing!
- Bands, artists, and singers from the Kansai region
- Karaoke songs that are easy to sing and recommended for men of the Yutori generation
- It’s so cool if you can play these on the piano! A selection of irresistibly charming masterpieces.
A master of keyboard vocals who sings and plays. An artist attracting attention from bands to solo projects (21–30)
I Hate DISCOOOOOOO!!!the telephones
the telephones became popular as a band with a new musical style that fused rock, new wave, disco, and electronica.
Their distinctive use of keyboards and synthesizers created an appealing sound unlike other bands.
Unfortunately, they went on an indefinite hiatus at the end of 2015, but they resumed activities in May 2018 and drew renewed attention.
That’s enough already.Fuji Kaze
Fujii Kaze is a singer-songwriter who has gained popularity for his high level of musicality and distinctive personality.
He gradually drew attention with the 2019 digital release “Nan-Nan w,” and has been embraced by a wide range of listeners, from music industry professionals to the general public.
On his official YouTube channel, he has posted numerous piano-and-vocal cover videos, showcasing his strong arranging skills.
In addition, during his audience-free live stream in 2021, he delivered expressive piano-and-vocal performances backed by solid technique.
A master of keyboard and vocal performance who sings and plays. A noteworthy artist from bands to solo projects (31–40)
Monkey Discooooooothe telephones
Formed in Saitama Prefecture and known for their signature “When you think Disco” vibe, the telephones shocked the public when they announced a hiatus in 2015.
They resumed activities in 2018 and have been going strong at festivals and live shows—something fans had long been waiting for! While guitarist Akira Ishige is the band’s main vocalist, you can’t talk about the telephones without mentioning Nobu, who handles synthesizer, vocals, and dance—and at times sprints around not just live houses but entire festival grounds.
At their shows, the crowd gets hyped with the call of “Disco!!,” making them a band that’s fun even for first-timers.
Charonnegoto
Negoto was a four-piece girls’ rock band that, sadly, disbanded in 2019.
Formed in 2007, they made their major-label debut in 2010 with the mini-album “Hello! ‘Z’.” Their first single, “Charon,” released in 2011, ranked sixth on Billboard’s download chart.
They were known for an alternative rock sound that made extensive use of synthesizers.
After the band broke up, Sachiko Aoyama, who handled keyboards and vocals, launched a solo career, carrying on the band’s distinctive worldview.
Only oneYano Akiko
Akiko Yano is a singer-songwriter who expresses a unique world view through her wide-ranging musicality and distinctive sensibility.
Her 1976 debut album, “JAPANESE GIRL,” is renowned as a masterpiece recorded with top musicians from Japan and the United States.
She currently lives in New York State, USA, where she continues to collaborate with leading musicians around the world, and has formed the Akiko Yano Trio with Will Lee and Chris Parker.
I am a piano.Hara Yuko (Sazan Oorusutaazu)
In the Southern All Stars led by Keisuke Kuwata, the keyboard is played by Yuko Hara, who is also Kuwata’s wife.
Among the band’s songs are some on which Hara serves as lead vocalist, such as Watashi wa Piano, included on the 1980 album Tiny Bubbles.
From that song onward, most of the band’s albums have featured tracks with Hara as lead vocalist.
She is also said to prefer arranging over composing within the band, and she plays a major role on many tracks.
Higher ClimberHOWL BE QUIET
HOWL BE QUIET is a four-member piano rock band from Kanagawa Prefecture.
Kouta Takenawa, the vocalist, originally served as the band’s singer-guitarist, but after trying out a piano that happened to be in the studio and finding it a perfect fit, they began incorporating piano arrangements.
Their 2016 digital release Higher Climber—which was used as the opening theme for the TV anime DAYS—features synthesizers and delivers an exhilarating dance track.
In conclusion
We’ve compiled a comprehensive introduction to bands and solo artists who sing while playing the keyboard.
Many of the groups and artists with keyboard vocalists excel not only in pop, but also in songs that incorporate elements of jazz.
Whether you’re looking for pieces to perform yourself or searching for wonderful new artists, we hope this serves as a helpful guide.
If any artist catches your eye, be sure to take your time and listen closely to their music.