10 Recommended Amateur and Indie Bands from Shiga
Shiga Prefecture, the town on Lake Biwa where I was born and raised.
UVERworldand/or; such as; or (used to list examples)T.M.RevolutionIntroducing up-and-coming amateur and indie young bands from Shiga—sure to be the next big break!
They’re all artists who will definitely make your heart skip a beat!
WOMCADOLE (Wonkadore)
WOMCADOLE, the hottest up-and-coming band from Shiga right now.
They overcame periods of member changes and hiatus to make a fresh start.
I’ve been seeing the name more and more at festivals and events.
What on earth is so cool about it?
It’s an overwhelmingly commanding vocal ability and performance that brooks no argument.
Charisma so captivating that you can’t take your eyes off when you see them live.
If you see them even once, the only word for WOMCADOLE is “cool”—you’re missing out if you don’t know them!
climbgrow (Climbgrow)
Following WOMCADOLE, here’s another highly skilled band: climbgrow.
Won the Runner-up Grand Prix at Senkou Riot in 2014.
A band whose solid talent and deeply human lyrics, musicianship, and performances leave you in awe.
A provocative yet somehow reassuring live performance is truly electrifying.
They’re all cool songs, but my top pick is the one called “Kudaranai.”
The raw, heartfelt lyrics really pierce through!
They’re a hugely promising next-generation band that’s sure to become indispensable at festivals and events from here on out!
Rokken Sawada Roll
In a word, the Rocken Sawada Roll is rock.
The songs, the live shows, and even the live MCs—everything is rock.
No matter when I watch it or how many times I watch it, its unwavering musicality is cool.
I really want people who don't know it to give it a listen.
I get drawn into the world.
A straightforward lyrics-and-acoustic-guitar style—and for some reason, always half-naked (lol).
This is the rock artist that Shiga has produced!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UU8q9dRMZS0
Rokken Sawada Roll Official Website
QB and Planets
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPStsY4x3Pk
A four-piece band with a female vocalist, QB and planets.
A band with beautifully clear, translucent vocals.
Band that performed in the Unconfirmed Festival 2017 Final.
A sense of strength felt within the beauty.
A band that is quietly and steadily making a name for itself.
My recommended song is Yume Juuryoku.
It's the kind of song you want to listen to on a rainy day.
This is a noteworthy band I’d love to recommend to anyone who likes guitar rock!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ5gASsy474
QB and planets Official Website
Rocket of the Bulldogs
The lyrical rock band from Shiga, Rocket of the Bulldogs.
Commonly known as “Lot B.”
The other day, they made a long-awaited comeback from their hiatus.
This is a band that left a huge impact on me when I first saw them.
The lyrics go beyond emotions and become a scream—that’s what makes it coolest.
Lott Bee’s songs that get you fired up and full of emotion make them a must-check band you should listen to at least once!
Rocket of the Bulldogs Official Website
Time Paradox
A rock band from Hikone, Time Paradox.
A skilled band that performed in the Unconfirmed Festival 2016 semifinals.
The first defining feature of Tai-Para is its very high level of performance precision.
A more aggressive sound that, while having its own unique worldview, strikes a perfect balance without being overbearing.
I think they’re a band that, while delicate, still has a strong, distinct color (character).
This is a band I especially recommend for fans of guitar rock and for women.
Blume Popo (Burūme Popo)
Blume popo, an astonishingly young band with all members in their teens.
Award-winning artist of RO JACK for ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL 2017.
Honestly, I was surprised when I first heard it.
My expectation of “the vocalist girl is cute” was pleasantly subverted.
Despite being a female vocalist, the powerful singing voice is really cool.
Once you hear it, it’s addictive and you’ll get hooked.
They’re a very young, up-and-coming band with huge growth potential!
Hunchback
A three-piece rock band, Hunchback.
Participated in the 2016 Music Revolution Osaka Final.
Champion of the 2017 Music Discovery 2nd Tournament.
The lyrics of their songs, backed by their solid talent, are often easy to relate to.
The refreshing melody and vocals give us a sense of reassurance.
A young band to watch with plenty of room to grow.
They’re my top pick for classic guitar rock out of Shiga!
Hunchback (@hunchback_shiga) | Twitter
Suell
A band with a rock vibe even from their artist photos: Selie (Suel).
However, they’re a guitar rock band with sweet, gentle vocals and beautifully clear high notes.
I think many women will probably come to like it.
A song you’ll want to listen to alone at night.
They're a band with an incredible raw, live feel—perfect for the phrase 'songs we can only create right now.'
Selie (Sueru) (@Selie_official) | Twitter
Take Mind's Place
Lastly is the emotional rock band Take mind’s place.
Won a prize in RO69JACK hosted by ROCKIN'ON in December 2016.
It has a cool vibe like the next-generation ONE OK ROCK.
It’s no exaggeration to say that if you like ONE OK ROCK, you’ll definitely love this.
That said, they’re a band that blends synths, strings, and piano sounds, achieving a classic style while maintaining a strong sense of individuality.
Catchy melodies stick in your head.
This is a highly recommended band—you’ll notice their remarkable precision as soon as you listen!
Take mind’s place OFFICIAL SITE
Lastly
How does that sound?
It was a selection of ten from the many bands in Shiga, and I’d be happy if you found a band that resonated with something in you.
Please look forward to them, as they’re sure to energize the music scene in the years to come!