A trio of artists [A resonant ensemble from a group and three-piece band]
Have you ever wondered what kinds of artists perform as trios?
In this article, I’ll highlight three-member artists, focusing on those currently active as well as those who have ended their activities.
There are captivating three-piece bands and specialist groups that have influenced later generations.
We won’t be including singers who started as trios at formation or debut but later changed due to lineup shifts, though if we did, the topic would be incredibly deep.
Let’s dive in together!
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A trio of artists [A moving ensemble of a group and a three-piece band] (1–10)
kaleido proud fiestaSaitō Kōsuke (UNISON SQUARE GARDEN)
Hailing from Scarsdale, New York, Kousuke Saito is the guitarist-vocalist of UNISON SQUARE GARDEN.
Their signature songs include “Trace of Orion (Orion wo Nazoru)” and “Sugar Song and Bitter Step.” On the official UNISON site, his vocals are described as “overflowing with transparency yet possessing a distinctive edge.” In fact, Saito underwent vocal cord polyp surgery in 2014, and it’s said that it helped improve the stability of his high notes.
His singing is cool and sleek, with a truly beautiful extension into high registers that can be challenging even for many female singers.
As a singing guitarist, his performance level is outstanding—he plays highly complex guitar phrases while singing, delivering a wall of sound you wouldn’t expect from a three-piece band.
He also collaborated with Leo Ieiri in 2025, and their vocals were absolutely overwhelming.
Be sure to check it out!
one thousand percentKICK THE CAN CREW
KICK THE CAN CREW is a three-member hip-hop group.
The group name, meaning “the guys who kick the can,” was chosen because KREVA, MCU, and LITTLE—who had each been pursuing their own musical activities—hit it off when they first collaborated on the track Kankeri and decided to form a group.
They formed in 1996, took a few breaks along the way, and then resumed activities in 2017 to mark the 20th anniversary of their debut.
Their strongly message-driven songs, including Sen Percent, which encourages listeners to “never forget your beginnings and always move forward with everything you’ve got,” have earned support from a wide audience.
A Little Love SongMONGOL800
MONGOL800 is a three-piece band formed in Okinawa in 1998.
Their striking band name was, in fact, a complete spur-of-the-moment idea.
The members are Kiyosaku Uezu on vocals and bass, Satoshi Takazato on drums and vocals, and Kuboty as a support member on guitar.
Despite their simple song structures, their arrangements and high level of musicianship keep listeners engaged, earning high praise not only from fans but also from experts.
Youthful anthems like “Chiisana Koi no Uta” and “Anata ni” continue to be passed down as staple songs for student bands.
A trio of artists [Group & Three-Piece Band’s Heartfelt Ensemble] (11–20)
Christmas songback number
back number is a rock band formed in 2004.
The members are three: Iyori Shimizu on vocals and guitar, Kazuya Kojima on bass, and Hisashi Kurihara on drums.
They gained attention in their indie days through solo headlining shows and appearances at outdoor festivals, and since their major debut in 2009, they have flourished not only as artists but also in diverse roles such as radio personalities.
Many of their songs have been featured in TV dramas and commercials, to the point that these days it’s hard to go a day without hearing back number’s music.
“Christmas Song” has become a seasonal staple, standing alongside numerous classic holiday tunes.
Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO
SHISHAMO, a three-piece girls’ band, was formed in 2010 in Kanagawa Prefecture, centered around vocalist Asako Miyazaki, who was classmates with the other members in high school.
They began creating original songs while still in school, and by the time they graduated, they had performed at events across the country, gradually increasing their exposure as a band.
As they steadily drew attention in the Japanese rock scene, they have since become a popular act supported even by listeners who don’t usually listen to rock.
The appeal of their music lies in relatable, accessible lyrics, catchy and familiar melodies, and the refreshing vocals of Asako Miyazaki.
together; along with; bothWANIMA
WANIMA is a three-piece rock band formed in 2010.
The members are KENTA (vocals and bass), KO-SHIN (guitar), and FUJI (drums).
After the previous drummer left in 2012, they became the current trio, and since then they’ve been active across a wide range of projects, including collaborations with fashion brands, nationwide tours, and appearances on the NHK New Year’s Eve music show Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Their songs—like “Tomoni,” which was used in a commercial, and “Yatte Minai?” (“Try It”)—are full of tracks that energize listeners with powerful vocals and uplifting lyrics.
If you sing them with a big group, it’s guaranteed to get everyone hyped!
Get WildTM NETWORK
A three-member music unit led by music producer Tetsuya Komuro, known for the TK sound that dominated the J-pop scene in the 1990s.
They boast numerous hit songs, including “Get Wild,” and their cutting-edge sound laid the groundwork for the later TK boom.
While they are strongly associated with digital sounds, their musicality—evolving with the times and incorporating trends—was groundbreaking and invigorating for that era.
They are a legendary music group that is indispensable in the history of digital music in Japan.
