RAG Musicartist
Lovely artist

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!

Three-member artists [Group & three-piece band's heart-stirring ensemble] (21–30)

Roller Coaster RideSPARKS GO GO

SPARKS GO GO「Roller Coaster Ride」MV
Roller Coaster RideSPARKS GO GO

SPARKS GO GO is a three-piece rock band from Kutchan, Hokkaido, that has drawn attention with a simple yet hard-hitting sound.

They debuted in May 1990 and have continued with an unchanging lineup of real-life brothers Atsuya Tachibana and Tetsuya Tachibana, joined by bassist-vocalist Shinichi Yakumo.

Their live performances radiate overwhelming energy and captivate audiences.

Since 2005, they have hosted their own event, JUNK! JUNK! JUNK!∞, collaborating with a variety of artists.

As part of THE BAND HAS NO NAME with Tamio Okuda and others, they also created an ending theme for a popular anime.

They’re a recommended band for anyone who wants to experience powerful, straightforward rock and the true thrill of live performance.

calm downGORAKU the function

GORAKU the function – calm down [MV]
calm downGORAKU the function

A three-piece rock band from Kagoshima Prefecture, they have been active in Tokyo since forming in 2012.

While rooted in rock, their distinctive sound weaves in diverse elements such as pop, alternative, emo, and progressive.

2017年、彼らは渋谷のclub乙で初の自主企画イベント「LOVE the function」を開催し、同年にミニアルバム『YU-GI addiction』をリリースした。

Kojiro Akaboshi, who handles drums and vocals, delivers a stunning performance that commands rhythm and melody simultaneously, with complex rhythmic structures, irregular time signatures, and meticulous arrangements that never let listeners lose interest.

Their lyrics are also notable for their literary and philosophical qualities.

Take Me HigherCro-magnon

cro-magnon – Take Me Higher @ ITADAKI 2015
Take Me HigherCro-magnon

cro-magnon is an instrumental trio that unleashes floor-shaking grooves, swirling with the heat of live performance.

Their style freely traverses jazz, funk, and hip-hop, nurtured by members who met in Boston, USA, in 1996.

They launched their current lineup in 2004, and their 2006 album CRO-MAGNON garnered fervent support in the club scene.

Even without major awards, the overwhelming energy of their live improvisations is the real deal.

If you’re looking for a raw, funky, no-excuses sound that makes you want to dance till dawn, this is the band for you.

Japanese rice is the best in the world.Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai

Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai “Japanese Rice Is the Best in the World”
Japanese rice is the best in the world.Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai

A three-piece rock band that captivates many music fans with a style blending distinctive humor and a heavy sound.

Formed in 2004, Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai features an unusual lineup with a male guitar-vocalist and a female rhythm section, exploring a wide range of styles including rock, punk, and metal.

Since releasing their nationwide album Shominha Bakudan-san in 2009, they’ve become known for songs themed around everyday happenings and food, and in 2018 they successfully headlined a solo show at the Nippon Budokan.

Eschewing a major-label debut and remaining independent, they’ve gained broad support with their powerful sound built on 7-string guitar and 5-string bass, paired with approachable lyrics.

They also actively engage with fans through content on YouTube and other channels.

NanahitsujiShinario Aato

Scenarioart, a three-piece band with male-and-female twin vocals formed in 2009 in Shiga Prefecture, has been drawing attention for its unique sound that fuses rock, electronica, shoegaze, and pop.

They made their major-label debut in 2014 with the mini-album “night walking,” and have steadily built a track record, including providing ending theme songs for the anime The Perfect Insider and BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS.

Drummer and vocalist Kumiko Hattori’s skillful playing and singing further enhance the richly narrative world of their songs.

Highly recommended for those who enjoy cinematic atmospheres and lyrical soundscapes!

teenagekubi furi Dolls

Head-Shaking Dolls “Teenage” PV
teenagekubi furi Dolls

A three-piece rock band formed in Fukuoka in 2012, they build a distinctive world centered around drummer-vocalist Nao.

Their sound fuses Showa-era kayōkyoku with garage rock and early punk, complemented by horror-tinged makeup and theatrical performances that leave a strong impression.

Their 2013 album “KUBI-FURI NINGYO SYNDROME” sold out its 1,000-copy run, and they made their major-label debut with King Records in 2018.

While they have no official awards to date, they’ve steadily grown their fanbase, selling out more than 100 shows on nationwide tours.

They’re the perfect band for anyone who enjoys idiosyncratic rock sounds and stage-like live performances.

AnnieZūkaraderu

Zutomayodel, a three-piece rock band from Sapporo, Hokkaido, captivates many fans with lyrics that delicately depict everyday scenes and a pop-leaning sound.

The group began in 2015 under the name “Takanobu Yoshida and Zutomayodel,” then changed to their current name with the release of their September 2017 mini-album Live Forever.

The approachable melodies and empathetic lyrics crafted by Takanobu Yoshida were recognized when the band won first place in the Japanese music category of Tower Records’ “Tawake Recommen Award Artist of the Year 2018,” proving their talent.

Influenced by BUMP OF CHICKEN and Quruli, Yoshida’s songs are a perfect fit for music fans who value sincerity in their emotions.