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A trio of artists [A resonant ensemble from a group and three-piece band]

A trio of artists [A resonant ensemble from a group and three-piece band]
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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!

A trio of artists [A moving ensemble of a group and a three-piece band] (1–10)

Dream FighterPerfume

[Official Music Video] Perfume「Dream Fighter」
Dream FighterPerfume

Perfume is a female technopop unit produced by Yasutaka Nakata, who is active as a DJ and composer.

The three members are Kashiyuka, A-chan, and Nocchi, all from Hiroshima Prefecture.

Formed in 2000, they broke through in a big way in 2007 with hits such as Polyrhythm.

In 2008, they released Dream Fighter, a song that urges listeners to keep running with the strength not to give up, and they have continued to attract attention for their distinctive musical style and impeccably synchronized dancing—even down to the sound of their heels.

SSWBNEW!D.A.N.

D.A.N. – SSWB (Official Video)
SSWBNEW!D.A.N.

D.A.N.

is a three-piece band formed in Tokyo in 2014, consisting of Daigo Sakuragi, Jinya Ichikawa, and Akira Kawakami.

Their appeal lies in a sound that blends club music and minimal techno.

They made their debut with the EP “EP” in 2015, and their first album “D.A.N.” released the following year in 2016 received high acclaim, including being selected as an award-winning work at the 9th CD Shop Awards 2017.

They have worked across a wide range of projects, including music for UNIQLO commercials and in-show compositions for the anime “Carole & Tuesday,” and in February 2018 they demonstrated their prowess by serving as the opening act for The xx’s Tokyo show.

They are highly recommended for music fans who want to immerse themselves in urban stillness, the atmosphere of the night, and a pleasant groove.

StatementNEW!BORIS

BORIS “Statement” (Official)
StatementNEW!BORIS

Boris is a three-piece band that has earned international acclaim for their heavy sound and unique aesthetics.

Formed in Tokyo in 1992, they shifted to their current trio lineup in 1996.

Their music, which deftly fuses heaviness and experimentation, creates an overwhelming sonic space where roaring noise and silence intersect.

Their greatest strength is their flexibility—freely traversing from drone to shoegaze to pop elements—and their 2005 album Pink was lauded overseas.

Continually pursuing innovation unbound by fixed ideas, they captivate music fans in Japan and abroad.

If you’re seeking a deep musical experience that envelops your whole body in waves of sound, this is a band you should absolutely witness.

Rockin’ RulerNEW!MO’SOME TONEBENDER

MO’SOME TONEBENDER is a three-piece band hailed for their overwhelming performances that “change the scenery with the very first note.” Formed in 1997, they deliver a unique sound that absorbs a wide range of genres, from garage to alternative.

They made their major-label debut in 2001 and have thrilled countless rock fans with albums like LIGHT, SLIDE, DUMMY.

Rather than commercial awards, they are highly regarded for their powerful presence at festivals and live houses, and in November 2011 they released a best-of-style work that includes recordings from their early days.

This is a band you should definitely check out if you’re seeking stimulating sounds that defy existing molds!

I…NEW!atarayo

Atarayo - “I…” (Music Video) / TV Anime “The Dangers in My Heart” Season 2 Opening Theme
I...NEW!atarayo

Atarayo is a three-piece band that rallies around the phrase “a band that feeds on sorrow,” earning support for a sound that traverses emo, pop, and rock.

Formed in 2019, they kicked off full-scale activities with the 2021 EP Before Dawn.

Their signature works include Boku wa…, used as the opening theme for a TV anime in 2024, and Shizuku, a drama theme song—both proving their strong affinity with visual media.

Their efforts on video-sharing platforms, which they began in November 2020, have borne fruit, surging to the point of earning a Silver Creator Award.

The lyrical words spun by vocalist Hitomi, interwoven with Maashii’s guitar and Takeo’s bass in a delicate ensemble, make them a highly recommended artist for those who want to savor the ebb and flow of emotion.

RaideenYellow Magic Orchestra

Yellow Magic Orchestra – “Rydeen“ (Official Music Video)
RaideenYellow Magic Orchestra

Known by the nickname YMO, YELLOW MAGIC ORCHESTRA is a Japanese techno music group formed in 1978.

The members are Haruomi Hosono on bass, Yukihiro Takahashi on drums, and Ryuichi Sakamoto on keyboards, who is also renowned as a world-class composer.

Their signature track “Rydeen” is considered a defining song of Japanese technopop.

They established a unique musical style combining synthesizers and computers, and the trio achieved worldwide recognition, including the release of remix editions of their albums in the United States.

MadoNEW!Beachside talks

Beachside talks – Mado【OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO】
MadoNEW!Beachside talks

A Tokyo-based three-piece band formed in 2017 in a university light music club, they operate with shoegaze and dream pop at their core.

They began in earnest in 2022 with the release of a digital single, drew attention in 2024 with tracks like “Big Sky,” and in 2025 produced their first album, “Hokorobi.” Word of mouth at live houses has expanded their support, and their nostalgic musicality—where Ayaka Shibusawa’s translucent vocals intertwine with shimmering guitar tones—strikes powerfully at the heart.

If you’re seeking a sound that feels somehow familiar amid a wall of noise, Beachside talks is a must-listen.