If idol groups are too mainstream but death metal is too extreme, then we have something right up your alley! Perfectly blending great rock tunes, genuine musical talent, and an irreverent sense of humour, check out the hard-rocking ladies of Japanese group BAND-MAID!

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BAND-MAID was conceptualized by singer/guitarist Miku Kobato, who once worked in a maid cafe, and hit on the idea of combining Japan’s maid cafe culture with her passion for rock music. She recruited lead guitarist Kanami Tono, who in turn recruited drummer Akane Hirose to join the group. Akane in turn brought along her music school classmate, bassist Misa. Finally, they added lead vocalist Saiki Atsumi — and the rest, as they say, is history!

Musically, all the BAND-MAID members have been extremely talented since childhood. Lead singer Saiki Atsumi has been singing since she was 14, and BAND-MAID is her first foray into being part of a group. Band leader Miku Kobato is a classically trained vocalist who sings in the very challenging Japanese enka-style, which is a combination of traditional folk singing and Western-style ballads. She picked up the guitar to follow her passion for rock music.

Lead guitarist Kanami Tono has been playing the piano since she was very young, and learned to play the guitar in high school — to emulate her hero Carlos Santana. Akane Hirose’s drumming style is reminiscent of her idols Deep Purple and Maximum the Hormone. Like her fellow BAND-MAIDs, she can also play the piano, as well as the trombone. Bassist Misa loves Jimi Hendrix and The Smashing Pumpkins, and can play the trumpet, alto horns, guitar, and of course — the piano.

Drawing from their deep musical history and out-of-the-box style, BAND-MAID started playing local venues in Tokyo. They quickly caught the eye of music fans for their unique combination of quirky maid cafe costumes and pure musical talent. Yes, these girls can really shred — something dramatically different from the usual manufactured girl bands composed of wannabes who could barely sing, let alone play instruments!

Besides being a hard-rocking live act, BAND-MAID is also a certified viral hit online, with their YouTube channel garnering over 175 thousand subscribers, and their music videos collecting a staggering 36 million views. A good number of hits on their channel come from overseas fans, who are drawn in once again by their amazing performances and eye-catching maid outfits. Now, these same overseas fans get to see them live in not one, but two performances in South East Asia! Check out their upcoming gigs below!

• Event Information
Japan Music Festival Natsu Rock
22 June 2018
Zepp@BIGBOX, Jurong East, Singapore
Tickets via APACTix

• Event Information
Penang Anime Matsuri
7th and 8th July 2018
SPICE Convention Center
Tickets via GRABAPOP.COM