BAND-MAID

BAND-MAID is a five-piece Japanese rock group formed in 2013. The line-up consists of Miku Kobato on rhythm guitar, backing vocals and occasional lead vocals; Kanami Tōno on lead guitar and backing vocals; Akane Hirose on drums and backing vocals; Misa on bass; and Saiki Atsumi on lead and backing vocals. The group begins with Kobato, a former maid café employee and singer-guitarist, who looks for musicians online and brings together the first version of the band.

Formation and early activity

The band first performs in July 2013 with Kobato on vocals. Soon afterwards it adds Saiki Atsumi as a full lead singer, and the five-piece line-up plays together for the first time at the Shibuya-AX “P Festival” in August 2013. From its formation onwards, BAND-MAID performs regularly at venues around the Tokyo area.

Releases

BAND-MAID releases its debut mini-album, MAID IN JAPAN, in 2014. Later that year it issues the single Ai to Jōnetsu no Matador, also known internationally as Love, Passion, Matador. Its second mini-album, New Beginning, follows in 2015. In 2016 the group releases Brand New Maid, described as its third mini-album and first major-label album.

The band’s first full-length album, Just Bring It, appears in 2017. WORLD DOMINATION follows in 2018. In the same period the group also launches a side project, BAND-MAIKO, with the single secret MAIKO lips and a self-titled album that expands on that release. BAND-MAID’s third album, CONQUEROR, arrives in 2019, followed by Unseen World in 2021 and Unleash in 2022. Unleash is its first mini-album since Brand New Maid.

Touring and label

In 2016 the band undertakes its first tour, which includes Mexico, Hong Kong and six countries in Europe. BAND-MAID is signed to Gump Records, an imprint of the Shibuya-based Platinum Passport artist management and talent agency, which is part of Avex Group.

Style

The group is associated with J-rock, hard rock, rock and heavy metal. It is an all-female act and often uses maid imagery in its presentation, reflected in the band name and the origin of Kobato’s involvement in a maid café.