There’s something timeless about the raw energy of rock ’n’ roll—the rebellious attitude, infectious rhythms, and feeling of freedom that can turn a small live house into an unforgettable night. In Tokyo, Vampire Bats are bringing that spirit into the present with their own take on garage punkabilly.
This girls’ three-piece draws inspiration from the sounds and attitude of 1950s and ’60s rock ’n’ roll, while embracing the rougher edge of garage, rockabilly, and psychobilly. Their music carries a vintage spirit without feeling stuck in the past, giving their sound a distinct identity within Tokyo’s vibrant underground music scene.
For this City Stories feature, we sit down with Vampire Bats to talk about their musical journey, the story behind the band, their influences, performing in Tokyo, and what it means to create music rooted in rock ’n’ roll while being part of a new generation of artists.
Please introduce the members of VAMPIRE BATS.
YOU — G. / Vocals / Leader
YOU writes the band’s songs and oversees the overall production of VAMPIRE BATS.
HOLLY — Bass / Chorus
HOLLY joined the band in 2024 as its fifth bassist. She loves all kinds of entertainment.
BLEU — Drums / Chorus
BLEU joined in 2026. Although she has only been playing drums for a relatively short time, she is a promising rookie who plays with incredible power.
How did VAMPIRE BATS come together?
We met through the underground music scene and formed the band there. Since then, we’ve gone through several member changes, which eventually brought us to the lineup we have today.
It’s not easy for women to continue playing in a band!
Where did the name “VAMPIRE BATS” come from?
We simply connected words that came to mind that we liked.
“VAMPIRE” comes from the works of Osamu Tezuka, one of Japan’s greatest manga artists, while “BATS” comes from Batman.
If you had to describe VAMPIRE BATS in three words, what would they be?
Alluring, Unrestrained, Primitive.
What inspired each of you to pursue music?
Music was always close to us because we each grew up in environments where music was a natural part of our lives.
Which artists or bands have influenced VAMPIRE BATS the most?
THE CRAMPS.
How would you describe VAMPIRE BATS’ musical style to someone hearing you for the first time?
Mysterious and cool, but also poppy and easy to listen to.
Your visual style has a very distinctive character. How would you describe the aesthetic of VAMPIRE BATS?
A glamorous, trashy kind of feeling.
What makes VAMPIRE BATS unique compared to other bands?
We don’t try to be overly particular about everything, so I think it’s easier for each member’s individuality to blend together naturally.
What kind of philosophy do you have when it comes to creating music and performing?
We don’t want to be confined by any particular mold. We simply want to do what we can and, more importantly, what we want to do.
Is there a song that holds a particularly special meaning for the band?
“Witch Stomp.”
When we write songs, we don’t think about things too deeply. We tend to let the song develop naturally and follow wherever it takes us. With “Witch Stomp,” I feel that approach worked really well.
What has been the biggest challenge VAMPIRE BATS has faced so far?
We’ve gone through a lot of member changes.
How did you overcome those challenges?
It’s basically the same as the previous answer — dealing with all the member changes.
People are more difficult than music! LOL
What have you learned through your journey as a band?
Being in a band isn’t just about making music. It’s also about connecting with people, and through those connections, I think we’ve learned and grown in many different ways.
What do you enjoy doing outside of music?
YOU: Riding motorcycles and playing video games.
HOLLY: Going to Disneyland and attending all kinds of events.
BLEU: Going to my friends’ live shows and having a few drinks afterward.
16. Where do you see VAMPIRE BATS five or ten years from now?
We’ve never really imagined it, so honestly, we don’t know!
Why do you continue making music?
Because we love it.
What message would you like to share with people who want to pursue music or start a band?
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Just have fun and enjoy what you’re doing.
What do you hope listeners take away from your music?
Honestly, just listen to it. That’s enough for us.
Finally, what would you like to say to your fans and everyone discovering VAMPIRE BATS for the first time?
It would be the best thing in the world if our music could make you feel happy and have a good time.
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