Karaoke Forums

Karaoke is meant to be fun, leisurely entertainment...and for the most part is not meant to be a path to stardome (although some of us become rather notorious at least on a local level)

I have been on the Karaoke scene now for several years....and I have made some disturbing observations. I have met some people who have become totally consumed by karaoke...to the point that it becomes the most important thing in their life.

I have also met those who are totally disillusioned in regard to their own singing ability (due in part that no one has ever told them otherwise)...this overestimation of talent often causes people to make embarrassing mistakes like entering karaoke contests.

And then there are those who have taken it to the extreme...and actually fancy themselves as 'karaoke stars'. You know the ones I am talking about.....these are the K.J.'s biggest nightmare. These are the ones who demand custom mixing board settings to enhance their Sinatra-like voice (even though all the effects known to man wouldn't help), these are the ones rush up to the K.J. the minute they think they have been missed in the rotation only to find out that they are next. And then the most frustrating question of all; "how many singers are ahead of me?"

STOP....we must keep this thing in perspective people!!! Karaoke is supposed to be a fun passtime...kind of like golf..or bowling. It provides an antidote for boredom....and it is a great way to meet people. In fact that is what Karaoke is all about "people"....it gives the introverted a chance to be extroverted....and let's face it...it strokes the ego. I have met some wonderful people at karaoke....it has become a great time of fun and fellowship for me. So lighten up...don't take yourself too seriously.....and have a good time!!!

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Karaoke should be fun...don't take yourself too seriously....keep in mind...not many talent scouts visit karaoke shows. Don't fret about small stuff...and quit asking the K.J. "when am I going to sing next?" or "I think you missed my turn"...this is evidence that you have overestimated your self importance...and maybe you should take up crossword puzzles.

Thanks for that insight musicman7261

I am sure that most of us would agree. I noticed that you didn't mention anything about KJ's acting in the same manner(something I've witnessed)

You know I don't mind if hosts sing a few songs an hour or even if they put them selves in the rotation some have to just to pad the numbers but please act professional at all times!!!!

No cursing or teasing, our job is to provide good , clean, and above all else fun entertainment.

Make sure you do your best to make everyone sound good, don't keep anyone down, let'em shine and you'll shine

Thanks Rick E

I make a pretty nice living as a KJ, and I have run across customers who take the whole thing WAY more seriously than I do. As far as I'm concerned, if I can get a bunch of people to go home humming a tune after an evening of fun, then I've done my job.

I've had singers at my mics that seem to think that they are auditioning for some sort of record deal. They (@$%&#!) about the mic levels, the words in a particular version of a song, or even the quality of the music in the song. Like I produce the friggin discs!

The funniest thing about it is that usually these are the people who couldn't carry a tune if you gave them a bucket. Sometimes I wonder what they are hearing inside their own heads!

I've sat and watched American Idol with people at a bar and they think it is all a big put on the way that some people get offended when they are not chosen for the show. They rant and rave about how they (Simon, Paula and Randy) will see when they get their own record deals. I assure the people around me it is not a put on, because I have had people just like that at my shows.

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Spreading the karaoke gospel

I am glad you mentioned that...you are absolutely right.....karaoke is all about the singers......the K.J. is there to serve....when I do karaoke shows ...I might put myself in the rotation at first when the singer list is still relatively small....but as more and more singers are added to the list..I take myself out of the rotation....to give as many singers as possible the opportunity to sing as much as possible.

You were correct in stating that you make it about them...after all there would be no show...if not for the singers.

You need to keep the singers happy...try your best to accommodate them so they will come back to your show.

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Karaoke should be fun...don't take yourself too seriously....keep in mind...not many talent scouts visit karaoke shows. Don't fret about small stuff...and quit asking the K.J. "when am I going to sing next?" or "I think you missed my turn"...this is evidence that you have overestimated your self importance...and maybe you should take up crossword puzzles.

There's a lot of good things said above. Let me add just a couple observations. It goes both ways, with the singers and KJ's. I've seen KJ's who have the attitude they own the show and singers. Granted a lot have their own followers (I have that too), but nobody owns them. If you want to keep them, ya have to treat them right and conduct a good show and be fair. You also don't own the venue.

Getting to the singers side, I like the bit above about the golfers and bowlers. Seeings I also golf and bowl. At one time my wife wanted me to attempt the pro-bowling bit (back when I was younger and carried a 216 average). I didn't do it because of the rat-race bit, as well as I loved it and had a ball. If I tried the pro route, it would have lost the apeal as it would have become work instead of pleasure, and I'd have been in the rat-race. I know I'll never have what it takes for pro singing, but with an outgoing personality and loving people and music, karaoke provides an extremely enjoyable environment in which to meet people and socialize. As long as ya keep it in perspective its great.

Finally, with respect to those who have a higher self-opinion, I think you see that in golf and other activities also. I think that is more of a personality trait related item. You always have that guy who, no matter what kinda shot he just made (or didn't make) always thinks it should have been better. Or the guy who tries that almost impossible show 100 times just to get lucky and make it one time, then doesn't understand why he missed the other 99. You have that same thing with singers who pick the wrong songs to sing, thinking they're good enough to sing anything.

Yes, guys and gals, it does go both ways. As a singer,
I return to the venue that remembers my name and has a tight rotation.
(The sweetest sound is that of your own name)
The KJ that has a following usually will know his singers, talks to his singers, encourages his singers, etc.
The KJ that doesn't have a following slams his singers, and is pi**ed off every night.

(Go figure) It is after all, just karaoke.

When I feel I've done a good job on a song, often others will say so too.
(I do know when it was c**p)

When I blow the song, often others say nothing. (This is good too)

But I return for more abuse because I like to sing. (Good OR bad)

I've seen good singers and I've seen bad singers. So what.

I'm there, they are there, buy them a beer.

Enjoy.

Just singin'
Jerry

As a KJ my perspective is clear..It's a JOB I'm hired help to perform a service and that service is to provide an enjoyable Karaoke show that many will find and return to time and time again. Not just singing (because JUST singing won't pay the bar bills) But staying at the venue buying drinks and food and having a great time ..Its a Job ...An enjoyable one but still a job......In order to do a good job , I have good equipment , tight sound , fair and fast rotations and treat everyone with respect ...UNTIL they dis me or my equipment or another singer.......
As far as singers who continue to come out ever week time and time again thinking they can sing or will be the next AMERICAN IDOL
all I have to say to you is this ........THANK YOU

Ron & Jerry,
You two said it right.. it's those who treat the singers right who win the game..

I'm alot different on how I treat people as a "singer" than a "KJ" or a "Audio Engineer" each one wears a different hat and has to treat the client differently due to the environment. But, still the job is the same in some ways.

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Brian D.
(BHB)

But I only ask to see if I have time to go to the bathroom!

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I went home with the waitress
The way I always do.
How was I to know
She was with the Russians too!
Warren Zevon

Even in the short time that I have been doing this, I have seen a few of these issues. I typically tell everbody "Hey, remember - this isn't American Idol/Star Search... we are here to have fun.." Strngest damn thing I saw a singer do, and this was prior to jumping in as a KJ, was at a contest in Reno. There were some great singers.. but then this one guy walks up when his name is called carrying a little box... he gets to the stage, DISCONNECTS the KJ's Shure microphone and proceeds to hook up his own that he was carrying in the box!!!

Is it me, or does that not seem a bit insulting?

if a professional pool player can bring in his own named stick... why not?

I don't see the parallel.

I am not trying to be obtuse, but I don't see it. Most pool halls I have been to purchase pretty much bottom of the barrel cues for general use. Most of the KJs I know, pride themselves on quality of equipment. Someone just walking up and doing that, IMHO, is akin to that person saying - "Your equipment is sub-standard, much as the junky pool cues that I use when I play at this same bar..." If the person were polite and say, "Hey, I am used to using this mike, do you mind?" That would be acceptable... Perhaps it is just a matter of ettiquette?

EDITED BY ADMIN...UNACCEPTABLE LANGUAGE.

In a competition atmosphere.. unless it's in the rules that I can't bring and use my own microphone, I will do it.. BUT of course, I will ask first. On the grounds that I will allow it to be shared with every singer in the place to keep the competition fair to others. and of course I'm assuming full risk of damage should someone drop it or intentionally throw it or like wise. So it may be in the best interest to allow them on that premise.

Some know me well enough to always keep my best mics up during a show or a competition. as I pride myself on "Quality Sound".

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Brian D.
(BHB)

Brian - I like your style... so it is ettiquette.. rock on...

I can pretty much guarantee that if someone comes to my show and starts disconnecting my equipment without talking to me first, not only will they be leaving my show in a hurry, they will be doing it in a much lumpier state than when they came in!

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Spreading the karaoke gospel

OK
Sure, there are lots of disillusioned people. That's why they televise the auditions of American Idol.

A plane Crash is a horrible thing, but it can be interesting to watch.

We tend to work around people who are consuming alcolhol...
...OK drunk
Sometimes they are beligerent.
It's the service industry.
And like a bartender, you have the power to cut them off if they abuse you.
Most of us don't want to because we're afraid of repercussions.
ie boycott, swearing, crying, whatever.

KJs Singing
I sing into and out of the break. I have to break to work bar sales.
At my other venue, I let the audience pick songs for me
...like karaoke roullette
Sure, I suck on some songs, but I have a lot of really good singers, some of whom are in local bands.
It can be very intimidating for new audience members (who are, after all the only way a night will build).
If I can go up and blow chunks, so can they.
Gives it a human element.

Hosting
I'd like to apoligize in advance to those of you who are parents

Karaoke is not for children

By lieu of the fact that the average venue is a bar, this is a given.
People are coming to:
consume alcohol (not for kids)
behave badly, maybe act out (OK kids do this)
and meet someeone to have sex with (kids shouldn't do this, but they do)

Singing is only a small part of it.

I gear my show to adults.
Yes, I drink and I swear, but I try to be amusing and friendly about it.

Kind of like that weirdo, Uncle Charlie, on "My 3 Sons"

It works for me and my crowd.
...and my crowd is a little strange

Malibujesus

WRONG... it's HORRIFYING to watch, cause people are getting hurt and probably dying inside. A train crash is the same way, so are automobiles. In my opinion, people who think it's interesting ... bother me. They've become detached too much from society, and see it as some kind of wacked video game!
Thanks for the apology, but it's not necessary. And karaoke by definition is merely "Empty Orchestra", I see NOWHERE that it applies only to adults. Many civic centers and schools coordinate family nights.

Karaoke is merely a means to sing to a recorded track. It is NOT professional, although there are many of us that ARE doing this as a job. There are professional djs, sound men, etc.

I've done karaoke shows MANY times geared for families. Have done graduate parties, 13th, 16th, 18th birthday parties. Very successfully. Not problem people like I get with some (so to speak) "adults".

Karaoke is for anyone. There are just different settings & often times different formats for different ages!

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LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

Children today are the future of karaoke. What I wouldn't have given to had karaoke when I was growing up 40 years ago. A lot of the adults at my shows are there because their children wanted to be there. Granted, there is a place and time for children and a "bar" is not the place. I'm fortunate enough to host a venue that supports family dining and the atmosphere is ideal. No profanity, arguing or fighting. A good mix of young and old. We all go home smiling and humming "Goodnight Sweetheart, Goodnight"

Karaoke is for everyone. The only restrictions would be the venueand/or occasion.

As for people who stop and stare at scenes of tragedies. Humans have been doing this since the cave days. People are naturally curious, fascinated and repulsed by tragedy and death. I think in most part, people really do not understand how fragile the human body is. BTW most animals do the same thing. It's trying to understand and come to grips with death. Those people who stare or rubberneck are not bad, evil, or detatched, they are just humans doing what humans do.

BTW who hasn't watched the two planes hit the towers.