Karaoke Forums

I wanted to know what to expect when I go to a karaoke club for the first time.

Are they all the same? Is there a protocol ...

I am thinking about going to one and kind of nervous about the process.

Any advice, thoughts, suggestions would be most welcolmed

CuteBlackBW

Shows vary from host to host, each has their own style. Normally there are song books and slips. You look at the song book, pick out the song you want to sing, write the information on the slip and give it to the host. The host will then put you into the rotation and call you when it is your turn to sing. How many times you sing during the show is dependant on the number of singers in the rotation. When the rotation is finished it starts all over again. When it is your turn to sing bring the host a slip with your next song on it. When not singing sit back and enjoy.

I can't speak for other KJs.
BUT
I get way too many requests from guys.
Gets a little boring

Ideally, I like to attempt to program singers guy/girl/guy/girl.
This works out great for the ladies as they come up in rotation fairly quickly.
Sometimes before they've finished that first glass of liquid-karaoke-courage.

Also
If my spider sense tells me that the singer will bring something to the table and be fun to watch, I bring them up quicker.

Ultimately, it's about having a fun time.

If you sing a song, and it sucks,
HEY! Relax!
It's only karaoke!

Always remember
You can only shout/scream one song before it becomes irritating and boring.

Malibujesus

Malibu I'd watch the rotation. The number one reason singers don't go back to a show is if other singers are getting preferencial treatment and change ups in the rotation. A rotation MUST always be fair.

I agree.
but I got frustrated at making late show-ups wait till 2:30am and then not letting them sing. (in Ontario, bars close at 2am. Drinks off the table at 2:45am under penalty of law)

In another thread, I mentioned the "request scrum" where I take 10 requests. Those 10 know they'll sing in the next 45 minutes.

I also have to respect club courtesy.
ie. The club staff and family do get preference in rotation.

One play I have is a small room in the back of the club that gets completely packed.
It looks busy with 30 people.
It feels packed with 70.

I built this silly, crappy little stage (3'x5'x1')

When someone steps down from singing, people are right there, in your face, congratulating or consoling.
It's a very tactile, nurturing enviorment.

People look out for each other.
Some are there to sing, some are there for the spectacle.
It's all good.

Also, the people who show early seem to realize that they've sung way more times than the latecomers.

Also, my preferential singers bring a lot to the stew and are damn entertaining to watch.
One freestyles with a (wait for it) accordian.
I also have "2 guys, 2 songs"
One will sing "Closer" (NIN) traditionally, while the other sings "The Gambler" overtop.

Somehow, strangely, it WORKS!

Not to sound corny or like an Academy Award acceptance speech,
I am one lucky KJ.
If my event is good, it's not because of me.
It's because of my amazingly talented crowd.

All I do is facilitate and provide an outlet for that talent.

Wow, did I get sidetracked...

Malibujesus

That should make no difference. I've walked from clubs that the owners & managers had me get them up specially. Family members also get no special treatment. They wait just like everybody else & if the owners/managers don't like it, i'm outta there!

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

Sorry. My mistake.
The bars I work are staffed by people who sing/play in local bands.

I never get strong-armed.

By "family" I mean people and bands associated with the club.
The people who put it on the map.

It's a respect thing.

They helped build my profile.
I can help build their's.

My crowd enjoys seeing someone in the public eye enjoying the same event as them.

A week ago, I had the Canadian Idol show up.
I didn't know, but I was told.

I'm glad I got him up quick.
If I had let him wait and he left, people would never have forgiven me.
He actuallly did backup vocals on "Lose Yourself" for another guy.
Nice guy.
It was pretty cool.

If I was forced to program owners and managers "or else",
yeah, I'd bail.

I just try to get people up who haven't yet had a chance that night.
Put the hook in 'em, so to speak.

Sorry for not being a little clearer.

Malibujesus

one thing you'll find on here malibou is you'll have LITTLE support when it comes to monkeying around with the rotation.

MOST consider that bad form, and major karaoke nono

Where are the people that are late showups? Granted some work, or have babysitting issues... but what about the people that have been supporting you all night long? What about the sheer amount of money they've given to the venue that kindly pays you to do the best you can do. Are you HONESTLY and seriously giving ALL your patrons a fair shot, when you adjust the rotation to satisfy the whims of the late arrivals.

Karaoke usually has a "starting" time... if they want to sing, then they have to take their chances. If they have other committments, I'm sorry, but there's the end of the rotation line, and that's your position.

I look at rotation like a line in an amusement park or the bank. Would you like it if people cut in line, just because you've been on that ride before earlier today? "You already rode this once... they just got here!"

SO??!!! Get to the END of the line!

Wow there is a lot involved with running a Karaoke club


Maybe one day I will get up the nerve and go to one. It has been so easy to just go to the paltalk music rooms get in line and sing ... but after reading posts on here and DTS about the live Karaoke experience ... just got me thinking that I may try it.

thank you for sharing

Hey CuteblackBW, ya gotta give it a try. You'll have a blast. It's kinda like looking at new cars - If ya look once ya may be able to walk away, but if ya go back and take a second look you're hooked I really think you'll love it. Its a blast.

As for the rotations, I have to agree that everyone gets the same treatment. I too have walked out on shows that show preference. Walked out on one that was showing preference to my own daughter. Some may differ, but I'm not spending my money in a place that doesn't treat me just as fair (or the same) as everyone else. There's plenty of other places that want my patronage just as much, and will treat me fair and equal. Sorry, but that's just the way I feel.

Hey Cute you come to my show and I'll put you up NEXT. I say that to all the pretty ladies and it screws up my rotation BUT, its all good !!!!! Southern Calif will be waiting. peace,love, Karaoke

I just may hold you to that if I ever visit your side of town.



Thanks

CuteBlackBW,

Find a Venue that you feel comfortable with. Take along a couple of friends for support. You might also might check out the web site of KaraokeKathy. You can find her on the Singers Showcase. Click on to her name, then profile, and look for the WWW button. She has a lot of useful information from a singers perspective.

Margie and I enjoy your submissions, keep up the good work.

Cort
MC Entertainment