Karaoke Forums

This may take a few lines (paragraphs, pages, whatever...) I'm a gal of many words, so bear with me whilst I get my thoughts on paper. (er... post box, ya know what I mean)

A few months ago, I got hooked up with a band. They were playing locally, and someone recognized me from my karaoke hangout and told me the band would let you on stage to sing if they knew the song you wanted to play. Well, my hubby kept telling me "you should, you should..." so I did, they knew the song and played it behind me. Then they named a couple more, which were songs I know, so we did those also. By the end of the night, they got my email addy & phone # and wanted to know if I'd come out and sing with them from time to time. (they don't do alot of country music, and so that's where they squeezed me in)

And I've been hella excited. The lady who is kinda the mentor of the band, and her keyboard player, have been in bands for years and are pretty well known around here. They're great people, and are introducing me to alot of area musicians and such. I've only played 3 times with them, but we have dates scheduled where I get to be like, a "featured artist".... and yes, I'm soaking this all up, I love it.

Anyhow... back to the story. I played music (mostly just rythm guitar) long before karaoke ever came around. So, when karaoke DID come out, I was in hog heaven. I mean, a whole band behind you... everything there but the singer. What could be cooler than that for someone who loves to sing non-stop?

But the last few years, my husband keeps ragging on me that "I don't play like I used to"... "I don't do all the old songs like I used to"... and "You're forgetting where your roots are"... (my dad pulls that one alot too) True, I don't write music as much any more, I don't play my guitar quite as much, (it's easier to pop in a karaoke cd  :D )... and my fiddle has been sorely neglected. Heck, my playing skills HAVE went downhill.

So, last night the band had a guest lead guitar player. A guy of 74 who's apparently played in lots of semi-famous bands over the years. We kind of hit if off because, as per norm, the band had me singing Loretta Lynn, Emmylou Harris, and oldies like that. On break, me and this guy got to talking. He recognized having seen me doing karoake in Canby about a year or so ago.

He tells me.... that I need to quit karaoke, that it is "going to ruin me someday if I keep it up". He says it teaches people to follow music, and that I shouldn't let myself get used to that, cause the singer should lead the band- not follow it. (like you do in karaoke)

I realize there's a huge difference between following a karaoke track, or having a band behind you. But I don't generally "follow" a karaoke track anyhow. Once I am familiar with the song version, I just sing it.... knowing the "band" (on the cd) will be behind me. By the time I'm performing a karaoke song, I don't need the lyrics either, I've never "followed" lyrics, I have a great memory for retaining them quickly. I don't think I agree with him.... or my husband.... or my dad. I admit to letting the other get set aside alot, due to karaoke. But I've never been a grand guitar player, and karaoke tracks have solved that problem.

And, I think karaoke has HELPED my singing. I try alot more stuff, because I have the backing. I've built vocal range I think, and vocal volume... cause it's just easier to "let go" when you have full instrumentation behind you, and I just.... sing so much more stuff, and try my voice on faster songs... higher keyed songs... long winded songs. Does that make sense?

But, I'd like to hear your thoughts. Especially, any of you who sang in a band- then went mainly to karaoke- then went back to a band setting.

He just... says I will learn to wait on a music track cue.... and lose the ability to lead the band vocally. I say.... hogwash.  :D

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♥ Laugh your heart out, dance in the rain. Cherish the memories, ignore the pain. Love and learn, forget and forgive. Because you only have one life to live. ♥

I've sang in bands all my life. and Play guitar as well..... Since I picked up my own Karaoke stuff Bout 2 years ago, I havent played any of my Guitars since. I allways wanted to do songs that the bands couldnt or wouldnt learn. plus I like the old Big Band stuff as well (to sing).

where would I ever get a band and live out a fantasy dream of singing Frank Sinatra song's. ?

well with alot of Practice and lot's of money invested in equipment I now get Paid to do what I allways dreamed of doing. I love it and Now Have 2 of my 3 Guitars for sale. I think I'll keep one and incorperate a few live song's with my guitar into My act.

I dont miss splitting the loot at the end of the night with 3 or 4 others. I split with no-one and get just as much as a live band would.

I'm Diggin life down here in florida...

Well Anyway thats my story.
Michael

well I'm not exactly warranted to make a comment here, but this is what I noticed.



if that's how YOU feel.... then there's yer answer m'dear! Who cares what that old fart's opinion is

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Well, personally...... I prefer the band.

I guess it's .... having the people up there with you, feeling the bass & drums rythm, having a harmony singer that is right with ya each & every time... and if ya make little mistakes, hell they're good.... they stay right with me. Just... everything being so "live"... is cool to me.

I can't go watch a live band without squirming in my seat... I don't want to sit and listen, I want to be UP there. It just gives me chills, I love performing live. And hell, I'd do it for free just for the thrill of doing it.  Much different than the times I've played with family or the old time fiddlers.... cause I've never done this in a bar setting beofre.

And call me stingy... but... when at a karaoke bar, you're just another singer waiting their turn. Singing at a bar/saloon with a band, you are THE singer.  Swells my head a bit, but it gives me a rush like alcohol could never do.  LOL

I just don't think I will EVER entirely give up karaoke, and I've got a couple people telling me I should lay it aside, that it will change me for the worse. And I don't think I agree.

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♥ Laugh your heart out, dance in the rain. Cherish the memories, ignore the pain. Love and learn, forget and forgive. Because you only have one life to live. ♥

And uh, Michael, what kind of guitars ya got for sale? I'm looking for a vintage accoustic....... Martin or Gibson. You got pics? Well, hell.... neveryamind, I'm broke. But I could still drool over some nice guitar pics.

Crystal:

I know, I should just say "yeah, whatever buddy".... but you know what? His wife karaokes, he's been in the music scene for years, I just.... don't know if his theory has any merit. If the day ever came that his revelation came true, and I fumbled trying to "lead a band", like I was "lost without a music track" as he suggests.... I'd stomp my karaoke cds.

I can't quite take it to heart that his statement is accurate.... but, I hold anything in high regard that is spoken by an elder.... always have. Maybe he knows something I don't? What would he gain by telling me something like that if he doesn't beleive it's true?

Wah.... ..... I want my mommy.

(but she'd tell me "karaoke is nice, but you need to stick to your guitar more often".... this I already know)  :yes:

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♥ Laugh your heart out, dance in the rain. Cherish the memories, ignore the pain. Love and learn, forget and forgive. Because you only have one life to live. ♥

well.... it seems to me that as long as you're aware of it.... chances are that it wouldn't happen.... just keep a good balance between the two..

just ma opinion, I've never sung with a band, so whattoiknow?

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Crystal, don't underestimate yourself. I can tell, by having listened to your subs.... that you're not just an "average every day karaoke singer" that has to follow lyrics. You obviously have some born-in music ability. You have great rythm & timing on your subs... you can tell by listening, IMO, who has learned ability only, and who has a dose of it naturally. So, yes, to ME.... Your opinion DOES count.

What you said makes sense though.... about keeping a balance. Maybe, If I threw all instruments away, and never ever did ANYthing but karaoke.... maybe I'd notice it down the road? Maybe not. I mean, I've been singing with guitar since I was pretty young, and grew up hearing alot of live music at home.... maybe it's like riding a bike, and would never leave? But... his statement I guess just shook me up a little.

Once, when our local place did a "open mic nite" for a while, me and Odie and my nephew played the guitars.... I egged the karaoke lady to sing one. She has an appreciation for bluegrass music, and likes the song "I'll fly away".... I've heard her karaoke it and do a great job. Well, I suggested she do that one, as a way to get some of the crowd involved. She was adamant: "No, I couldn't do it without the lyrics, and I don't know all the words". I wrote the lyrics down, and she was still nervous. I had to sing along somewhat, to cue her when to come in on each verse & chorus. And... it's NOT a complicated song. It's pretty repeticious. (sp?) But she didn't catch on throughout the song, and I had to keep prompting her....... cause she had no lyrics changing colors.  :shock:

So, I've seen people like that. And I would hate to ever be that way. (though... that is a bit drastic... but that was an example)

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♥ Laugh your heart out, dance in the rain. Cherish the memories, ignore the pain. Love and learn, forget and forgive. Because you only have one life to live. ♥

Another band members misconception of karaoke singers. Your best singers now come from the karaoke ranks simply because they sing more songs and sing on other systems (good and bad) they have to adapt to. Also the karaoke sometimes ( i say sometimes) keep better time and stay in the right key... We have Locla radio station DJ'S and band members that we blow away... We Helped in a MDA benefit labor and was sandwiched between 2 bands . Our system and singing blew them away. One might tend to rely on the monitor to remember the words but its no chore to learn the words and sing without it.

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I can agree to that to a point.  However if a karaoke singer messes up, it's pretty apparant, if a band singer messes up - that is depending on how good the band is - they can cover a mistake.
I miss playing though!

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

Charmin

On page one of my album there is a pic of me with my 3 Toy's

1 Yamaha 12 string
1 Yamaha 6 string
1 Takamine 6 string          all have electronic's in them as well

http://www.karaoke-forum.com/album_pers ... b6c5e036c7

Well there's also another difference, if you sing in a band then you get paid well on good nights anyway.  If you sing karaoke you do it just for fun.  SO basically if you sing karaoke I think it's the least ANYONE could possibly sell out  But you do what you enjoy to do and to heck with what anyone else thinks!

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[scroll][glow=darkorchid]~I'm the girl your mother warned you about~[/scroll][/glow]

Well, the point is not "which one to give up".... I don't see why I can't sing in a band... AND do karaoke as well. And I don't mean karaoke at the bar, I really don't do that so often anymore. But I sing alot at home.

Ya see, I'm going to be branching off into my own band, I'm just spending some time meeting all the right people. This band is helping introduce me to alot of potential band members at their jam sessions, plus they are putting in a "word of mouth" for me at the places I go to with them.... so I can get gigs there when I get something thrown together.

As Odie well knows, I prefer to be the singer..... and other people do the instrumentals. Well, Taska (band leader) tries to get me up on stage and involved even when I'm not singing. Last night, good lord, I played accoustic a bit, but she had me playing maracas on "Margaritaville" and tambourine on "Mustang Sally", and singing harmony behind her & the keyboard player... So, this guitar player asks me what instrument I'm going to play myself when I get a band going. I said.... none. I want to sing only. He said "that's what you get for years of doing karaoke".... that I need to pick my guitar back up, or brush up on playing bass, that I need to have an instrument in my hand if I'm gonna be a band member. I mean, he REALLY had nothing good to say about karaoke at all, but that's it's gonna "ruin me".

It just.... got me to thinking on it a bit I guess. I started that "Okay, maybe my husband and dad were right..." train of thought.

But you guys are making me feel better about it. Thanks for letting me whine:)

Magz... as to getting paid, I guess I'd have to see about that. People would either hire me, or not.... atleast this band is well known and trying to get me started.  I may end up doing it all for fun.  LOL
But, you're right.... NOBODY has paid me to sing karaoke yet, lll.

.

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♥ Laugh your heart out, dance in the rain. Cherish the memories, ignore the pain. Love and learn, forget and forgive. Because you only have one life to live. ♥

So Charmin................Go put an add up on Craigs List musician section and get yourself some musicians. Stop talking about it and get out and GO DO IT!! The clock is TICKING! But be prepared for all the rehearsal time, auditions, on the road(have to go where the gigs are--they dont have live music at DENNYS). Be prepared for the BAND DRAMA, people not showing up, quitting, not wanting to do all the music YOU WANT TO DO. Be prepared for club owners ripping you off, not paying you, and on an on and on and on. And also for a limited number of venues around the PDX/Vancouver area that feature country music and even fewer that feature bluegrass or have even heard of it. Much more to a band that just gettin up to sing. But like I say the clock is ticking and you're starting off late in life at it and the ESTABLISHED COMPETITION IS FIERCE.  You have to build a consistent FOLLOWING from scratch. The bars have to MAKE MONEY off your show--no crowd-no retrun bookings.  You have to MARKET the band's PRODUCT. Build a brand name. But If you dont try it then youll ALWAYS look back and WONDER. So GET BUSY! Oh and youll need to join the Musicians Union to take advantage of thier services and support. THe musicians local is in SE Portland.

If I were u Id start out by going and performing one or two tunes that your REALLY good at at Open Mics. There are numerous ones around PDX. Then you can meet like minded musicians and make contacts.

As to ONLY BEING A SINGER....are you prepared to PAY for an extra guitarist or bass player. Will your gigs PAY you enough to justify you ONLY SINGING???? Band's gotta make money---players have to be paid.... or you wont have any players in your band.

Oh and by the way if you do form a band............you better get used to having YOUR PICTURE TAKEN WHILE SINGING. No hiding from the camera at a show or festival. Youll now be a PUBLIC FIGURE!!

You at least have the advantagve of at least knowing how to play an instument at a basic level and read music. You can improve to a higher proficiency with time and practice.

I too would love to front a band. But swingbands are few and far between and the demand for a fat middle aged 48 year old front guy who sings karaoke and doenst read music or  khow how to play  instrument  isnt exactly high. Kinda late in life to start taking upright bass lessons and devote enough time and energy to attain a PROFESSIONAL LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE(for me I would never presume to go out and perfrom with an instrument at anything other than a POLISHED PROFESSIONAL LEVEL). Im not interested in embarrasing myself or other muscians around me with an amatureish skill level.

But Taska has invited me also to come sing---all I would need is a lyric sheet. Mustang Sally or other blues songs would work.

As to being dependent on screen words--well absoluetly so..if thats the only thing your used to doing....it becomes a huge crutch. But since most karaoke people are not PERFORMING MUSICIANS then there is never the need to MEMORIZE music or lyrics and they generally dont have the time or desire to put forth the effort to do that since they never will be performing with a live band.
Anyone can learn a song to memory IF THEY PRACTICE ENOUGH. If theres no need to then they wont.

Karaoke isnt going to RUIN anybody. It can help as a practice aid. But if you want to perform live, then sooner or later you have to do the WORK TO PREPARE FOR IT.

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"You know that I sing the Blues and I do not suffer fools. When I'm on that silver mic, it's gonna cut ya, just like a knife"-The SWINGCAT

I swear to god...... If I hear ya say "the clock's ticking" ever again, lll......

Well, I know all that jazz about the competition out there and all that. It's something worth trying though, it works or it don't.

I'll do it for the thrill of it, atleast for a while. I just need to find like minded band members. (and... a drummer who doesn't want to "sleep with me"... I've been forwarned about that one too)

Phooey on Craigs List... Taska is introducing me to people who have been tested and tried.

As to band attitudes... haha, they can't be any worse than mine. I'm just gonna be picky about the drug/alcoholic thing. NO drug users are gonna play in any band I'm in.  :no:  I've seen what that stuff can do.

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♥ Laugh your heart out, dance in the rain. Cherish the memories, ignore the pain. Love and learn, forget and forgive. Because you only have one life to live. ♥

half the crowd you play for is gonna want to sleep with you ...young Lady...dont forget that

The CLOCK IS TICKING..............TICK TOCK TICK TOCK TICK TOCK..  LMAO  LMAO

And actually my dear its ticking LOUDER FOR ME THAN YOU!!!

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"You know that I sing the Blues and I do not suffer fools. When I'm on that silver mic, it's gonna cut ya, just like a knife"-The SWINGCAT

I'd never have passed up on Monty's cash and taken the goat behind the curtain had I known half the crowd was behind the box..

Don't mind me,  been so busy I didn't even notice the fried wantons falling out've my fortune cookies.

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Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

If I was good enough singer, I would join a band in a minute. I have fun with Karaoke but live band is something else. It's about teamwork, not solo thingie. I love working with a group to come up with something that sounds really good. I wish I played an instrument good enough to join the band also. If I can do both, it would be double fun. Alas, I am too old and too busy to pick up an instrument at this time, thus karaoke comes in handy. It'a a fun thing to do.

Charm, I would say go for the band. I think you would have more fun. More work, but more fun.

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Seize the day and SING!!!

Nah, Eben,  with your mathematical mind you really should (and could) pick up instrument(s) such as piano easier NOW, than when you were quite young... I've taught engineers, programmers, and others with a knack for intervals, and certain geometric principles that are over 50, and they picked up piano VERY VERY quickly..  I'm 50 and trying to learn to sing still.... Never too old.. This isn't tackle football.  No broken bones that don't knit involved here...

Your mind in tuned,  it's just a matter of getting certain patterns into "muscle memory".  Not hard..

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Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".

As for buying a guitar.  I'd recommend trying MANY, and buying the sound and feel, not the name.  If you play an Epiphone, or Seagull you like for under $400,  why go with the Gibson ?   Yes,  it's a decent name, but you pay ALOT for a name at times that's not commensurate with the product you actually get IMHO...


Not all Gibsons, Taylors, Martins, etc.   are that good..   Some really slip past quality control and just don't sound that good.   While some Yamaha's and Epi's sound excellent for 1/5th the price of the higher end lines.  When I bought the names, I had disposable income to do-so.  I didn't buy these to play either, just as investments to collect and keep in pristine shape..  The guitars I play out are seldom high end...  I'm too afraid of damaging those, or getting them ripped off anyway.  Martin, Taylor, and a few others also make decent guitars for around 600

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Northeast United States runner up for the "Singing Hall of Shame".