Karaoke Forums

20 years ago I went to a place in Hawaii that had karaoke. We sang from our seats which was tough for me because I was used to singing from a standing position. 6 years later I went to a place that had us singing from a stage. A year or so after that I worked there as a KJ.

I could tell that the huge video disks where on their way out.

It doesn't have to be 20 years ago, it could be 5.

When I first heard of karaoke I thought it was a cool idea, but in
the area I lived they didn't have it. I never dreamed it would become
so wide spread, nor did I ever fathom I would be a Karaoke host.

The biggest difference I see is more venues are doing it. It isn't just a big
city thing anymore.

_________________
[shadow=pink][glow=deepskyblue]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[updown]~*~ MONKEY BUSINESS KARAOKE~*~ [/shadow][/updown][/glow]

It's not the same as used to be.  Back when I first started singing in 89, the crowds were there for karaoke.  Applause was rampant for a singer both entering & leaving the stage.  It didn't matter how good a singer was, applause was still strong.  
The systems were smaller although the first nice one (at the time) I was exposed to consisted of a Peavey 8 channel mixer, Peavey M2600 power amp, BBE Sonic Maximizer, 4 Peavey 3 way 15" speakers & effects (can't remember).  Selection was 30 Pioneer laser discs only (maybe 1000 songs total) - DK wasn't big here at all, laser was the big ticket.  
I was still running sound for bands when karaoke started & I thought it be kind of a joke until I got into the business side of it - NEVER anticipated it to have been as popular as it has been.  Worked (ran sound/designed systems/hosted) with a company from '90 until I started mine in 93.  I do see it on a downside though - at least here.  Poker tournies are popping up around the area as fast as karaoke did in the beginning & has already driven out some shows that have existed there for years.  Even my shows which were normally packed nightly have been dropping off during the week.  We dropped Sundays for live music (first time in 14 years since they had live music) & they have also started poker tournies on Mon-Tues with very good results - they still are keeping karaoke on those nights - at least so far.

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

*grin*--20 years ago I didn't think I would be _doing_ karaoke!  I'm a lot braver about singing now than I was then!  

_________________
I love being a mom!

First exposed to it in 93.  Then it was cassette and words printed on paper.  Along with sorry sound system.  Then re-exposed in 99.  Full Mackie system turned me on to it.  been hooked ever since.  In 2000 I started out with full Mackies system and a Sony 400 disc player.  As I bought my discs, I used MTU Micro Studio to copy  off just the songs I wanted; then reburned to disc to maximize my Sony.  I could get about 20 songs per discs.   Didn't have to take up space with duplicates.   The player was rough on discs though with all the moving about.  My original discs would have never made it in the Sony.

Then in 2002 just before I maxed out on my Sony, I went with a laptop and the Hoster program.  Went with wireless in 2004 and LCD flat screen in 2005.

Don't know my next direction yet.  Haven't decided about the VCD's.  I like for the audience to be focused on the singer.

Poker fad went through here about 6 months ago and then died out.  It never came into play with my nights, but now it doesn't even seem to be around.  The good KJ's are still out there and are pretty intrenched into the same places.  The wannabes float from one place to another.

I really feel karaoke may come and go from time to time, but really feel it will always be the mainstay.  Just like the old west with the piano player and a group of rowdy cowboys off a trail drive coming in for fun and drinks. Guess the more things change the more they stay the same.

Kelly

Well, I haven't been exposed to karaoke for long...but I have always believed that music itself is a powerful wonderful thing.  Name ONE person who doesn't sing along with their favorite song...at least in the privacy of their own home.  I can't even imagine anyone NOT doing that!  So of course karaoke is gonna be big!  As long as there's someone brave/crazy enough to go up and grab a mic and have their 5 minutes in the spotlight...'cause once you do it once...there's no looking back.  

_________________
[glow=violet] **Sing like nobody's listening...live like there's no tomorrow**[/glow]

It actually started up here a couple years ago, but has since starting exploding in the last 6 months or so where more & more bars are starting it.

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

What happened with our place, is they were the last of the places to try it and they actually sold less liquor on those nights then any other.

Kelly

Yuck....sit on my butt and play cards for a fun night out????  :shock:  Not this chick...BORINGGGGGG!!!!!!

_________________
[glow=violet] **Sing like nobody's listening...live like there's no tomorrow**[/glow]

I worked a couple of the poker (Texas Hold-Em) nights in my club & the gals almost outnumber the guys, if you can believe it.  They run 2 tournies, first one starts at 6 2nd starts at 9 & most of the players remain for both.
I don't really get the hype myself, they are just playing for points since most of these clubs don't/can't have actual gambling licenses, so no money is involved in any way.  May get something for the most points, but not real sure.

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

Geeze!  You don't even win MONEY?!  If I'm in the mood for gambling...which is rare...I'll invite some friends over and BYOB.  If I'm going to a bar I for sure am NOT gonna want to be sitting around playing poker for pete's sake!!  I'm gonna want to dance, sing, play pool...something I can't really DO at home with a bunch of other people....ya know?  I just don't get the poker thing...  :no:

_________________
[glow=violet] **Sing like nobody's listening...live like there's no tomorrow**[/glow]

I got video of myself doing a party in 93(with the pioneer lps).....my equiptment sounded like crap(it was crap), but I had to beat people off with a stick......5 to 10 people on two mikes most of the time......2:00 am, told them it was time to go home......we were suppose to be out of the hall at 12:00am.....they would have sang till the cows came home......that was one singing bunch.....even today, it all depends on the people

I know how that is Johnny...I couldn't agree more.  It does all depend on the people.  Usually in my limited experience of taking my player to parties...if everyone is sitting around looking half scared to death...hehehe...I just sing a song or two myself.  If that doesn't work I talk someone into coming up WITH me...some folks need a hand to hold.  And if it STILL doesn't get them up singing I just sing around until they've had more liquid courage and finally decide to do more than stare at my song list for hours...  

I was one of those people myself...I would stare at the songs and I was just DYING to get up there but I was scared spitless...until some friends dragged me up with them.  I still get nervous but I have no problem getting up there now...and after the first song or two I'm good to go.    :dancin:

_________________
[glow=violet] **Sing like nobody's listening...live like there's no tomorrow**[/glow]

It was predicted to be a passing fad.   It should have died several years ago.   It hasn't.   I don't think it will ever die.   There will always be someone that is a ham and wants to sing.     Bars make too much money on it.  :yes:

I was just thinking the other night about how neat it is, that a bunch of grownups can sit around in a bar or at someones house and sing to each other and with each other.

It's pretty awesome.    Music is the power of entertainment.   Nobody gets mad at anyone.     No fights about karaoke.     Just singing together having fun.    No money involved.   OOOOoooooo I'm getting all sqwishy.    :O  :shock:

In bars overseas it is common for a violin player or guitar player to come in a bar for a few lira and people to sing with them. In certain bars here its common to have some jazz players in the back jamming and go back and sing with them...

About 15 years ago I went in to service a dart board or something and a guy was setting up. Whats that ?  Karaoke kara who?  He explained it and somebody said oh its just a bunch of drunks making fools out of themselves  No thanks said I.. It wasnt long after that we were finishing a tounament and they were singing. A gal was singing that blew me away so I mosied over..  I happened to know the gal who was running the show she was an opener for some of the biggies out in vegas. She said Ollie you have to sing.. Ok let me know when its my turn. She called me up and I absolutely nailed Tex Ritters blood on he saddle acco pello... My buddies were falling on he floor in hysterics. She said my god you have to do a song I looked in the book and been doing karaoke ever since.

People have been singing in bars since the beginning and will to the end And there will be various people trying to make money with it in one way or another...

_________________
Join The Karaokle Singers Social Network. Upload Your Music!!

Way to go Tammy!  :worship:  You're a true karaoke missionary!  :)

No,  But 20 years ago I'd also never have thought I'd have ended up like Kelly's Avatar either !

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

Karaoke Missionary....hmmmm....I like that!  

I guess if I had to be truly honest about it though, I would have to describe myself more as a Karaoke Pusher.  I mean, I'm trying to get people hooked on something that is very addicting...something that will give them a high/rush...make them FEEL good.  I'm using persuasion/peer pressure to do it...

"C'mere little girl....you KNOW you want to.  Look, all your friends are doing it...don't they look like they are having fun??  It's just this ONE time....you can quit any time you want...I swear...hehehe"  :brows:

Before you know it they are full-on, hardcore, gotta have more more MORE, buying their own home system karaoke JUNKIES....ahhhhhh, my work here is done...

_________________
[glow=violet] **Sing like nobody's listening...live like there's no tomorrow**[/glow]

Tammy!  Get your friends to start subing songs and posting posts.  Then you'll know that they are truly hooked beyond repair!  LOL

20 years ago everything I liked turned out to be a fad and went by the wayside. I'm very glad to see karaoke wasn't one of them.