Karaoke Forums

I still want to learn how to host karaoke shows so I hope I can get some things to look for and to prioritize in a karaoke show.

This is the one thing I could use to make a show stand out from the local shows. Too many of the karaoke shows in this area have little to no persoanlity and absolutely no outward human interface.

Learning this from people who have done karaoke for years will be most beneficial. This is something that singers could give advice on as well since they know what they like in a show.

Hi Chuckypoo  :wave:

Getting your crowd to interact sometimes can be a chore. I find some nights it is easier than others. You can't take it personal if you just can't get the crowd going.
Once in a while I will get one of those crowds that won't clap and keep to themselves. I find bigger crowds are are easier to pump up.
Here are some tricks I use:

*Sing a song and insert peoples names into the song, so they have to answer back. I use the songs like "What's up" and "Redneck woman" for this.

* When your patrons do sing sing-a-long songs, using the mic, prompt the audience to sing back. Make sure you are heard. Patrons sometimes try to do it themselves and people ignore them because they aren't heard. It is a bit of a timing thing too.

* ask the crowd how they are doing. Then I'll ask them to give me a big YAHOO. If it isn't a big response I'll say come everybody I know we can do better than that, Give me a big YAHOO.

* Another thing I do is number the tables. I let them know what their table number is then ask each table how they are doing. Sometimes I'll say one persons name at their table with the number to get their attention. It turns into whose table can yell louder when I say their table number. Once they learn how it works you can use it anytime to draw them back in.

* Before someone sings a sing-a-long song announce it is a crowd participation song and ask the crowd to please sing a long, so the singer doesn't feel all alone. as soon as Born to be wild or sweet caroline starts up they know what to do.

* To get the nonsingers involved - for instance a man sings, but the girls he with don't. Call the girls to come up and dance while he is singing.

* another good way to get the crowd to sing a long is point the mic out to the crowd when they are to sing back or walk around with the mic and let different people sing as the song is going on.

* Encourage people to dance.  I find that if I invite people to dance more people will.


You really got me going here. I hope that helps.

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drink heavily!

! Just kiddin'!

be yourself, Chuck. Don't try to put on a "show", just be friendly, play some killer music between singers (lower volume) to change the pace a bit... if someone sang a country song, play a great rock song right afterwards while you call up the next singer, and have them cueued up... then fade out the mix music. If it's rock they're singing, have country, or a great blues tune to bring it down a bit...

Treat everyone fairly, and try to get to know your singers.  Do a quick drinking game or trivia or other ways to get your singers into it.

I agree with Knightshow - be yourself. What may work for me may not work for you and your type of crowd. After you do it for a while you will get used to what works and what won't. I would get comfortable with the small things first then work your way up.

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

Interesting topic Chuck.

I'm kinda in the same boat. One of our local karaoke spots formerly had karaoke only sun-tues-thurs nights. She's done it twice on saturday now, which drew a packed house, so the bar wants her to commit to every weekend.

She is hesitating ONLY because she also works a full time job and runs karaoke the other nights... so she talked to me about the possibility of running her show on weekends for her.

I've never done that, swore I'd never go there..... but I'm thinking it might be fun. For one, it's a small town, and since I've karaoke'd here for quite a few years.... probably 90% of the people who come in to sing know me already, and I'm friends with quite a number of them. I think I could pull off being a KJ here, and not disappoint people. I think I could make a fun show... and keep people coming back. (hell, location alone will keep it busy, there's only one other option here locally, and it's not too great of a place... too small to be much fun)

But I'm too self critical to not "doubt" it a little, and worry how I would do.
(will they think I run the equipment okay? will they be mad if I take MY turn in rotation? will I be able to stick to it if I commit? will I be able to handle a rude drunk guy if the occasion arises?) You know, the usual stuff.

(wow, babble on Charmin....)

So it'll be cool for me ...... to read all the KJ responses you get here. Babs ALWAYS has cool ideas, I've read her posts about stuff like this before.  :D

.

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Call up singer, and anounce who's on deck
Plenty of books by title, and by artist
Stay at the controls, and work to make each mix the best possible for the singer, and don't go off and drink and talk with your friends before the mix is just right.
always keep American Pie, for when you need to take a dump....or another long song
remove any song over 4 minutes from your books....., and learn to hold your bodily functions for 4 hours or more
nothing less than $20 moves you to the head of the rotation, and be fare until that happens
No matter how fast you can cue up a song, you can't make up for singers taking their sweet time to come up to the stage....I've busted my a$$(using cdgs), just to manage about 60 songs in 4 hours......you're not going to get many more than that, and when you got 30 or more singers, no one is going to be happy about how many songs they got to sing......might as well get 50 songs in, and don't kill yourself...it doesn't pay enough.
If there are a lot of singers, they don't want to hear the kj singing
And pray like heck, that non-singers, that like to listen come in droves, and everybody that comes can drink a lot of alcohol....cause that's what pays the bills

The club where I spend most of my time singing has had hosts who will only walk away from their equipment when certain singers are singing and then only after setting the sound just so. I was flattered when he first went to order a beer while I was singing. I took it to mean that he expected me to keep my levels the same while he got his beer fix. Of course, I could be wrong.

I have trouble relating to a crowd all at once. I can talk to a smaller group on a semi personal level such as saying hi, asking how they like the sound or the song choices, etc. When I tried KJing the last time it didn’t go as well as I like. The problem is that on the mic I would say as little as possible. I would announce the bar specials and the singers and that’s about it. Need to find a different way of thinking about it maybe.

I also still seem to have a habit of pi$$ing people off when I talk. I’m not sure how much of that is a real problem to worry about. Someone is going to dislike me wherever I go and nothing can help that but scaring away the crowd is something I want to avoid.

I’m hoping to get some suggestions that I can put together to create a show that will work for me. Having this as a free resource means that any information learned can save me months or years of trial and error. Thanks for all the help so far.

Besides what others have said, it all depends on what type of show you want to run, and what type of crowds you want to draw.  THere are shows out there that are for only the AI wannabe divas, that think they are going to go to Hollywood some day.  There are some shows that are intended for a party crowd, Cat's Meow in NOLA for example, and a lot of shows that fall in the large space in between.  So figure out what type of KJ you need to be, and firgure out if you can be that type of KJ.

Most important is that you must be confident in what you are doing.  Confident on the mic, confident in your equipment, and confident in your ability to run your equipment.  If you aren't it will show, and some people will mow right over you.

Now that's funny !!

I am usually pretty good at timing my bathroom breaks, but when it gets really busy I have to ask the people waiting in line if I can go before them. The other night when I asked, I got this pissed off look from one of the girls. I said I'm really sorry, but I only have until the end of the song to get back. She still wasn't happy about it, so I ran back to the stage crossing my legs. I really had to go and had no choice, but to announce that someone please hold me a spot in line at the bathroom.  LMAO

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

Believe it or not, there are still some kjs that have no monitor, and the speakers in front of the singer......you have to hear the music, and your voice, well at least I have to........if I can spread my main speakers behind my singers, I ditch the monitor....but I have to point the speakers straight ahead to avoid feedback....I adjust them here and there....you'd be surprised how many people will hold the mic right in front of a speaker.....it's been awhile since I've done any bars....can't handle the smoke.......don't make any snyde comments about any singers....it never comes out that funny......I told one heckler, I fight much better than I sing....he laughhed, and said I wasn't setting the bar very high.....

The right speakers, properly placed and you don't need moniters.  Bands use moniters for a few reasons.  First as most of their instruments are electric they have to hear what they are playing and second the music in karaoke is already mixed but in live shows they are mixed as they go.  It's like comparing apples and oranges.  Plus I can't count the number of times at shows with moniters when a doofus decides to point their mics at the moniters.

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You can be strange but not a stranger

Chuck,

I always tell my folks that there are only three reasons I will walk away from the mixer:
1. I have to go to the bathroom.
2. I have confidence in their voice.
3.  It wouldn't matter if I stayed on the mixer all night; there ain't a thing i can do to help.

Kelly

"Depends" were invented by a KJ.   No bathroom breaks.     Go wit da flo.  LMAO

Chuck,

Among the other suggestions listed, I would add, definatley, add a personal touch wherever you can.  I always appreciated it as a singer, and found people still respond as a KJ; such as-
1. Just starting out - provide a clip board (or whatever) with a piece of paper saying something like "something you wanted to sing I didn't have, write it here" or whatever; lets them know you care about them

2. Singers who have been in 3 or more times - keep their slips in a baggy to hand to them; makes them feel special

3. Someone who's sang for you before, and you recognise their face - make a point of saying "hi" to them, and if time alllows, some small talk - they like that you remembered them (or point to them as they walk in; you know, just some acknowledement)


I personally like to get to the bar early, at least an hour before set up, to talk to any/everyone, just to socialize....also, running to the bathroom, say "hi" to someone you recognise.

Also, since I've never found you offensive on this site, I'm surprised that people may find you offensive in real life- usaually if easier to be offensive in writing, than in person  :D

But, by all means, play with your (karaoke) equipment at home, before you set out, so you are familier with it, instead of test driving at a gig.  Too much embarrasement involved.

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I use a lot of psychology when doing my whole approach to karaoke.    

Everything I do, is done so to help the bar make as much money as possible.    They have to make money before you get paid.    

I protect my reputation.   I protect the bars reputation.

I set up on the floor, so I am on the singers level (I am not Psychologically above them.)   I feel I am more approachable.    They don't have to climb the mountain to get to me.

They can sing from the floor, table, bar or wherever they want to sit/stand.     I feel I can get more participation this way.    They can be in the spotlight or hide in the corner.    At least they are singing.  

For me, having a good sound system attracts singers that have a little more talent and take karaoke a little more seriously.    No screaming drunks.

Having my song books edited to eliminate swearing and certain subject matter and HIP Hop/ Rap, helps to control the crowd.    The type of music you play, determines the type of crowd.     How they will act.

I also use slow and fast songs to help maintain that control.

Most of the time, I personally hand the singers the microphone.    In the crowded bar, I can usually walk up to and recognize all of the singers, even the first timers and give them the mike (mic), when it's their turn next.   I very rarely have to call out someones name.    It they hand me the slip, I'll find them.    

I personally hand new singers my monthly calenders.

I always run a fair rotation.  

I always mix everyone to sound the best they can sound.    I never want anyone to sound bad.    I would never intentionally make someone sound bad.

Entertaining the entire crowd without dance/ filler music.

Playing as many karaoke songs as possible with no dead air.    

No unnecessary yacking on the mike wasting singing time.

Using as many TVs as possible to increase the crowd participation.

Always setup and start on time.

Be willing to negotiate the fee, on a dead night.     Customer relations.    That said, you better be good and not the reason nobody shows up.


Chuck classes start at $5,000.    

I'll show you everything you'll ever need.   Hands on, side-by-side.    5 nights a week for 6 months.

Even help you put together the competition killing sound system.   Using my highly classified EQ setting technique.    Set it and forget it.

My secret reverb usage tricks.    

Print your songbooks.   Help design your logo, slips, business cards, book covers and much more.

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Agree with many of the points in the thread.

Be yourself, speak clearly, and especially show the crowd & singers that you're "into" the show too, and you give a dang about them. If you show that you enjoy being with & caring about your patrons, then they'll know they're not dealing with a "robot", who's just there to play music and make a quick buck.

Humor... especially self-effacing(sp) can work. Don't be afraid to kid around if you need to, especially if you're new at it, and you make a mistake. Shows you're trying your best, but you're still human and have a sense of humor about it. Ex: Cueing up the wrong song and saying, "I SWEAR it's not my first day on the job... it's my second". Stuff like that. Another ex: Had the police show up at the place I used to work at in Knoxville, after a rare fight had broken out and the show had temporarily stopped. With the sirens shining through the windows while everyone was watching, I said on the mic "Yes!.. We now have disco lights for you... the plan worked!" Loosened up a really awkward situation. Wouldn't tell jokes between songs, but kidding around with people, and poking fun at yourself can ease "big crowd" nerves.

Personality can go a long way, but don't talk to the crowd with an over-the-top voice like you're a game show host or radio D.J.... talk to them like they're a big group of your friends who showed at your place to hang out and have fun, even if you don't know a lot them... IMHO.

Set up early, stand your ground about the rules of your show, get used to timing of the cue-ups, don't leave your booth till the music and vocals are set (if you have to leave it), ..... but most of all, show the crowd you care, you're with 'em, and you're enjoying the show, too! Sounds pretty basic, I know, but people will notice.

Also, it may take a while for you too get used talking to big crowds, so you might want to keep the hosting basic at first (with good personality, of course), till you get your feet wet. Ex: After you say "Let's give it up for singer X... next up is singer Y", turn up some upbeat-ish filler music while the next singer comes up so you WON'T have use your voice to cover for awkward "dead air", between singers.... especially if you're new at it and trying to get used to the "host- talk" between songs. Filler music can definately help take the burden off your nerves & voice.

Thanks folks. THere a re a lot of helpful notes here and they seem to tell me to use the same aproach that I used to manage a restaurant. Let me see if I got this.

Basicly show some personality but stay in charge. That is over simplified but it is hard to put into words what I got from the information. My management apraoch seemed to most to be hands-off but it wasn't really. I was good at getting people to do what they were good at and then guiding them to the details that I needed them to take care of.

Let the singers shine and notice them. We are all individuals and need to be respected as such.

Lastly, don't forget to imply a little military bairing. I use it in a subtle way. It just means to show a little backbone. Let people have a good time but if things get out of hand pull in the mainsal and tighten the jib, meaning to pull back the slack a little.

This is the part that I needed the most help getting to. What is right in front of people can be the last thing that they see. I also liked the idea of practicing at home first. I've done some but I feel that I need to do a little more. I like to go into things with my guns fully loaded but set to safety. Does that make any sense?

Chuck,
Sometimes the VENUE will determine what type of show you do.
If it's a bar with a YOUNGER crowd versus an OLDER crowd
Is it a restaurant or are people sitting down and eating in the bar?
Is it Country or ROCK or RAP type clientele?

What day and time is your show? - I found that different times of the night may require a tweaking of the show format - later in the night seems to get more WILD

Everyone has given you great advice but besides the BASICS of fairness and a decent sound , if you can adapt to your crowd which is NEVER the same you will be successful, learing to read your crowd and finding what the majority WANT is the key !
Clean Updated and proffessional Books a Must
Professional sign up request slips -
a good Monitor in good shape
microphones and cords that are in GOOD SHAPE ( not talking $400 mics)
whatever you use just make sure all your "STUFF" doesn't look like it is USED JUNK

Good luck

Good points. It made me think of what is needed at the club I have in mind. They need more singers on most nights. I think the only way to get more might be to aim at a slightly younger crowd than what they get now. They have a braod age spectrum there but bringing in mroe of the 21 to 30 crowd can be done. Their habits are easier to change.

Their current venue tolerates and even likes most rock but has it's base in Country. A balence of these keeps tham coming back, both the singers and the non-singers. Most of the non-singers are countrified-hippies. That's hard to explain but it maens they like rock and country. They have a live and let live attitude but over half are ex-military.

I'm sure more recent rock and country will make a big difference. These people even like a little metal. They seem to prefer music with a melody and a rythm like tunes with a blues or rock'n'roll progression. Good bass line might be the key. I have done Megadeth and they ate it up, Sharon does Metalica there and they really get into it. As long as the metal doesn't take over they are happy.

If you have a good size crowd, plan on singing the first song only. If you have a lot of singers, they came to sing, and the majority of them will not like you cutting into their singing time.....they are paying you, and they don't care how good you can sing.......sure you can convince yourself that they are loving to hear you sing.............just be rational...........