Karaoke Forums

A problem we can't forget (as Twans mentioned) is the fact that when aspects such as stricter laws stress revenue of businesses that predominantly thrive on liquor sales, entertainment payout in such establishments will ALWAYS suffer !  Even-so, let's assume Karaoke MIGHT be subject to what transpires in areas of entertainment subject to evolving trend, and fad. Meaning PERHAPS it peaked in interest in the 1990's, and a transient demand for entertainment is shifting towards something newer and more novel.   Entertainment areas are always evolving, and shifting.  No one area stays exactly the same.  People also look for novelty.  

Food for thought.

Hey,  There used to be big money in Pokaband accordian playing in lounges too.  That shifted to Cordovox, which shifted to Hammond Organ which shifted to Guitorgan, which shifted to Funk and R&B bands, which shifted to smaller more affordable band-in-a-box type entertainment ----> DJ (disco era)------>Karaoke-----> ????  (but what we do know is revenue is tougher for bars)


Chronological order is likely way off... But you get the idea

ADDED IN;

We shouldn't underestimate the killing affect of the strict DUI laws on lounges, (I'm not passing judgement on whether or not they should or shouldn't be strict, I DO NOT wish to go there) bars make money serving liquor, and bars are a place people must drive to.  That coupled with other factors make it tough for lounge entertainment of ANY type.  If bars don't make as much money, they can't pay it out !  Perhaps if coffee houses, Starbucks B&N, etc picked up more Karaoke, there'd be more money funneled into Karaoke.  THING IS... Liquor and Ciggies and other things that are also controversial are HUGE generators of revenue in our country.  So Karaoke lives on,  online and in our homes, but there isn't big money in that for those that rely on providing it as a business (as providers in larger establishments).. It's become (with the advent of technology, and dropping prices) a "do it yourself" activity at home now...  

What can be done ?   I haven't a clue.

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

I guess I am lucky in my area, I have 2 gigs that will probably last for a long time to come.  I probably will "retire" before the gigs end.  I don't charge a lot, but I don't do gigs for cheap either.

That being said, I just did that once-a-month gig on Saturday nite.  After I was done, torn down, and packed I I had a couple drinks and got into a conversation with the owner, who happens to be a friend of mine.  His bar has been packed al lot lately on Fir & Saturday nites, but still he is not making A LOT money.  He is thinking of raising prices, something he hasn't done in the 3 years he has owned the bar.  He is worried it will kill business, but it is something he has to do.  He hardly makes any money on mixed drinks (it's a beer town of about 1,500 people).  And on the beer, his prices have gone up, but again, he hasn't raised prices.

It's a very delicate task, running a bar.  Between the drunk idiots, keeping watch on your employees, dealing with government taxes, and laws, it is a very difficult job.  The wife and I tried buying a bar this last summer, but it fell through because of a lease issue.  On hind site, I am glad it didn't happen, way too much work.  

It is said most bar owners are IDIOTS, and some are, but if they have a bar that has been in business for over 5 years, they are doing something RIGHT!  Or they are filthy stinkiking rich from something else.