Karaoke Forums

I have a gig I do two nights a week at a local hole.  There are a couple of other karaoke shows in the vicinity, and mine is considered better than the others in town (that's speculative based on numerous comments and the fact that often we're much busier than the other bars in town).  Either way, the shows are fun and it's a good mix of people and musical tastes.  I get tons of compliments and the usual complaints from karaoke enthusiasts.  I have a couple of xsswipe complainers who come in maybe twice a month (disrespectful and arrogant - cause of course I'm their for there entertainment only).  I point these few out because they're the crux of this post.  If I'm not playing enough country for their liking, they let the owner know (who only comes to a show maybe once a month, at best).  The owner isn't the most tactful character and she has on a few occasions told me she's received complaints about the style of music.  She's not there to witness the crowds, or appreciate the regular karaoke folks who come in eight times a month (twice a week).  These complaints come from the same people (a couple, and two single guys).  I know because the bartenders are my buds and fill me in.  She was there last Friday and once again the complainerheads complained to her that I wasn't 'catering' to them they way I should be.  She said I should do more to accomodate because they're regulars (and yet they're not) ... She doesn't get it, and won't.  

Here's my question to you ... If you've got a good show going and the owner is riding you for something stupid like this, do you change?  Even if they don't get it and you end up compromising your show/reputation?  

Grant me this:  Yes, they own the bar, it's their call ultimately, but they're ignorant in most cases when it comes to music and how to work the crowd.  And this owner in particular is a beeotch, and I rarely see her.  She usually communicates in soundbites through the head bartender.

Anybody run into this kind of thing?

The question is: "Are you being totally objective about this?"

If the majority of people are happy with the format, I wouldn't change it. I would take the time to make sure that is truly the case and not just my opinion, before I would make a decision. At the very least, I would try to be more accomidating to the "country" crowd.

I run shows in a large metro area, and in a small resort community. In the metro area, the music is more diverse and caters to a younger crowd. In the resort community, the majority of the request are for country. I was never a country fan before I started KJ/DJing. I have learned to like country and even do a few country songs now.

Back in the day when I performed professionally, we always tried to feel the audience out and determine what music the people wanted to hear. It's no different in a Karaoke or DJ setting, and the customers coming back are what justify to the owner that you should be there.

Take care of all the customers as best you can.

See, that's the thing.  I know my crowd.  I play to all genres.  Sometimes it's country heavy, and I'll play country filler music and everything.  Other times it's a younger rock/alt crowd, so I'll go heavy on that side.  Some nights it's split right down the middle and I mix it up, giving everyone a little something something.  It's when it's not totally country that these cheeseheads whine.  

Very objective about the crowds.  Open to change, suggestion, etc.  It's the whining that kind of peeves me.  I'd rather they didn't come to the show, but hey when you're the best show in town, where else they gonna go?

Two notes:  1) I'm a transplanted city boy in a hick town.   2) I can sing more country songs than probably all the country folks that come into that bar.

Do you think they may object more to the fact that I don't where a Stetson and snake skin boots, and/or a belt buckle the size of a dinner plate?  :)

You are running a Karaoke Show, which mean that the songs you play are those that are requested by the singers.  So I can't see where the problem come from.

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I can neither confirm nor deny ever having or knowing anything about nothing.... mrscott

Okay, then it depends on how much "pull" these people have with the owner. If they are not connected, and they are the only ones complaining, then I would have a heart to heart with the owner.

Still, finding a way to make them happy is the best solution. Talk to them, and let them know you have a country song "coming up"...you'd be surprised how much impact a little attention has on these types of situations. Most people, if they know you are making the best effort will back off of the complaining if they feel you are trying your best.

Most, yes.  I just think these boneheads like the drama.  They've complimented me after a country heavy show before, but it's when it's not they're style they complain.  I don't feel comfortable confronting them, because they've never complained to me personally, it's always to the owner because they figure that'll make a difference, and the owner lacks discretion.  Maybe I'm just venting.

No, not confrontational...just casually let them know you are doing the best you can to get country in the mix. It should be done in a friendly manner...let them know that you know what they want...then if it isn't all country they'll understand.

No they won't.  They're boneheads.

My reply is maybe not fair, in that I don't do karaoke because I have to.  I do it because I want to.  It's not full time.  If i depended on it for a living, it might be different.

One, as already stated, the singers dictate the evenings genre.  Which in my shows is varied.  Two, I have always made it clear wherever I work; "You have hired me to do karaoke.  I won't tell you how to make the drinks and you don't tell me how to run the show."

I don't consider bartenders/barmaids etc. being employed under the same standards as the entertainment.  The club hires me to provide a service.  Bar owners can however tend to be overbearing at times.  

Bottom line is wherever you provide a show, you character and reputation is on the line. It will be the same whether I am at show A or show B.  I won't allow a bar owner to dictate.  But again, that's easy to say in my situation.

One thing that has helped me in my relation with my bar owner is taking the time to understand him.  He is an engineer by trade for one.  I have found it difficult to try and talk to him about important issues while at the club.  It's usually to busy.  I have found it much better to share emails with him about issues because it allows him to take his time to carefully read and study what I have to say.

Kelly

This is a very 'normal' topic I suspect.  You can not please all the people all the time.  I run my show virtually the same way you are saying that you do.  I am very firm when it comes to the bar owner telling me what to play....most of the time I accomadate..but if it's not within reason or don't fit the show.  I flat out 'lose the request'  You handle the bar business & let me handle the show.  IF you have problems...lets discuss them at a later time, not during the show.  There are many bar owners, they seems to be many of the ones where the ladys 'need to be in control'.  One that still burns me to this day is the time that I was told to play...NO more country...this is not a country bar!  Then 5min later, the owner/same person came up and requested songs by Big & Rich + Gretchen Wilson.  Which I assume meant only if she requested the country.  One of my big statements on the mic is this.....whether it's karaoke or dj, "These songs are all being played or sung by REQUEST, if you don't like what you hear....please come up and put in a slip"  That usually does the trick, for awhile anyway.

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[highlight=midnightblue]MrD - KJ/DJ Specialist
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Again this is subjective Pro & Con list material. Do you NEED the money ?  How available are other jobs that'd be to your liking assuming you left this job ?
It depends.

Seems you have the option of trying to talk to the owner, and if in fact the owner is unbending, assuming modifying format would compromise your reputation (in your opinion) you have the option of giving notice quitting that gig.  Ultimately the owner will decide their needs, and that will supercede your wishes.

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

put out some comment cards... mention to your regulars that you're getting serious complaints that you're not catering to "the regulars" so you need a balanced set of opinions.

Here's the crux of the problem: When people are content at a show, ninety nine times out of a hundred, they won't say anything to management about it! Only when they're upset. Since you have a couple of complainers, try to convince the owner that she's not getting the full scope.

Maybe those cards will help when you show her pure stats on how you're doing.

For those that are making the singing comments, this isn't a singing situation. Croak is using filler music between the singers. This is what the complaints are about.

That's a great idea!

So you'd rather just continue to allow them to cause trouble between you and the owner and possibly jeopardize your gig?  I never understand this kind of logic.  If you know who is doing it, talk to them and see if you can smooth things over.  May not work, but there's no harm in trying.

If the owner is a true beyatch the comment cards will only ADD to the problem.
It would easier when these 3 people come in 2 times a month to approach them and ask them if they want to hear something "special" and try to accomodate them.

this seems like a relativley small problem to fix - Give these 3 a holes some attention and the complaints go away.   Otherwise your  in for a fight with the owner who obviously feels the need to reiterate her position as OWNER by telling  you to shape up. ( typical beyatch )

If you have a problem with "ME", it is best you discuss it with me.  Not the bar owner.  The thing I don't like about 'complaint/comment" slips, is that it's too easy for "butt holes" to complain about nothing.  You can't make a person sign a comment slip.  if you have a problem and come tell me about it OR if you write it down and sign it, I will listen.  Fortunate for me if anyone goes to him and complains, he tells them to "talk to the guy behind the mixer."

I love it when some "thinksshehot" comes up and says, "the owner said for you to bump me up in line."  I smile and say, "go tell him I said it was ok with me for you to have free drinks."

Kelly

 

Kelly,  In this particular case, it doesn't sound as if the two complaining (assuming there are only two) are hiding behind anonymity. In this example it sounds as though they have personally spoken with her as well.  It also sounds as though these two dislike him,  and he dislikes them..  This happens in all work places.  Who knows,  "two" might be friends that wish to see him gone. People can't always get along with ALL.  This particular problem is him vs owner (based on his comments), sounds 'ego" based as are MANY rank related arguments.
IMHO




It doesn't sound as though these two (given all that you claim are fond of your show) are the crux of your problem.  The problem sounds as though this is you vs the owner.  Assuming there's a bar full of individuals that are quite fond of your format (as you've stated, "she doesn't pay attention to this larger representation", have you mentioned this is a grudge between you and this "team' of ardent complainers ?),  Two that *HAPPEN* to be there simultaneously much of the same time ? Why have they not approached you ?  Sounds more personal, than factual at THIS stage.  Yet,  you also claim the bar-tender is your bud, and goes to bat for you, and you state this as well



Assuming what you say to be objective, WHY is she using "two" that might be tag-teaming you as a fair microcosm of your show given the vast majority you claim support you ?  Sure they are vocal, as would some that can't stand you despite how good your show might actually be !  There's a difference between her requesting that you "Try to accommodate them",  and demanding "You change what you are doing".  If it's the later she's implementing your issue is with HER !
Have you requested your "fans" become more vocal and also speak with her ?

If this were me,  I'd ask those that LIKE you to speak up on your behalf, Ask the bar-backs and tenders to make a statement to her that these two are not a reasonable representation of "What is".  You can even tell her assuming it MIGHT be so,  that there's just a personal vendetta from elsewhere getting carried into the bar by two that dislike you,  you have quite a few options assuming it's the SAME two that "might" have it in for you job, AND you have a right to defend your job against what you believe to be unreasonable quibbling, or you have a right to resign.. . If enough like you,  WHY would she wish to let you go ?  Why wouldn't she listen to the majority that like you assuming you would in fact be compromising your show altering an aspect of it ?  Or does she dislike you too ?  WHY haven't you requested those that like you support you and praise you to her ?  Nothing wrong with trying to balance things out.

Your problem is with this owner,  When I played in bars there were often AT least TWO, that hated me, and vice versa,  this goes with the territory.  The fact that she might be putting a disproportionate amount of weight on just two when you claim "Most like you", means your problem is with HER. You won't please ALL, some will always complain given time.

(this is how I'd handle it assuming you DO in fact have quite a few to attest to your popularity, including other employees behind the bar, etc that are on your side. Ask them to put in praise commending you)

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

I would handle this one of 2 ways. If I had to play filler music I'd have people fill out request slips for music. Then you can show the bar owner you are only playing the music the people are asking for.

OR: when you know these so called regulars (complainers) are there I would use the microphone as a backup. Ask the crowd what they'd like to here on the music break. Country, rock etc... Then have them applaud for what they'd rather hear. When the complainers see they are in the minority maybe they'll back off. Plus you can explain to the bar owner what you are going to do to make sure you are pleasing the majority.  :D

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Thanks for all the posts.  I tried the comment cards once, did 'em up all nice and fancy stuck 'em in the front of the books along with the slips and pencils and guess what happened?  They were used as song slips.  Most people don't even read the rules, and mine are fun to read.  They still walk in front of the singers, they still scream into the microphones and they still act like idiots.  Of course I speak of only some of the people.  I also have some that are very courteous and respectful.  I use the mic liberally in communicating to the crowds, but it sounds like this ... blah, blah, blah ... unless it's someone's name being called for a song (or I say something funny).

These particular individuals ... 1) Ex karaoke guy's brother.  2) I'm friends with another's ex-wife.  It's all drama.  Perhaps they're jealous that I get to 'call the shots'.  Does that make sense?  Maybe it's because they don't get to control the show and in some immature (he'll never know it was me) way they think they can through management.  The bartenders all have my back.  The owner, she's non-confrontational.  Meaning she'll usually have the head bartender do her dirty work for her.  She and her beau are two of my good friends.  

It only bothers me because the ex karaoke guy's brother is one of the rude types who marches around like nobody's gonna tell him what to do (and I doubt he can read) so he doesn't learn much with that attitude.  The other (the ex-wife one) is good friends with the owner, his girl works at the bar, and he's respectful of the show, but can get loud and obnoxious in his own right.  He stalked me and his ex once when we went out for dinner (but that was two years ago).  :)

I realize that I can't please everyone.  The owner and I do have to draw some lines.  Last Friday I told her she ought to try dealing with the drunks and the slips and all, and she huffed away saying 'I don't want to, that's why I pay someone else to do it'.  She wasn't too happy about that comment.

I do it for fun too.  I don't need the cash ... and the perks are better than the headaches.  Just venting.

the thing with the comment cards... you walk up to them and hand them to the customers and ask them to fill them out and bring them up the next time they sing... along with song slips! !

You can't just let them have the initiative to fill them out on your own. You have to hand hold most customers when you want them.