Karaoke Forums

Hi - I'm new here. I own a DJ and Karaoke business. I mostly take car of all the weddings from DJ standpoint. I am looking now for someone to run my karaoke show. The person that I have picked out knows his music, knows how to run the equipment, great personality and is an average singer. What do you think that people's expectations are for the KJ? Do you think that people expect them to great singers? Thanks

Well my bro is currently running my system. I'm not even doing it currently. He tells me he doesn't want to ruin my name because he can't sing good. I tell him that might actually be an advantage. The theory is that if the KJ isn't that good of a singer then maybe it will encourage people to get up there and sing. I think that theory works pretty well.

He's a good people person. He has a good personality. That's the key points I tell him. Make fun of yourself and get interactive with the people. Break out jokes like "you don't want me singing all night do you." People like the idea it's all for fun. When great singers get up there I think it intimidates a lot of the people that just want to do it for fun.

One of the main reasons I got my system was because I loved singing. I'm a pretty good singer. I think it does intimidate people. I can't help, but sing songs I know well though. I like the compliments. I think a strategy with the KJ being a "not so great" singer may actually work to an advantage sometimes.

My bro got discouraged a little while back because he didn't have a great turnout on a Friday. We've (me actually hosting) had always had a great turnout on Saturday so the owner wanted to see if I'd bring the people in on a Friday. Well the people never came. The people never participated that were there. My bro felt compelled to sing all night long. After all the owners wern't paying for a DJ.

In this case things didn't turn out so great. My bro can't sing for a three hour time slot so he decided to just play some music. I'd think in the majority it would work out well if the people are in to sing. Sing a couple songs in a "not so great" manner and get them encouraged. Sit back and enjoy the night. If the night is not so great, maybe do a little more djing.

Anyways that's my latest experience.

Bopper

My thoughts are that it's not necessary. In fact, I used to say it helped having the KJ only be an average singer. "Girl! You sing even better than the host!!"

Sometimes, when the KJ is exceptional, it really throws the average joe citizens for a loop. There is an intimidation factor... and you shouldn't discount that.

Don't get me wrong. I love it when people appreciate when I nail a song. But I also stretch myself and sing less-conventional stuff, and will try kamikazee songs... just to show people I'm not all that.

I don't think you need a KJ who is a good singer. Most people who come to a karaoke show want to sing. I know that a number of my friends and I go out and sing karaoke, but end up getting aggrevated at some KJ's because they want to sing to much. Nothing irritates a singer more than to have the song they have selected to sing be sung by the KJ. If someone else sings that song they can live with it.

I don't think you need to be a good singer. Maybe sing an opening song, and then (hopefully) get the crowd up to sing. I have only been KJing for a couple of months. I dread the night when noone wants to get up an sing and I'm am left to rattle the rafters.

I agree. The KJ should be comfortable singing, but it is not necessary at all, IMO, to be a great singer. Most I know have a repetiore (sp) they are decent with, plus can have fun and get by with if they pulled into something unfamiliar or out of their range. It happens.

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Sounds Great! Entertainment
Bartlett, Illinois

Often, the KJ thinks he/she is better than they are.
(Don't we all?)
While I've seen great KJ singers, most have been fair to good.
I've seen KJs try to sing the most difficult songs just to prove they are great, and most of the time, splat! Flat on their keister.
The best KJs I've seen, encourage the audience, and keep the rotation straight. (And only sing at the top of the rotation, if then)
As for me, I just get by without thrown tomatos.
Better is knowledge of the electronics, so the sound is tops.
Just my .02
Jerry

A KJ should be a better technician and be able to keep thier equipment and thier systems running in the best shape possible.. and be able to do preventative maintence on thier system on a regular basis.. but NOT after it blows a speaker or amplifier.. singing is the least of anybody's worries and should be the LAST priority.

I hire my KJ's to run the system and run the show and the equipment and keep the crowd Singing.. not sing him or herself all night.

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Brian D.
(BHB)

It is an advantage to be an above-average singer, but I think it's more important to know a wide variety of music. You wouldn't want to be limited to hard rock when there's a retirement party going on, and I don't think you'd want to break out the Barry Manilow in a biker bar. It also helps you make the singers sound better if you actually know how a song is supposed to sound, and you have a better chance of helping them out should they stumble. Just my opinion.

I did fail to add being able to sing a portion of your library is a plus. Thanks folks. It was quite late looking at posts.

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Brian D.
(BHB)

I agree that the KJ needs to be more of a technician than a singer. However, they need to be able to sing for those slow times when not doing so makes for an uncomfortable lull.

Gee Ron
There ya are.. Fixing the karaoke system? When's our next Tee time? Any bears out on the course? and do I need pepper spray and bells???

Haven't heard from ya lately... Had to replace a computer this week.. Thought about ya.. The "Voice Prism" was sure fun to learn. Need to show ya sometime.. Also New mics this week we need to talk.

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Brian D.
(BHB)

AMEN BJC! (It's gotta be sunday!)

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Brian D.
(BHB)

Many KJs are a lot like Willie Nelson. A song stylist, not a perfect singer.
I see the KJs that started singing in Subic Bay, or Tokyo, and they have their own cute singing style.

KJs that sing in Arkansas, may also have a local lilt to their voice.

It's all good.

By the way, USA Network recorded Willie and Friends at the Wiltern Theatre Wednesday. They will broadcast the show on USA Memorial day. Check your local listings.

As one with a bit of background singing in bands, I have found that it can be a disadvantage for the KJ to be a very good singer. When kicking off the night, I have tried to find the most fun/annoying/silly songs possible that don't highlight my vocal abilities. This tends to put the crowd at ease and lets them know it's all for fun, not for displaying "talent."

The few times I started off the night singing a more serious or challenging song that showcased my vocal ability I found that people were less likely to put in a song request for themselves. I'd sometimes get a song request for me, but people who would have gotten up otherwise were intimidated.

Sure, it's nice getting compliments about my singing, but it should be reserved for shows where I am getting paid to be the vocal entertainer...not at karaoke shows where I'm getting paid to encourage people to participate and be the show themselves.

Good show starters: "Bennie and the Jets," "Burning Down the House," "And She Was," "Sledgehammer," and "Whip It" for example. In fact, sticking to the cross-gender songs are best for me unless it's something like "Brand New Pair of Rollerskates."

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~Cindy
Karaoke. Because it's a lot cheaper than therapy.

IMO, being a great singer is not at all necessary for KJs. However, s/he should be able to carry a tune on a decent selection of songs. As has been noted, KJs often have to open the show and should be able to sing something well, but not great.

If the KJ is bad, new patrons may not want to sing if the KJ sounds terrible. If s/he can't make themselves sound good, what are they going to do with anyone else? On the other hand, if the KJ is too good, others may be intimidated.

KJs should never use a show as an opportunity to show off for the crowd. I don't mind so much if a KJ steals my song, but it yanks my chain if I'm sitting in the crowd waiting while the KJ and all eighteen members of his family take their turns. At MWM, KJs only open the show if no singers have turned in songs by opening time. We do not sing at all unless there are less than 5 singers in the rotation. And we NEVER close a show.

The most important attributes for a KJ are personality, enthusiasm, and technical expertise.

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Paid2Party
"I love karaoke. Where else can you get paid to come out and party with your friends?"