Karaoke Forums

I'm in one of my low periods with this site...do others go up and down like this? The only way I can seem to prevent this is to never listen to other songs and look at their comments. Yet that means I'll never comment and that won't work.

How do all of you stay encouraged and keep subbing when you see subs rated really high and given awesome comments that are clearly not as good as some others that AREn't rated high but have the same types of comments? I'm feeling that emporer-clothes thing, that doubting-my-reality feeling. Like, have I just really sucked really bad all along and just didn't know it?

Maybe we should find a way for people who truly want the truth about the way they sound, to hear it from really experienced people like Jazzy and Heather...I know I've been curious. And then the rest of the people can just hear what they want to hear.

It's just tiring reading the same comments applied to every sub...where do we go from there? Where is the challenge? What is the point of continually subbing when you never know if you're good because every sub is told it's good?

I want to add, I don't think I'm deluded about my singing, so maybe I could take an honest critique from someone I respect. I have no vibrato, I've only been singing for two years, I've had like two lessons, I know I'm not gonna be famous, I'm nowhere near being at the level of some people here. I just want to enjoy how I feel when I sing, and that feeling at a karaoke show when someone comes up to me and tells me they enjoyed my song. That's what I like.

Tigger:

What keeps me going is the fact that I get to listen to all these wonderful people, wheather they can sing better than the stars of today, or they are just some average joe who likes to do it in their spare time.

I just think of it this way. When I go to karaoke, I have to listen to everyone sing before it is my turn. I have to give them applause wheather they are professionals or just average Joes!

This is a lot like karaoke. In order to get my "applause" I have to "applaud" others. The atmosphere I have gotten here are regular people just trying to have a good time and belong somewhere...be with their friends

I know it can get very intimidating sometimes when you hear these amazing singers like Heather, Luly, and others sing. But, you have to remember, every singer is unique in their own way.

Heather and Luly...they are both amazing, but I like them both because they are so different. There are things that I love about both of them and make them really unique.

Now, don't get me wrong, I do get discouraged sometimes too, but I also remember that I have my own way of being a good singer, and that is what I have to focus on I can't worry about what other people are doing. I have to look after myself first. I can't control how they sing, but I certainly can focus my energies on making myself better

I, like most others here, sing because they love to sing, and because they like to be heard...and just like to hang with their friends.

And, if you feel that we are all getting the same "comments" well, sometimes it is hard not to give the same comments ! It is nice to come to your subs and see praise all the time

You also have to remember that some people here just like to hear singing I definately have my favorites who I always look forward to hearing! It gives me such a release from the so called "Music" they play today. I like to hear all the different generes of music and how everyone interpretes songs in their own unique way.

Tigger, don't be discouraged.

I go up and down on a variety of sites and things. I stick with something until I get burned out a little and then I cut back some. I think it happens to almost anyone.

As for the comments, it's been discussed ad naseum. When I want comments about how I sang or whatever I put it in the description. Does it help? I don't know. I've gotten a couple responses about how something seemed too low for me, etc. But people grade on a number of things, including: genre (I don't like xx so it's bad), who it is (it's xx, better give them a good mark, because they gave me one), the song (I can't stand that overplayed song - it's bad), the mix (where's the vocals? where's the music?) and many other things. Because we all grade on different things and at different levels you'll see a wide variety in the comments given. Right, wrong, or indifferent, that's how it is.

I'm reading up on technique and how to better listen to yourself sing. It's amazing how much reading, practicing, and listening can help point out potential issues. Call me crazy, but the Idiot's Guide to Singing is actually helping quite a bit (among other readings). It's helping me to identify my range, keys I sing best in, and a number of other things that are new to me because I've always just belted it out and hoped it was 'good enough'. I still do that with a lot of the stuff I sing, but I'm trying newer thing that I wouldn't normally try (like Chris Isaak) because I'm making a more educated choice in my what I try. I'm getting a better understanding of terms used in vocal training and when I finally look for a vocal coach I'll know what to look for and will not have to stop and ask them stupid questions about terminology.

Don't get discouraged. I was doing a show at a venue this summer and there was a guy who could barely talk he was so drunk but when he got on stage he could sing with the best of them. Even hammered I'd say he sang better than some of the albums coming out of Nashville (he sang country music). He had a great voice and I liked to hear him sing. I wasn't discouraged that I couldn't sing like that, I was pleased I got a chance to hear a talented individual sing and hoped that with time I could sing as well as he did.

to me singing is my passion, it's probably the only talent ive ever shown, singing is an escape for me, escape from my general life, escape from the reality and the up's and downs everyone experiences as they move through life...i was an overweight child, with very bad eczema, i am still overweight with bad eczema but i found as a child it hard to be accepted...singing as a child made me feel special that i could shine in my own little way just like the barbie type girls who at times made my life hell, it was my time to shine and something i felt very proud of....some excelled at sport i sang....as i grew into adulthood i was active in a amateur operatic society, and sang in bands which allowed me to take myself out of me and i could be anyone i wanted to be using my voice....i treated my voice as my journey. These days i just sing here for fun, i had a period where i didnt sing for 2 years and it took a lot of courage and work to begin working my voice again...yes of course there are some amazing singers on here who shine above the average and they have a special gift, but i don't really sit and envy what they have i respect that there are always gonna be people who are more gifted i adore it when those amazing singers take me on a journey ...i don't believe anyone is better than the next everyone is an equal no matter who the person is they will have some sort of talent. Tigger choose songs that mean something to you, songs that show your emotion and you will shine sweetheart...i keep going because i love music and i love being able to share my music and hopefully take people on the journey with me i never worry what people are thinking about my voice as long as i know i am giving my best if its not good enough for someone tough (@$%&#!) i say its me, like or lump it tigger sing for the love of it...the rest will fit into place

GrL, you are looking for an Utopia here
You cannot imagine how many stinky PM's you receive once you start telling some people the truth! There are people on this site that are truly great vocalists, and there are some people here that are just horrible.

Give me a list of people that want to hear the truth, and give a list with the opposite. That way we'll never hurt any-one's feelings, and those who want to learn from their mistakes, will become better and better!

Missy and Roo, I don't think I worded my post clearly.

My point is that there are very bad subs on here being rated higher than very good subs, and both are given same type of comments.

HOW do "I" know if mine is truly good if there's no difference in ratings or comments across the board?!!!! How can something that sounds godawful to me sound like an angel to others?!! THAT'S where I'm getting my am-I-the-only-one-who-thinks-the-emperor's-buck-nekkid?!!!!!! And THAT is why I am feeling it is so hard to go on when I work hard on a sub I THINK is fairly decent yet it isn't listened to or rated as highly as another one that totally sucks. Wouldn't you be discouraged in this situation? That's why I was all, where's the challenge? What is the point? If I'm considered the same as everyone else when I know I got some clothes on and there's emperor's walking around with their butt hanging out?

There's no motivation; there's no reason.

You know I came to this site out of the aftermath of a huge war on another. Phil lets us pretty much say what we wanna say, mediates when necessary, and holds the reins pretty darn good if I may say so!

There will always be trolls.

The downside of internet communties are the people infiltyrating them that have absolutely NO LIFE outside of their computer screen. They are lonely and sad and extremely negative and even though I dont think they are purposely stirring crap up, THEY DO.

As for the "popularity" in posting- thats to be expected in ANYTHING- can't seem to help it- I personally have noticed that if you come across as approachable and friendly in comments to others and threads such as this, people will gravitate to you and KAZAAM! Lists of comments! If people enjoy you personally, they make time to listen to you and help you out. I can't say that i think its right that so many appear to be ignored, but its like the rules of life- kinda funny cause you'd think that all that would end after high school - but human nature has a tendency to put people on pedastals- and Tigger, I have fallen off a few of them and it isn't fun - You are coming along great, and the lull, or DOWN period will go away for you soon!

I think the best way to make sure you are getting REAL help to improve your technique is to make is blatanly clear that its ok and you REALLY want it- I know I'm not alone in being afraid to tell anyone how to improve anything, as I have been hollered at in the past and dont want to repeat any of that nonsense!! PM members you respect and say "Hey listen to this and tell me what you think HONESTLY"

OH YEAH! Crystal thank you for your super duper nice comments about me- i really *blush* appreciate it

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Actually, how about a check box for the 'truth' and another for 'blow smoke up my bum'? That would give you a list and also let people submit one way for some songs and the other for other songs. If they check truth and you say 'You suck' they have no right to complain. They asked for an opinion and you gave it.

Sorry I digress...

LMFAOOOOOOOO.

Oh but so many would all ask for "TRUTH" and really mean "BLOW SMOKE UP MY BUM" expecting to hear YOU ROCK!! .

- it would be hilarious to see that

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Yes, Allstar, that is what I think might be a good idea (knowing who wants the truth so that they can grow, and who doesn't need it right now for whatever reason). And perhaps it should just be via PM; maybe that would take away from the fights that result. Then comments can just be kept being given in the lala land world, and those who really want it can hear a helpful critique. I MIGHT just start pm'g people and just asking them to tell me what I can improve.

I recently had a "blow smoke up my bum" check box tattooed on my forehead... it seems to be working:)

Ignore me

<---------Too much cold medicine.

Dont mind her she babbles.

- Gilly I lub you you rock.

Hey I wanna check out this tattoo !

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Allstar, you gave me your honest critique about too much reverb on a song today and I appreciate that. I've always said I appreciate the truth, long as you're nice about it. And you always have been. Someday, hopefully it'll sink into my noggin everything you're trying to teach me!

Ritisroo, I really appreciate the nice things you said about me. I try to do all the different genres I possibly can, but always keeping in mind my limitations. And, I do have those like everyone else. And btw, I have to applaud your talents as well. You're one of my faves from the start.

Tigger, I see the great comments as positive reinforcement. Some are better than others, but I feel if you offer encouragement, that helps everyone do better. I remember Allstar saying I had improved alot since I started sub'g. Now, if it weren't for people's nice comments would I want to keep sub'g? If I hadn't gotten applause the first time I went to karaoke, I certainly wouldn't want to keep trying. I'm not saying people aren't honest with their critiques, but if you feel this strongly about it, why not go to a professional for a true assessment? This is supposed to be a fun site!


Genise, that was the most awesome remark you made about singing for the love of it and all else will fall into place. That is a very enlightening truth. And you're right, when you find that special talent you have, and people respond so positively to it, you sure do want to keep displaying it.

Very, very well put Luly!

Lawsy, Gilly! Ya got another tatoo????!!!!

No, still only have five. I have been cheated... The one on my forehead is rubbing off with spit...

THAT explains the lack of smoke up my arse....


<------ waiting for smoke......

Again, I think I have to back to the "karaoke analogy"

What if karaoke was like SS. What if you had the ability to comment on the singer once they were done...hey, lets take 3 comments from the crowd.

Now, lets say the singer was just an average joe singer.

Person one says: sorry, I thought you were awful. Yous should really keep your day job.

Person two says: I thought you were aweseme! I enjoyed the whole performance.

Person three says: I think you don't know how to breathe properly. Breathe from the diaphragm and try to keep your voice forward in your mouth.

Now those are three things you could see here. The first was rude. Now, that singer is going to feel horrible and that is that. The second person may have really thought the singer was good....or she is sugar coating her response because they are nice....or they don't want to hurt feelings. Now, person three....well, if someone said that to me a year ago, I would have said "agh". What the heck is diaphragmic breathing anyway?

Now, a professional singer sings, and they get the same comments. What did they learn...probably the same thing. Person one was being rude, perhaps person two hated the singer, but they were just being nice, and what value is person's three's words when the pro singer has probably had training for years?

Now, did the person really actually learn anything? The point is, singing is subjective. Some want to learn, some want the truth, some are here for the fun of it, some are here because they want to live out a dream, everyone is different.

However, like at karaoke, you show respect. You don't boo a singer. You clap after each and everyone. No matter what the sing, how good they do, or how bad they are. This is like karaoke. You have a line up in the front. You support everyone at all times because they worked just as hard as everyone else and were brave enough to sub.

Each and everyone of us (including you as you said) pour your heart into your subs. Just because someone can't sing or mix well does not mean they deserve to be "critiqued". I mean, you can help people out by offering advice, but in the end, they may not even take it

To me, music has always been very thereaputic. First was playing the clarinet, then switching to oboe to fill a void in the band. Just very recently, I started making a shift to studying voice. The challenge of always trying to do better and trying to entertain people has always been at the forefront of my interest in music. Also, I like to bring forth something that even though it only attracts a very small audience, at least I can present something that very few people would attempt and some people may actually like (even though I sometimes think that I sing like a dying moose, or worse, hence the nickname). And also, hearing all the wonderful submissions here is very inspirational to try harder.

What else can I say? All of you guys are wonderful!

Do you know the different between nekkid and naked? Naked is you don't have any clothes on, and nekkid is you don't have any clothes on and you're up to something.


Yes. You rock, they suck, and they confuse the rankings between the two. Only explanation for this lunacy... Actually, maybe some people don't like the song, don't like you (don't know why, you've always been nice to me!), or they're just as..... er, pains in the butt.


Where is the challenge? What is the point? I gave up trying to make sense of everything a long, long time ago. I make recommendations when I can. But as for the whole butt hanging out thing, I guess I should put those chaps and thong back in the closet....

There is motivation... personal growth. I don't submit for anyone else (well, my parents a little, and an occasional request) but myself and my own personal growth. As for a reason for the uneven comments, rankings, and other stuff.... your guess is as good as mine.

Ed you're makin' me LLLLLL!!!!

Thanks you guys for trying to answer me. You know what, I'm not going to lie then. I will not tell someone they sound awesome and did a bangup job when they didn't...how is that helping them?

And I still wonder about this question: HOW does anyone truly know if they're good if EVERYone tells them they are? That's what I'm finding distressing. I think that people who are more accomplished have earned more recognition and thus should hear it, but that's me.

Maybe I'll start trying to go to some live shows which I've had to stop because of school and work...you can tell in someone's eyes and body language when they love how you sang, compared to the written word.

Someone said recently that most of us sing and share it with others because we want recognition; I'm no different.

One more thang: I appreciate all of you sharing why and how you love music and singing; but my basic point is still this: can ANY of you tell me it honestly doesn't hurt when you see a sub that isn't good, rated or raved about more than one of yours that you know is good?

Who here can say that doesn't hurt?