Karaoke Forums

I'm going to quote something from facebook, one of my favorite customers had this to say...



It all depends on what the venue is willing to provide. If they have their own staff to be "Playground monitor" then you don't really need to provide one yourself. OTOH if they don't provide it, it's probably a good idea to provide one.

If I am going to have to pay someone to be a monitor (or find a willing volunteer), why not have them just run the show?

-Chris

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-Chris

Cd's vs computer, steam shovel vs John henry, electric guitar vs accoustic, humans bodies can't tolerate going over 20 mph, we'll only ever need 640kb of ram.

Because it provides for more work, less effort, happier customers.

Again, much respect for what you are doing and I will be keeping an eye on things.

I don't know about the happier customers part. Every time I take a night off, I gets calls, texts, FB messages asking wtf!?!? I recently hired in a host to replace me at my cornerstone gig and after 2 weeks I am already hearing grumblings. And that is replacing me with another human. I can only imagine what would happen if I told them I was going to replace me with a great sound system, awesome lights, etc but no personality.

Karaoke continues to morph and grow, and I am more than willing to morph and grow with it, but I absolutely believe that there needs to be a personal touch involved. The interaction with singers is a big part of why I put up with...the interaction with singers. For every drunken idiot asking to be the next person on stage so they can bring the house down with their rendition of <insert 7 minute, cringeworthy song here>, I get to make the acquaintance of 10 others that are awesome people.

I met my wife at karaoke because I was helping a KJ manage a show for a mutual friends birthday party. If that were an automated show, none of us would have been there because the KJ was a central figure in all of our lives both in and outside the karaoke scene (and still is today). I suppose I may have met some other hot chick and married her at some point, but the fact is I met the one I am with and almost 14 we love telling the story of how we met.

I won't ever get to go drink a beer with an automated unit. Or ask them why the started hosting karaoke, or if the unit will do a duet with me.

Speaking of......does the automated unit know to sing a song at the beginning of a show to break the ice, or offer to backup a shy singer to get the night going? Or does it just play music and run the lights on chase until someone puts a dollar in? Rhetorical I know, but there are just some things that an automated unit can't do, but us humans can do everything that automated unit does and with a style and flair that can't be automated.

But I am watching it

-Chris

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-Chris

I have a wife and kids that demand my attention, so using karaoke to make friends isn't a priority for me. Money is my sole motivation these days.

Here's what was purchased tonight. Lots of Spanish songs (it is a Mexican resturaunt)

C:\Users\User\Documents\Tricerasoft\Mr Entertainer\ME02977\00 - Luke Bryan - That's My Kind Of Night.zip
C:\Users\User\Documents\Tricerasoft\Music Factory\CK20\1028 - Michael Jackson - Billie Jean.zip
C:\Users\User\Documents\Tricerasoft\Music Maestro\MM00646\00 - Bobby Darin - Mack The Knife.zip
C:\Users\User\Documents\Tricerasoft\Music Maestro\MM02510\00 - George Thorogood & The Destroyers - Bad To The Bone.zip
C:\Users\User\Documents\Tricerasoft\Music Maestro\MM02897\00 - Joe Cocker - You Are So Beautiful.zip
C:\Users\User\Documents\Tricerasoft\Music Maestro\MM03432\00 - Little Richard - Good Golly Miss Molly.zip
C:\Users\User\Documents\Tricerasoft\Music Maestro\MM06179\00 - Michael Buble - Kissing A Fool.zip
C:\Users\User\Documents\Tricerasoft\SBI\A27564\00 - The Neighbourhood - Sweater Weather.zip
C:\Users\User\Documents\Tricerasoft\SBI\G01556\00 - Peggy Lee - Fever.zip
C:\Users\User\Documents\Tricerasoft\SBI\G10389\00 - Frank Sinatra - It Was A Very Good Year.zip
C:\Users\User\Documents\Tricerasoft\SBI\G12822\00 - White Stripes - Seven Nation Army.zip
C:\Users\User\Documents\Tricerasoft\SBI\G19781\00 - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy - You And Me And The Bottle Makes Three (3) Tonight.zip
C:\Users\User\Documents\Tricerasoft\SBI\G25256\00 - AC-DC - Big Balls.zip
C:\Users\User\Documents\Tricerasoft\SBI\M18094\00 - 'Little' Jimmy Dickens - May The Bird Of paradise Fly Up Your Nose.zip
C:\Users\User\Documents\Tricerasoft\Sunfly\MW917\13 - Journey - Don't Stop Believin'.zip
C:\Users\User\Documents\Tricerasoft\Sunfly\SF003\03 - Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody.zip
C:\Users\User\Documents\Tricerasoft\Sunfly\SF067\07 - Teena Marie - Behind The Groove.zip
C:\Users\User\Documents\Tricerasoft\Sunfly\SFDT\0490 - Ray Charles - Georgia On My Mind.zip
C:\Users\User\Documents\Tricerasoft\Sunfly\SFDT\1482 - The Black Keys - Tighten Up.zip
C:\Users\User\Documents\Tricerasoft\Sunfly\SFG044\02 - Frank Sinatra - My Way.zip
C:\Users\User\Documents\Tricerasoft\Sunfly\SFWS014\04 - Rolling Stones - The Last Time.zip
C:\Users\User\Documents\Tricerasoft\Tropical Zone\TZ00421\00 - Banda El Recodo - Cada Vez Te Extrano Mas.zip
C:\Users\User\Documents\Tricerasoft\Tropical Zone\TZ00427\00 - Banda El Recodo - No Me Se Rajar.zip
C:\Users\User\Documents\Tricerasoft\Tropical Zone\TZ01092\00 - ElvisCrespo - Suavemente.zip
C:\Users\User\Documents\Tricerasoft\Tropical Zone\TZ01470\00 - Grupo Niche - Cali Pachanguero.zip
C:\Users\User\Documents\Tricerasoft\Tropical Zone\TZ01638\00 - Javier Solis - En Mi Viejo San Juan.zip
C:\Users\User\Documents\Tricerasoft\Tropical Zone\TZ02164\00 - La 5a Estacion - Me Muero.zip
C:\Users\User\Documents\Tricerasoft\Tropical Zone\TZ02704\00 - Luis Miguel - Sabor A Mi.zip
C:\Users\User\Documents\Tricerasoft\Tropical Zone\TZ02803\00 - Mana - Mariposa Traicionera.zip
C:\Users\User\Documents\Tricerasoft\Tropical Zone\TZ04405\00 - Vicente Fernandez - El Rey.zip
C:\Users\User\Documents\Tricerasoft\Tropical Zone\TZ04411\00 - Vicente Fernandez - Hermoso Carino.zip
C:\Users\User\Documents\Tricerasoft\Tropical Zone\TZ04576\00 - Yuri - Detras De Mi Ventana.zip
C:\Users\User\Documents\Tricerasoft\ZOOM\ZKG3153\00 - Emeli Sande - Next To Me.zip
C:\Users\User\Documents\Tricerasoft\ZOOM\ZKG3575\00 - Alicia Keys - Girl On Fire.zip

Interesting- time for me to be me...

SO- what is the "perfect rotation" method as used by an automated system that absolutely no single person will ever have a problem with?

How is mixing sound for each new amateur singer and producer re-creation of music handled?

Who motivates shy singers, creates a mood, and answers questions from newbies?

While you and I ran out the disc vs PC debate years ago, I would state two things:

1) After literally decades, my patrons are as happy or happier than ever, and I'm still taking home the high end of pay in my area.

2) This one's important. Please do not take it as an insult, but just a reminder:

I remember when you started. From what I recall, 7 Bamboo ( an Asian style venue and NOT in any way typical- for instance, bribes to bump were encouraged there, which would kill any standard show) and this new venue are your only 2 experiences.

Most of us have a myriad of experiences in many different styles of venues. Long-timers have worked high end restaurants, dive bars, romantic little hideaways, big clubs, biker joints, even strip clubs, as well as banquet halls, VFWs and house parties- and all are different. I guess what I am trying to say in the most polite way possible is that- while new ideas are great, it's kinda tough to make predictions or opine on the business in general from an extremely limited sampling.

Again, if I could put it in an even friendlier way, I would. No knock intended. It's simply that I think just a bit more diversified experience helpful?

I'm NOT saying that your ideas have no merit- hell, they MAY be the wave of the future- just saying you might be a tad early in to make that prediction....

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"No Contests, No Divas, Just A Good Time!"

" Disc based and loving it..."

I think there is a place for what Toqer is doing. Just like there is a place for crapioke, box karaoke, dance karaoke, and traditional karaoke. Many of us stick to what we know or like best. I have some friends that go to box karaoke once a month. They have never performed at a traditional bar karaoke place (though they do like to go an listen). On the other hand, I have been to box karaoke and it just isn't for me.

Even I recognize that there are patrons out there that could care less about the KJ and even ignore us for the most part. But I also think there are singers that enjoy the interaction with a KJ and (dare I say) respect what we offer them.

Toqer has proven the concept at 7Bamboo. He won't know if it works anywhere else or if it will scale until he jumps in and does it.

Toqer - Good luck with the project. You never know....maybe I will hit you up for a franchise some day.

-Chris

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-Chris

sorry for the short responses, I'm on my phone at the moment.

Joe, people still have a problem with rotations, being human controlled or machine control. What this does to though it's removed that human element and Negates any thoughts of favoritism being played.

OK, now I understand what you meant, but still would wonder how the rotation is- for lack of a better word- enforced.

Chris, while I understand that Toqer's auto-karaoke may have been successful at 7Bamboo ( not quite sure, as Toqer said the gig went south. Did he automate himself out of a job?), the only auto-karaoke that has survived inmy area has also been at private Asian clubs. Other than that, the systems became dust gatherers rather quickly in standard U.S. style clubs. Remember, though his system may have a few more options ( though he has only mentioned auto-rotation) these things have been around a LONG time. They have always had a large selection of songs, a choice of effects including keychange, echo, etc..

They just didn't cut it in standard bars here, and actually caused problems and income loss in some. Might be different in other parts of the country though. He's on the left coast, so maybe he has a shot with that crowd.

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"No Contests, No Divas, Just A Good Time!"

" Disc based and loving it..."

This venue is a Mexican restaurant. After a few hiccups on deployment, things are running smoothly now. I stopped in on Sunday night to see how things were going. 3 Mexican guys with cowboy hats were singing Spanish songs to their ladies. I got to pull some cash out of the box, pay for parking and treat myself to dinner.

Joe you keep referring to things as "Asian". Just a reminder, it's not a good habit to stereotype.

Says the guy who went to a Mexican restaurant...

First, I am glad for your initial success in the new venue.

However, I did no stereo-typing. Asian-style is a valid reference, whether it be in regard to food or karaoke venues.

I have subbed in a few, and have visited many as a singer with my Sensei and friend. Usually, these venues pay the host a small shift stipend, and the host makes the bulk of his/her money from tips/bribes/bumps. This is actually good for me, because when folks who are used to this type of venue come to my shows, I get plenty of tens and twenties at the end of the show. Since I don't believe intip cups, bribes, or bumps, this is a boon for simply doing a good job.

Also, in the venues at which I sang, they are more tolerant of "baton-style" or speed karaoke. The audience is usually more appreciative of lesser talented singers.

This is all from extended personal experience. Again, Asian-STYLE, not Asian, and no stereotype. The majority DO allow/encourage bribe&bump- an incredibly bad no-no for what are considered standard U.S. shows. I could limit my focus to certain nationalities that make up the majority of owners and singers in these places in my area, but THAT would be stereo-typing. See the difference?

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"No Contests, No Divas, Just A Good Time!"

" Disc based and loving it..."

"You sing to hostess" was the line I got from my first "Asian Style" karaoke experience! I walked right out the door!

http://www.ktvu.com/videos/news/special ... cit/vrysN/

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-- Mark

And SC is worried about copyright infringement. What a joke compared to what's going on in Cali!!

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I am the ONLY SANE 1 HERE

Uh... does that song have "a happy ending"?

At least the Oakland PD is making it safe for all those ladies to sing.

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Never the same show twice!

I'm very impressed with your tech abilities Toqer, but the one thing I wonder about is how do you remotely make friends with the singers, go out to eat with them, give them birthday cards and all that other little human stuff that makes people feel important beyond their 3-5 minutes four times a night...

Wow! A karaoke brother from another mother. Well said. Hell, I can't even figure out KJs that work in booths...

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"No Contests, No Divas, Just A Good Time!"

" Disc based and loving it..."

No different than working on the floor with no official setup. I can walk out of my booth at any time. It's setup so people can come right to me as well.

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LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

On to venue #2 now.

Venue #1 hasn't been using the system as much as they told us they would which sucks. So far in the last 2 weeks I've only pulled about $100 out of the machine. Profit has been fairly abysmal, but it's not the end of the world. (still though, $100 bucks with no effort other than initial build, financing isn't bad)

Just signed on a second venue. They really want to run it 7 nights a week, which is awesome. Venue 1 is about to get a downgrade. Currently we use 3 QSCk-10's there, very pricey speakers. They're getting a downgrade to Berhingers and a cheapo mixer.

OK, just got confused. If the venue is doing poorly, wouldn't downgrading either be of no help or make it worse? Wouldn't you want to do something to bring in MORE customers? Maybe an an upgrade of some sort? Even if you do go to the Behringers, maybe 12s or 15s instead of 10s?

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"No Contests, No Divas, Just A Good Time!"

" Disc based and loving it..."