Karaoke Forums

This has really turned into a discussion of the different elements that attract folks to a particular karaoke show.

And while I don't like overpaying for drinks, I was surprised to see so many posting of late that indicate people are senstive to pricing. Maybe it has always been that way; maybe it's the economy now?

Comraderie has been mentioned in the past as an attraction.

When I tried live band karaoke last summer for the first time, I thought to myself as I got to the stage.... I've never done this before and I've no clue as to the "mechanics" of how it works. I could have "gone into" the "stage fright" mode if I had allowed that to happen. My point... there's no doubt in my mind that having a responsive and supportive audience is a draw. That's why one recent thread discussed KJ's who encourage the audience to acknowledge each singer vs those who do nothing in that regard. I think we all prefer a show where the audience is responsive ...and a show where the KJ encourages responses for each and every singer is a show where that is mostly likely to occur.

The reason I started this thread, was because of so many DIFFERENT opinions on so many threads. By seeing what preferences each of you had in going to a show, I could better understand the perspective on which of you were basing your opinion. Whether you liked a LARGE VENUE, a MEDIUM VENUE, a SMALL VENUE, if equipment played a part, if the kj played a part, if friendliness played a part, if NONE of it made a difference. I think this thread DEFINATELY accomplished its purpose, and MORE. I now have a much better understanding of what each of you thinks IS and ISN'T important. In addition, I also learned how strongly each of you feel about your particular PREFERENCE.

Thanks for the education.

Rosario

Absolute favorite? A three-song evening, KJ with great (read, REAL) personality, medium-sized audience, reasonable selection and sound.

Number One factor for me: KJ personality. You need someone who's sincere, attentive, and trustworthy. All the rest is cake.

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See/hear the serial version of Michael's karaoke novel, "Outro," at outronovel.blogspot.com

It's not supposed to be art, it's not supposed to be a creative process. It's supposed to be just a fun thing to go out and do. Come down from your high horse.

EWF: I feel more strongly about bands covering other bands music than I ever do about karaoke singers singing someone else's stuff. First off, very few people are great enough song writers to sing their own stuff - and most song writers aren't players, either. Many, many bands make a living doing the circuit, playing other artist's music, but how many times can you hear those covers over and over before you want to just HURL? At least with karaoke there is a great variety - I went to hear a couple of cover bands last weekend and they all play the same tunes, just variations on the skill levels. BORING!

Well, since the thread has taken a new direction, I'd like to put in my 2 cents. Before I do, I'd like to say right up front that I am NOT or never have been a PROFESSIONAL musician/singer. Just a guy who plays a little guitar, sings, etc.
As far as karaoke being (singing with training wheels), the SINGING part of it I think is actually HARDER than if I were playing AND singing it. I know that may sound crazy, but if YOU'RE in control of the tempo, the key, and you have CREATIVE INTERPRETATION, it's pretty hard to make a mistake, at least one that anyone else will notice. With karaoke, you're stuck with the version of the song. Sometimes the kj will be able to change the key, but, if you're such a PROFESSIONAL singer, why would you need it changed, to me that would be using TRAINING WHEELS.

Rosario

Many pro singers/players get stumped pretty easily with karaoke - prior to trying to do it, they look down on it as something that requires very little skill. But I'll venture to say, and someone will dispute this no doubt, that it is easier to go from singing karaoke (except for the obvious need to see lyrics on a monitor, which a little memorization fixes) to singing in front of a band, than it is to go from singing in front of a band to doing karaoke. Anyone who has done both care to offer an opinion?

Absolutely correct. Once in a while I run into the local karaoke band - a live band that brings up karaoke singers). Even if one memorizes the words, the bands "version" or timing could be way different ( Hence, band rehearsals) from what the karaoke singer is used to. Helpful vocal effects are usually lacking as well, so you can't hide what you're lacking... MUCH more difficult.

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

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