KaraokeJerry @ Thu Sep 24, 2009 2:04 pm wrote:
Fewer and fewer singers come to any one show. Crappyoke hosts sour their new venues (and singers) on karaoke.
Many Seattle-area bar owners I've spoken with turn to karaoke as a "last resort" to save their dying bar or one dead night. They are either not willing to spend the money on advertising and promotion or to commit to a minimum of 4-8 weeks to get the night going.
KaraokeJerry is also right that the "crappyoke" hosts are increasingly giving people a bad taste of karaoke in general. Poor sound and hosts who are frustrated singers or just plain rude are some of the reasons.
KaraokeJerry @ Thu Sep 24, 2009 2:04 pm wrote:
I had packed them in for three years. But in the same shopping center, two other places started karaoke. My crowd took a hit when singers checked out the other places. Then within a mile, two more places opened karaoke. I took another hit.
Yes, it might be more "oversaturation" than "recession". Especially for casual singers who are looking more for where the party is than a great show. No one wants to sing to an empty room, no matter how great the system sounds! Because times are tight, bar owners are cutting back. They can't offer specials AND pay for karaoke too.
leopard lizard @ Thu Sep 24, 2009 12:00 pm wrote:
The $75 pirates in our area are actually doing well as the small bar owners find them to be more affordable. People are going to the bar nearest their home and not driving to find a better show.
When karaoke was more of a novelty, those bars that offered it became "destinations" - it was normal to have to drive 5-10-15 miles to find a bar that had it. Now it's at every neighborhood bar whose prices are already set low. How many $2 and $3 beers do you need to sell to pay $150+ for a host and still make money? You have to have an s-load more people to cover the KJ. Some bars make as much profit with fewer people and the jukebox. Or they go with the $75 hosts.
Keep in mind that more of the "serious" singers are happy singing along to tracks on MySpace or Comcast Cable On-Demand and just having friends over to their house. But I predict there will be a shakeout of the industry as people get increasingly picky about their venues, the host and the sound. They won't mind heading to those bars who make the investment in their own system or bring in someone who themselves are a real entertainer and can keep the show fun for everyone. I swear, I see some hosts who can barely push play let alone say anything on the mic but, "How about a hand for [singer]. Now let's bring up [next singer]."
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I just hope the owners and managers don't mind waiting for the next ride .....
