Karaoke Forums

OK... I don't have many details, but here's what I can give you.....

The KJ in question is a Husband and Wife team. He operates the machinery and controls the sound, and she controls the rotation and hands him the discs for the next singer/s.

Most of their shows have been in Restaurants (with a Bar), but they do have a monthly gig at a regular Bar, and they recently started a new gig in another regular Bar.

The sound system is very good, but for the most part, they keep the music volume at a low level.... their reasoning being that people like to have conversations, and can't hear above the music.

They are always open to suggestions, and are accommodating to most of the Regulars. They are NOT computerized, and they gladly play other people's personal CDGs.

This couple have always put on an entertaining show. They have used little props for some people's songs (from time to time), and even added some comical touches while certain people perform (those that they know can take a joke) They even got me to lose it on stage 3 times (over the years) to my memory.

They used to ALWAYS have a huge following at their shows (wherever they hosted). Now, of late, many of their Regulars are not attending their show/s any more. One of them believes that it is personal, and is curious as to why.

As you write responses and speculations, I'll add more as I think of it.

People want to go to a karaoke bar or dance club for loud music that they cant have at thier homes. They go for the energy and concert-like vibe. If they want QUIET theyll go to a romantic retaurant!!

TURN UP THE FREAKIN MUSIC FOR CRYIN OUT LOUD!!

GET THE PARTY STARTED!!

People will talk as loud as they need with the music.

What are these DJ's possibly THINKING???????

Thats why no one comes around to this show---its too quiet!! Like a MAUSOLEUM or just a place with LOTS OF DEAD AIR TIME.

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"You know that I sing the Blues and I do not suffer fools. When I'm on that silver mic, it's gonna cut ya, just like a knife"-The SWINGCAT

Cueball, have their regulars been seen at another show?

I wonder if it's just not the economy taking its toll. You don't mention what nights this KJ team works or if the volume of business at these restaurants is still the same. If overall business is down, it's going to trickle down to the karaoke program.

And so what if it IS personal? Who knows whether this husband and wife were more involved with their "regulars" than you think!

Why not just ask the KJs? "Hey what happened to (regular) and (regular) who used to come in all the time? Heard anything from them?"

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[font=Lucida Console]DangerousKaraoke.com[/font]
[font=Lucida Console]"Sing for the day, sing for the moment, sing for the time of your life!"[/font]

I would have to say economy as well. Maybe try catering to a different/younger audience that don't worry so much about the economy at this time, turn the music up & get newer songs. I am also experiencing a drop of my regular older (30-50) followers (more responsible) but the younger/newer followers are actually showing up in droves & bringing people in as well! Our volume levels are louder than they have ever been & the new crowd loves it. Want to talk, go outside! Move with the times or die!

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When some people go out for a night of karaoke, they want to let their inner ROCK STAR out. This means LOUD MUSIC. You don't want to feel like the karaoke music is there to supply mood music for the people that are eating in the restaurant. Given a choice between two shows with everything else being equal; I'll choose the show that tends to PUMP UP THE VOLUME.

We have some shows around here who were having the same thing happen. This one woman's show is disk-based with filler music. Because she takes a long time getting singers up, you get maybe 10-12 songs an hour.

Perhaps those who once went to shows like that now know there is a better way. They want to be able to sing, and there are other places to go that don't waste all that time. They can listen to the stereo at home or in their car.

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[color=#ffff55]Mickey J.[/color]
Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them.
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

Trying to understand more.... Is it the SAME show at the SAME venue that has a decrease in business??

You may get 1 or 2 people to STOP going to a show for personal reasons but unlikely the entire show would suffer. ( Based on your description of the kjs and thier show)

Due to the economy people are still DRINKING but may not be going out to EAT at Restaurants ...These shows could suffer from the economy ?

I take it the volume isn't the reason as you would have picked up on that yourself

I wouldn't necessarily put the blame on running a low key show. It all depends on how fast the drop-off has been. If it's been rapid, say just this year, then it's probably some external thing like the economy, competition, personal issues (whatever they are).

If it's a gradual slowdown then it could be their approach. That kind of show is not going to attract new singers to replace the ones who inevitably drop out over time.

All of us who run continuous shows have crowd turnover. Most of the group I started with three years ago now only attend infrequently and my current regulars are different.

And younger. My most steady regulars today weren't even 21 when I started. The result is that the average age of the room stays the same, even though we're all getting older. And that's the way it is with any healthy bar - karaoke or not.

Are there new regulars there singing inappropiate songs (or dressing inappropriately) for the venue or particularly baaad singers? Have there been price increases? If all things are equal it may be this or as stated earlier the volume of the music and the economyof the area. Oh and one other thing, has there been staff changes (if a favourite bartender or server left or got fired)?

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You can be strange but not a stranger

I'd guess there are several issues at play here. One, the economy. There is a certain segment of the population that has definitely been hit harder by the stock market, including things like retirement funds. This age group is probably the 40-55 crowd, and in years past these people were a major part of many of our shows. in fact, they were the original 'face' of karaoke when it first started big time in our area in the early '90s. Now they are at home counting their pennies anymore, having lost 30-50% of their portfolio into thin air.

Secondly, I'd say volume has a lot to do with their dropoff. There is nothing more frustrating as a host than to have the establishment say "it's too loud, turn it down." I had to do that last week at our first outdoor stage night at my newest venue. People were having a BLAST - had the 450s and the sub and the patio was rocking; of course, nasty neighbor calls not once but 3 times - first time to venue, 2nd and 3rd time to police who come over, say it's fine but they have to follow up on all calls. Crowd didn't mind the decrease in volume but as a singer, it's not nice. I don't want to feel like I'm whispering, and neither do other singers (not newbies but experienced stage performers).

If they're set in their ways and don't keep the flow of new music coming in, I'd guess that is part of it. How many times can you hear Fancy and My Way?

Those are the 3 things I'd think about if my attendance dropped - we're in a major upswing now, against all odds. Going to enjoy it. (Bill: I want to get to one of your shows, darnit. )

k

I actually sympathize with the homeowner. If you have a sub thumping, the police can say "it's fine" but it still comes into their house. I'd be major upset if I had to lay in bed until 2am listening to and feeling "thump,thump,thump".

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[color=#ffff55]Mickey J.[/color]
Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them.
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

This time of year is always slow for me. The start of summer, grad parties, vacations, outdoor sports, and town festivals all are crowd killers. The economy really hasn't made a difference for me, knock on wood. I won't see my crowd pick up again until August. As soon as the kids are back in school I notice a big difference.

It could be many different factors. Are they catering to an older crowd? I only ask because of the volume issue. I know on nights I have the volume lower the regulars will ask me to turn it up. The bar manager on Wed. always likes the volume lower because she works that night. I simply start out soft and bring the volume up louder through the night. She never notices. My point being I'd think they'd know if volume was an issue because people would complain.

I can't imagine it is anything, but the season or econmy that would make them have such a drastic change. The volume issue may have an impact on new people coming back, but I don't think it would stop regulars from attending unless they've found a new place they like better.

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My instincts have been telling me it's an economy/age thing now. People are more intrigued by edgy than comfortable and I see venues opting for DJ thinking karaoke is for older people. The real successful karaoke shows in our greater area all promote "wild" and "psycho," etc. We are in a venue that has traditionally been older country type people and try as we might to get some young people in, they don't stick. The traditional "mix of everyone" show doesn't seem to be "it" any more--young people want to go where there are more young people and it is difficult to keep them at a mixed show. When the older people fade out, you are sunk. I never used to believe this as I was used to attending very successful mixed shows but that doesn't seem to be what karaoke is anymore.

I also think older KJs can suffer from the perception that because they are older, they won't be able to attract young people. It may not be true but it can be a factor, perception wise--at least in trying to land that initial job.

Actually the show runs from 7 p.m. to 10:30. Sub wasn't thumping at all, just adding nice balance to the 450s in the patio - restaurant is in a commercial area, not residential; whiny guys lives over a commercial business. Cops said it wasn't too loud. I think he just needs a reason to complain. I would NEVER try to make someone's life miserable by doing what you describe -- I try to be considerate with everyone, knowing there are a lot of people out there who really don't like music at all. Feel bad for them.

One question... Is the crowd (listeners) decreasing Or increasing?


I will say it 100 times.. The number of singers does not reflect success. It is the number of empty seats that reflect failure.

Doesn't sound bad to me. If it is in the evening, and ends at 10:30, in a commercial neighborhood, I no longer sympathize.

About 20% of the population is very sensitive to low frequencies. I am among them. I can hear a boom car coming a mile away, and if you have a sub operating anywhere near I will feel it and it will keep me awake. But even I don't get upset in a commercial area before 11pm.

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[color=#ffff55]Mickey J.[/color]
Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them.
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

Whisperoke doesn't fly....

I tend to agree with you !!!

Lack of new blood. For any medium to continue it must constantly recruit new devotees. This usually means YOUNG. Thus, you need have songs available that the younger set will find appealing.

American Idol, as much as I personally dislike the show, drives a lot of folks to the show. I know when I hear a song gain popularity on AI, I should double check to make sure I have the song... and if not, get it.

I listen to what plays in the bar when I'm not there, and what people are requesting. Since I DJ as well as karaoke, this really keeps me current on what new music people will be asking for.

Perhaps the show has become stale, the KJs have failed to attract new singers, and the low volume of the show has caused the drop off in singers.

Here's a question: Are there other karaoke shows nearby that are packed with singers? If so, what are thos KJs doing that they are not? I suspect that there you will find your answer.

And turn up the volume!

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Good music, good friends, howling good times!

A fair number of my singers are older, and we've had only a few complaints about volume. One trick I've used: Turn up the stage monitor for the singer but not the main speakers -- the singer feels like it's louder and the listeners don't get overwhelmed.

The only drop we've had lately has been for the start of beach vacation season. Lots of folks around here head for the coast around Memorial Day, rates are a lot cheaper before July 4.