Karaoke Forums

Ok, this is just curiosity on my part I suppose. Recently I have added 2 more shows to my weekly line-up. One I inherited an already proven venue. This venue called me to help teach the old host a bit about "fairness of rotation" and it backfired on her. They fired her almost instantly after seeing how I do things compared to her. This place has been really an instant success, even the "slow" nights are better than they have ever been for the previous host. Inheriting a show has challenges of its own too. Some of the regulars became followers of the other host and really probably won't be part of my loyal people.

The other show I added is one that I am trying to build from scratch, and it's been challenging to say the least. I have been there for 8 weeks now, and things are just barely starting to show some promise. This club is terrific. It is smallish but has the potential of drawing huge crowds when the parties move outdoors. The acoustics are pretty good, and the owners and staff are awesome as well. The owners have some excellent ideas on what they want to achieve, but have a limited budget. Hence, the advertising is limited, mostly word of mouth and facebook and emails. A small amount of printed local stuff too.

I am a bit curious on how all of you guys feel about this. Would you rather build a new show from scratch? or would you actually rather take over an existing gig? Was just wondering.

Hmm both have there challenges. I'd say the perfect scenario would be to take over for someone who is retiring and ran a similar show to what I do. It would be a plus if the leaving KJ supported my show.

If it was your circumstances I probably would choose the existing gig because it sounds like that is working out well.

If it was a show that a KJ was fired from who had loyal followers it would probably feel like I was starting all over any way. The loyal followers would go to where he/she was or be a pain in the butt because they'd want me to be like him. It would take time to win over the old regulars and build a new crowd for the ones who left.

Starting from scratch is tough. Hopefully the owners realize it will take time to build a following. I'd say 6 months to a yr without ample advertising.

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The new owners are terrific, they even participate when they are there. I like both places a lot. But, yep, they know it will take time, and i'm trying to be patient as well. I think in the end, this place will be the best show I have. Right at this moment I have 5 different venues that I host on 4 different nights of the week. Two of them I split my saturdays between them. The one I inherited, I have been there now for about 6 months, and they want me to be able to do more weekends, but it's just not possible. I really don't have to choose between anything, I was just wondering some of everyones insights into starting one from scratch vs. an inheriting an old show. From my perspective, the inherited one has less frustration and challenges, but I actually like the challenge of building a new crowd. Most of my shows are far from each other, some as much as 80 miles, but even still, I get some of my "fans" to several of my shows. That really makes me feel good about what I do.

MrScott - congrats on both shows ! It sounds like your doing a great job!

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[shadow=pink][glow=deepskyblue]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[updown]~*~ MONKEY BUSINESS KARAOKE~*~ [/shadow][/updown][/glow]

I don't do it for me. But thanks for the compliment. My philosophy has and always will be, "I don't succeed until the bar succeeds". However, it just makes you feel good when you know that the success of a show/venue is mostly due to your own diligence and reputation.

I am looking forward to making this new place a success. I actually take it personally a bit when a venue falls flat, even though it may have nothing to do with me. How does everyone here feel about starting new shows? Thats my question I suppose.

I started a new show in March - got a call out of the blue (I thought) from a small place right in my little town. I had never approached them because I thought it was too small. I walked into a venue that has such a great core of regulars who support everything the owner and manager do - it has been a tremendous hit from the get-go. I have, however, gone in to places where I had to start from scratch. I'm kind of particular about doing that - and always utter multiple caveats about how much time it may take. Last one didn't take any time at all - again, small town (not mine) but a captive audience.

Done both, I actually think it is important for you as a KJ to start a new show from scratch every now and then. It is a humbling experience and forces you to become creative again. I am currently trying to build a new show for Friday nights having given my old Friday show to an 'independent contractor' who 'rents' my second rig from me! This show began as a Wednesday show back in June and then moved to Fridays at the end of August.

We've had mostly quiet nights with the Halloween Friday being the only night where I'd say they actually made a decent amount of money. I am left wondering how to help build this show.

Conversely I took over a Saturday show 18 months ago and it did okay until the old host got a show down the road at a new bar and took some of her followers. We had several months of slower nights which eventually came back around. Some of those regulars occasionally return but now there's more a mix of old faces who never left and some new blood.

I have never really had to do anything to promote or grow this take over show, the bones of it were already there and it grew to its current manageable size.

Take over shows for easier money, build new ones for less money initially but eventually increased sense of accomplishment. Sometimes it's a long hard road though, like my Friday one!

- Jonn