Karaoke Forums

I spoke with the bar owner this morning and we've mutually decided to end our relationship. We could have talked about several things, but the possible legal issues were front and center. I think it's fair to provide a venue with information they may need to know and may not have access to so I sat down with them a few weeks back and gave them an update on the karaoke climate. I also gave them a document stating I have purchased all my music and I offered to provide proof any time they wanted. I've done hybrid shows before so they know I had the disks and declined. I also provided them with a document that provided an opinion that running file based shows that originated partly from disc was legal but asked them to form their own opinions. Of course they were scratching their heads that this would ever be an issue. They met with their general counsel who agreed with the opinion I provided on principle but could not give them a definite without research. Research is money. We both agreed that it just wasn't worth it. And for those that say, well run from discs. I say as a principle I feel strongly that I am right in that I should be able to rip the discs I bought, disc manufactures have no business or legal ground conducting, "audits" and I would rather not do it than to go against my principles.

There were other things as well. The location is close to lower income housing and they constantly were fighting an urban take over. It has happened at that location in the past. Still, they didn't want to turn away some from the neighborhood and asked us to mix in hip hop with the karaoke. I could visibly see the karaoke crowd leave as a second hip hop song was played. And they came in less and less. And the neighborhood element got bigger and bigger until it was half and half. We were having a constant fight every night keeping everyone happy and ended up keeping no one happy. Some nights, it was a matter of who got there first. Friday, two weeks ago, I worked by myself and NO karaoke people came in and sang. I couldn't pry a request out of them. I'm a 50 year old stuck in the concert rock era so to say I was out of my element was an understatement and I made that point known. Saturday night, three large groups of karaokers got their first. I saw several from the neighborhood walk in, huff, and leave. Luckily I didn't have to tell them that I would no longer attempt to cater to both but that would have probably been a second deal breaker.

I also had to compete with their "sports bar" stuff too. If a certain local college team played football or basketball later on a Friday or Saturday night, the show got pushed back until the game was over. We were required to be on hand in case something happened with the game and we'd mainly baby sit the people there to sing until the game was over. Recently, I was there for five hours, started at 11:30 and played to a good crowd until 2:30. I was then informed that the bar would only pay me a third of the rate ($50). I asked who came up with that math and proceeded to give the night manager the business up one side and down the other. If we had continued, they probably wouldn't have agreed to my discontinuing shows on nights that were not paid at the full rate.

So there you have it. Their plan is to have a few bands in and just open up the jukebox on the rest of the weekend nights. It actually feels kinda good not having my Friday and Saturday nights tied up!! I guess it's back to basement karaoke for me.

I work at a sports bar as well, and the owner pays me my full rate if they show a special sporting event that they want to play the audio for. He just asks that I do show up on time, setup my equipment, and spend my time smoozing the regulars and talking to the new customers. For the really big events, we also run the audio through my PA and I play high energy music during the commercial breaks.

Anyway, I think you'll look back on this once the shock has worn off and be glad you moved on.

Good luck!

_________________
C Mc
KJ, FL

Sorry to hear that, MrBoo. I hope you find another gig soon where your service is appreciated, with less stress & more job fulfillment.

_________________
To be fortunate enough to derive an income from a source as fulfilling as karaoke music has got to be as close to heaven as we can get here on earth!

No, I think my public karaoke days are over. It was a hobby for me anyway so it isn't a big deal.

TopherM: That is an awesome way to handle the situation. I just never cared about putting my singers on the back burner for a game. This is a neighborhood bar, not the "sports bar" they think they are.

I just got back from clearing out and I feel for you guys that set up and tear down every night! Granted, this wasn't "mobile" style equipment and the lighting was hard mounted but still!!!

You’ll miss it, that’s for sure. I did. I also thought I’m done with karaoke, tired & retired. Then reality sets in, I missed the fun, the tunes, the party atmosphere & the camaraderie that I tremendously enjoyed through the years. A year later I’m back in the game. But, if you decide to reconsider - - good luck!

_________________
To be fortunate enough to derive an income from a source as fulfilling as karaoke music has got to be as close to heaven as we can get here on earth!