Karaoke Forums

I'm kind of ashamed to admit it, but I always tried to catch AI whenever I could in the past....just to see who's who, and what's up. And everytime I would watch it, it reminded me of how terrible I sing, and how I felt sorry for the auditioners that were told by family and friends that they sounded good, then went to AI and received their rude awakenings.
I just caught an episode of AI Rewind the other night, and it turned me off even more to "singing".....or trying to sing.
But it just so happened that right about the time or year that AI started, was the same time that a pretty karaoke dj caught my eye, and Man Oh Man!! Did I wish I could sing!?! And all that AI crap was just totally coincidental at the time....it made my attempts an embarrassing struggle. Being in a bar with others who could actually sing a few tunes....and even meeting a couple who claimed to have "tried out" for AI before. It was hard to tell the difference what karaoke was suppose to be....just people drinking trying to have fun, or serious AI wannabes laughing at others who didn't sing so well.
I started trying to sing in the bar to try to overcome some social anxiety issues I've had since forever. I've always felt that anyone and everyone were socially popular except for myself. Dysfunctional childhood I suppose.
Well, it was helping me! For a while......
The more and more I thought I was helping myself, I was actually headed in the opposite direction......worse social anxiety!! Karaoke became another source of un-needed stress in my life.....struggling to perform acceptably to drunks and AI wannabes in a bar. Neglecting necessary functions in my family life....spending too much time practicing songs for the next time I'd go to the bar.....maybe wishing I was something I was not.....fantasizing about a different life.....a different woman.....etc...etc....
My point I think is.....MY GOD!! I'M GLAD I FINALLY CAME TO MY SENSES!!
My life was just FINE before I discovered karaoke.

I have a devoted wife of almost 27 years....a house....a dog....a couple cats....2 beautiful daughters....maybe a friend or two.....a humble profession.....and a million other things to do than to try and bolster my self-esteem by soliciting myself for Mr. Popularity. Sure, I'm still here....still trying to sing an occasional song or two......but I'm tapped out.....the fantasy is over. It no longer serves the same purpose it did for me before. I know who I am. I'm average Joe....love it or leave it.

And what does my little rant here have to do with American Idol Rewind? Not a whole helluva lot! I'd never make it through the line to sign up! But if so, I'd croak right on tv in front of the millions of people while auditioning. But maybe....just maybe there are others here at KS who can relate to my story? Maybe this little rant is a reflection of their own recollections of themselves? Maybe someone else here has unconsciously almost ruined their own lives flirting with an unreachable dream? An obsession? A need to be noticed? To get laid? Or whatever purpose karaoke serves for them.
Don't get me wrong though. For some here, these dreams of stardom are quite possible, but for most of us, not a chance. It's a fun hobby, (karaoke) but I think people take it waaaay too seriously. I know, I was on that bandwagon in the not so distant past.
I think my purpose was just to get laid? Hell, now I'm not really sure.
I just crack up everytime I see that AI stuff. There really are some misguided people flocking to the try outs.
I just wondered if anyone else who has ever watched that show gets a reaction like I do? A feeling of embarrassment? A sigh of relief? Vomiting?

Well, speaking from Hollywierd California, all "Reality Shows" are closely scripted.

Nobody is "Lost", nobody is a "Survivor", and "No Talent" show winners are picked prior to taping.

Think about it.. If they didn't know who was going to win, costs would be off the chart..

No offence, but just look at what you are watching..

And yes, I still sing.. I enjoy it..

I'm not sure that I enjoy it any longer. The whole idea of it is so others can hear "me". And that implies that I have expectations. And if I can't do a song in a similar voice as the original, I see no point in it. Trying to be popular is nice and all, but isn't what makes me who I am.
Matter of fact, I think if a new or recent acquaintence(s) in my life ever heard me sing, it could ruin the reason they liked me at first.
Karaoke is make or break.....you either have it, or you don't. And I've heard alot of people who don't.
Why make life more difficult than it is? Sing good, or STFU.
Not referring to anyone in general here.

It seems that perhaps you fell into the poser mentality. If you can't sing for the joy of singing, then don't do it. Trying to impress drunks at a bar? Come on, get real. What do they matter? it's all about having fun and relating to friends on a certain level. Whether you carve wood, build model cars or sing at karaoke, if you can't do it "for the fun", then don't do it. I'm no great shakes as a singer, but I'm there having fun...which is what it's all about. Find what brings you joy and follow that. As a step father of someone who has tried out for Idol, I can tell you it's a fraud. The line-up during the first faze depends on the color of the paper they give you. It's all pre set. My step daughter was not picked but a MIME was, I thought it was a vocal competition. Well I can mime a response to the producers of AI
And why should you sing in the voice of the original? Use your own. You obviously missed the point of karaoke. I am sure that those thousands of japanese who started it all belting out Beatle and Sinatra didn't sound like the original either.

! Especially at the Japanese karaoke sound......dreadful. The fun in karaoke is....trying to mimic an original artist, while maybe giving a song a subtle, personal rendering.....not a Beatles song with a William Hung voice.....yuk.
I'm sure everyone's idea of karaoke isn't the same as mine, but if you're trying to sing an artist's song, then you obviously want to have something in common with that artist. There's possibility, and there's all wrong. Nothing wrong about sounding like one of your favorite artists. Alot wrong with butchering your favorite artist's work. And to not want to sing well in a bar, drunks or not, is a lie. Nobody wants to be the fool who can't sing but "thinks" that everybody loves it. And your friends won't usually have the balls to tell you that you suck. But if one doesn't mind being the goof of the party, that's another story. There's room for everyone.
Sometimes, I wonder if "I'm" that goof?

And sometimes, I just like to come in here and type a bunch of stuff for fun just to hear myself rant.

Interesting post PC, I know I got something out of it, seriously, just don't know what yet.At least you had the guts to post it.

BTW, off topic for a sec, did your new job work out ok? .....Ron

JD its time I heard ya

_________________
"Be who you are and say what you feel... Because those that matter... Don't mind...And those that mind... Don't matter."

Ah ha ha Ron. It's just been a while since I stuck my nose into the forums. I just wanted to reveal myself about karaoke in general. It can be fun, it can be stressful, it can be annoying, it could ruin relationships.
So what was it you got from my post? The stress? The annoyance?
I'm not losing any more friends here.....I found that out when I annoyed one of the female members here.....they all must be followers. But hey, one website is like another website.....full of drama....all of them. When one person finally speaks their mind, the crusaders crawl out of the woodwork.

I guess what I'm saying is, some people really suck at singing but will never know for sure because they can't hear themselves and others are afraid to tell them. Hence, the thousands of auditioners on AI. That's what the subject was here.
There is no Senior AI going on, so I don't apply to this. If I suck, I'm just a middle aged guy that sucks at singing.

I think this place needs more guts. Everything has to be so candy-coated all the time. This post isn't a personal flaming of anyone....just a generalization.

Oh, the job is okay I suppose. It keeps me closer to home everyday. I just need to sleep when I can instead of annoying people here.

I only posted one..

is that really you?

_________________
"Be who you are and say what you feel... Because those that matter... Don't mind...And those that mind... Don't matter."

Maybe it is not as grim as you perceive. There are places that may have singers that look down on poorer singers but it doesn't sound like a typical fun karaoke place. People have to have some degree of tolerance just to attend a karaoke show. I do not have a good voice but I try to pick songs I enjoy and think I can do something with. Knowing I could never sound like the original frees me to do it my way. Why not? Jimmy Buffett changes his own songs around all the time and I figure if he can mess with them than so can I. So if there is still some enjoyment for you in singing, than who cares what the drunks think.

I have never been complimented on my voice but surprisingly have gotten requests to do songs because of my "energy" I will never understand it but, oh well. If the singer is enjoying him/herself, more than likely so will the audience. If the singer is making the stakes more important than they are, then the misery will be contagious. One thing about karaoke is that you can fail at a song and still be alive afterwards (with a few infamous exceptions). The audience is usually for the most part unharmed also--not like you botched a brain surgery or sometlhing. I have seen a Broadway worthy singer talked over and ignored just because the crowd happened to be engaged in their own conversation or something else was going on that had nothing to do with the singer. She lived to sing again. But as you say, it is either for fun or it can be a failing dream and you have to pick what's right for you. Sounds like you are having a bit of a rough time.

Well, it is just a hobby just like model cars or quilting. If it ceases to be fun, stop doing it! I still say one at Karaoke should rely on their own vocal style, good or bad and not sound like the person who recorded the song. Uh, except maybe a Willy Nelson song, ya just gotta do the nasal thing there. Basically, you are a poser and worry to much about your image, not that you have much of one.

Basically, you are a poser and worry to much about your image, not that you have much of one.

So, lordwhatever....you go take a look at my profile and return to answer with (see above)???

Aren't all karaokers posers?

It's just a stupid post that obviously stepped on your toes.....get over it.

But as you say, it is either for fun or it can be a failing dream and you have to pick what's right for you. Sounds like you are having a bit of a rough time.

I was only trying to impress the dj lady. It was fun for a while, but then I started noticing her reactions to certain singers who weren't so good, and it made me wonder.....was she really annoyed by my singing as well?

I don't care what anyone says.....karaoke is like a singing competition. People either like what you're doing, or they wish you'd STFU and sit down.

And the ones who say it's just for fun only are fooling themselves. Try going to the same bar week after week where the same crowd hangs out and watch people laughing at the bad singers.....it makes you wonder doesn't it?
Would that have an effect on your love for singing?

You are a hoot PC. My dream in life has always to be KING Karaoke. I cant sleep at night thinking about it. I dream about being on stage and being the best karaoke singer in the world and not having time to answer all my fan mail. I get tired of signing autographs and fighting off the hot chicks. Then I realize i suck . take care bud...Tex

I dont think you should bother trying to sound like the original artists. If people want to hear the original artist, they can go by the cd or turn on the radio. To do your favorite artists songs is a good thing to do, you obviously indentify with the songs, however there is a lot to be said about just being you. People will enjoy hearing you if you convice them you are having a good time and that you like to do what you are doing with the mic in your hand. I know I dont sound like Strait or Haggard, or Alan Jackson. I dont try to, and I dont want to. The world does not need a copy of these guys. I have found out that there are times when people will tell me they like the way I sing a song better than the original artist though. That is great to me! I am me. I am comfortable being me, and I learned that if I am the best me I can be, people not only will listen, but they will enjoy my singing. You have to sell yourself on stage whether in a bar or where ever you find yourself on stage. I do live music with a band. From time to time I do original songs, but for the most part, we do cover songs of people like George Strait. I have a packed house when ever I sing. My fiddle player started as the very first drummer for Elvis years ago and ended his career as a professional playiing fiddle for Ray Price. He has told me numerous times that I am as good as anyone he ever heard. I know better, but he is building my confidence. He is an old guy but has a lot of experience. His advice was to just step up to the mic and give it everything I had. Just be me. If you will do the same, you will find you dont need things like AI to get where you need or want to go. You can just have fun! Music makes people smile and makes them happy! Enjoy bringing joy into peoples lives by sharing your love for music. Good luck my friend!!--Mike

Ah ha ha ha Tex! I never had a dream like that. I just think I was in love with the lady that introduced me to karaoke.

And you do not suck man! You are one of the best listens I've ever heard!

I always get in over my head when I try to post in here.....

If I'd quit being such an a$$, I might have a few friends.

I guess I thought my friends were the ones over there in PA. when I was doing live karaoke alot. The only dream I had was to make it with the kj.....

And if that would've ever happened, I probably would've packed my bags for good.
But it turns out, I gave her a call a few months after I left there and she asked.....who's this? I was shattered I suppose. I thought we were friends, but it turns out I was just another customer?

Maybe I need to chill with the attitude here. I'm still a nice guy.....just confused about this whole karaoke thing now.

Just be me. If you will do the same, you will find you dont need things like AI to get where you need or want to go.

Hey Mike. The AI thing was just an opener here for me to ramble on.....I just thought it was funny how so many people thought they were good enough to be "the one".

When I first came here, I had just started to try to sing, so my intentions were to emulate the original artist as close as possible. There will always be a variance in vocal style or tone I know. And trying to sing live in front of people in a bar had me shakin' like a leaf. But it was always satisfying to get a compliment from someone saying....man, you sound alot like the original! So I guess my idea of karaoke became just that....try to mimic the original.
But I do realize a good singer can hold their own with any song.

I don't have any dreams or expectations in this singing thing....as I've said already...I was just trying to make a certain person fall for me I suppose, then when that never happened, I became confused as to where I stand in this whole singing thing. I'm still here doing my thing though.....it's just not the same for me anymore.

So why try and ruin it for everyone else? That's not my intention. I guess I'm just on my sounding board again.

You're sweet to an old fart.. :kiss:

I understand about the hot girl thing! I actually had a very beautiful blonde follow me off of stage one night filling my ears with every compliment any guy could want to hear. I kind of played it down thinking she would forget all about me, but after that, she started showing up for every show I did and she would hang around when the show was over just to talk to me. This went on until I finally started seeing her. I even actually married her. It lasted barely a year. She went back to her ex-husband because of her young son, and I was alone once again! I have had the women offer me the moon while walking off stage, just to realize they would not even remember talking to me in the morning. I guess I just think too much of myself to get caught up in a deal like that. I always try to be polite and tell them I appreciate their kindness, then I just walk away. I dont want to waste my time with girls too drunk to remember me, even if they are beautiful. Heck I'm just an ordinary guy. I am not special, but confidence works wonders! I said all of this to say that you really are better off by not making it with the karaoke girl! Things are never quite what they seem. You have a much better deal going for you it appears.--Mike