Karaoke Forums

I think we just have a different definition of what "talent" is .


Talent is different from competence and skill. Talent, to me, essentially means something not learned. Anyone can learn to do the type of announcing that karaoke requires. Does it help to be a bit of a natural? Sure. But you don't need talent.


Singing halfway decent is nice. But it is far from necessary -- the most successful host in Philadelphia can barely carry a tune.


Bingo. But that is not really talent in my book. Talent means that there are only a few people who can do it. Almost anyone who wants to can get good at that.


Those guys don't last long enough to even be a factor. Sure there are people who can't cut it, but it isn't about talent. I am betting that people like that probably have a good track record of failure in many other areas.


I am not saying that the host can't make a difference. They very definitely can. If you have someone truly special they can make a show go where others couldn't. But people that special usually command a higher price, so the percentage of shows they try that go probably stays the same.

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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.

Micky, I can say wholeheartedly that I'm in complete disagreement with you on the "anybody" can be a kj... You and I agree on many things, disagree on a few others... that's okay, that's what makes this a great forum.

But I've seen kjs just KILL shows... and another kj come into the SAME EXACT show and totally lift it up and make it a success. Not even different equipment... just the KJ knowing how to work the crowd, work the rotation, work the sound, know how to be on the mic...

guess we'll agree to disagree on this one!

Sure. But simple competence, not talent. And while you can undoubtedly find people who don't care about the equipment, I know you will lose some people if the sound is crappy.

It is a combination of factors. For me, if you have a great crowd and a short wait to sing I will put up with a lot of things. But that is rare.

I have seen a few karaoke shows that have everything going for them, and even they have off nights. I have seen hosts that pack one venue fail miserably at others. It is mostly about being in the right place and then doing some basic things to make the show go. Talent is the least of it.

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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.

Let's stop and consider that not one of us has come forward to say we don't have a "talent" for being a KJ, except for, maybe, Mcky! I believe I am very talented in that regard. And, again, I'm not referring to singing skills when speaking of talent.

Here are some dictionary definitions of "talent":
1. a special natural ability or aptitude
2. a capacity for achievement or success; ability: e.g. young men of talent.

I believe, as previously posted, many people who are successful have brought an "X" factor to the fore, often unidentified and often undefinable, that they may not even consciously know that they possess. If one considers all of the posts that have been made since my above statement about the "X" factor, no one has disagreed with that point of view. Probably, because we all know people who's success defies explanation.

There have been some posts above alluding to KJ's whose success can't be explained. Also, because a KJ fails at one venue while succeeding at another does not contradict my proposition that talent is of utmost importance. If the venue doesn't attract an enthusiastic crowd no one, with or without talent, can have a really good show.

I think you guy's are splitting hairs with the TALENT thing. Anyone with a CDG and a cdg player can call themselves a KJ just like anyone with a PAINTBRUSH can be a painter. - But to be a respected KJ in the BUSINESS requires many things ..and one of them is TALENT. Talent comes in all shapes and forms and can be as simple as being a good singer, good motivator, good audio technician etc. A passion for KARAOKE is also required to be SUCCESFUL as is COMMON SENSE . KJ's were either MUSICIANS / SINGERS / DJ's .....I doubt anyone just GOT IN THE BUSINESS just for the "BUSINESS" of KARAOKE.

There are different KJ's out there BUSINESSMAN and WOMAN and also HOBBYSIST who do it just for the FUN of IT ....... running a Karaoke Business is the same as every other self run business.

I was a mere fill in for our local KJ when I started. My first yr. completely on my own I rented his equipment. This was a great way to start. I was able to have the experience to know what I wanted to purchase to go completely on my own. I have to admit the equipment I rented was subpar, but this is the equipment he used in this venue for yrs, so no one knew the difference, UNTIL I brought in the new equipment.

As for talent :

I don't think talent is the right word here. There are several characteristics a KJ needs. Some shine more in some areas than others. You may have a KJ that doesn't sing well or at all, but if he has good people skills on and off the mic he can get away with it. If they have a large crowd of singers there is no need to even sing.
They may have a gret voice, but are horrible at speaking on the mic. If they keep it to just announcing who's next and encouraging applause when they are done singing they can get by. People skills I think is a must ! Just like a car salesman - if people don't like you they aren't likely to go to the show or buy what you're selling. You have to know how to deal with all types of people and situations to keep the peace.

X factor or likability - This too is big in my mind. Your crowd wants to feel comfortable and feel like they belong. If a KJ gives off a vibe that makes the audience uncomfortable they aren't going to stick around. For ex: A host that thinks his or her job is a place to pick up the opposite sex and sleases around - dirty dancing with patrons and talking raunchy on the mic. Ex: Has a poor sense of humor that offends people. Ex: Thinks they are gods gift and has a big ego.

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

I agree with you. Talent is a "special natural ability or aptitude". You are a talented singer, I know. And I am sure it helps you in your show. But quite frankly I doubt that it is the reason for your continued success as a KJ. It is the things you describe, which don't really fall into the realm of talent.

In a musical or performance setting, talent has a connotation. Sure we all have "natural talents", but that is completely different. I am a talented computer programmer -- I have a special natural aptitude. In most other areas, I am just ordinary or even terrible. I do, however, have enthusiasm and persistence. Those aren't talents, but they help me make the best of what I have.

I strongly believe that enthusiasm and persistence will make a great karaoke host. It isn't talent, but it is nearly as uncommon.

To be a successful karaoke host, I think you just need to not blow it. People will want to like you, will want to have fun. They will like you if you treat them well and fairly. That is all it takes.

Now I do believe there are lots of talented karaoke hosts, like Babs, Lonnie, and Wayne and Larry and JT and a bunch of other ones I know. They are great singers. But that is just the reason they are doing karaoke. It isn't really the reason for their success. It is because they work at it and pay attention to detail and are fair and even-handed.

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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.

But wouldn't this go for any business? If you are doing construction, do you go in with hand saws & manual planers just because it's a new venture & you are testing the waters? Say you are opening a coffee shop, do I get the cheapest coffee makers, cheapest beans because the good stuff is expensive, no you get what people want & the proper equipment to make it. OK I can go on & on with different scenerios here, but the bottom line is it's a business venture, whether it be part time or full time, you are investing in a business. If you find you are not able to cut it (in ANY business), then it gets written off, you can recoup probably half back in a resale. You are going to to get out of any business what you put into it. This market is so saturated now, I can't see anyone really succeeding half sub par equipment/selecion. Yes their personality & hosting skills/running the sound/etc could be the make or break of it all. Which is why I stress to people, KNOW YOUR EQUIPMENT. Know what every knob does, listen. Adjust!



Again, it's investing in a business. SOmetime businesses are a risk, just like the stock market. SOmetimes you win, sometimes you lose.

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LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

Sure if a host sucks, all the equipment in the world is not going to help. But this isn't about established hosts - even crappy ones. In todays market, a new host is going stand a better chance with better equipment (note I have never stated needing the best, but you CAN still buy quality on a budget) & better selection. I have watched people buy these 'karaoke' systems that are 'designed' for karaoke. These cost 5-10 times more than a really good PA system & computer & do not sound half as good. For the same money, they could have got some really good stuff, learned how to use it & at least that part is done. Now on to the hosting skills, this comes in time in knowing how to read the audience. Be versatile in your music you can sing, if you have a crowd of all 20 year olds, typically you aren't going to be singing oldies. On the other hand, you have older crowds, you aren't going to be doing any Pantera. Treat all people like they are the best singer whether they really are or can't hold a tune in a bucket. Give the bad ones a nod of reassurance when they are messing up.
This is all stuff that is learned. And in any business it's how well you can allpy that skill.
But as a singer, I want to sound the best I can, I am going to choose a place with some decent equipment first over a place that is running a SInging Machine type unit. I can do that at home.



This is where most new kj's should do before entering into any business. Get hired on by a local company or bar. Learn the trade first. Too many people see kj's & think it's an easy job & quick way to make a buck (unfortunately TOO many think that). They buy some crappy equipment & half assed selection & think they got what it takes without knowing a thing about the business to begin with. The ones that realize it really IS a job, usually either treat it as a joke or get out all together sometimes leaving clubs they are contracted with hanging - which helps give karaoke it's bad rap.

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LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

I think you have a valid point here. I don't think you need to be a talented singer to be a good host, but it helps to be able to sing. Depending on your venue. If you are just starting out you need to be able to sing to start off the night and get people interested. I'd say being to good might even work against you. You might intimidate people, but a lot of people expect the host to be good and don't let it bother them. I know having a music background helps me help others in many ways, but that doesn't make me a talented singer.

I think what we're talking about here is- Do you need to be a talented or exceptional singer to be a good host? In my opinion - No, just an average singer.

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

Babs, again it's what works for YOU and YOUR CROWD and YOUR VENUE.Nope, I don't try to pick up patrons, "sleaze around" or dance. But my sense of humor and language is frank like you might expect to hear on South Park or from Dave Chapelle or Lewis Black. Again, my audience is pretty raucous with most everyone in their early to mid 20's. Guy can't slide the mic back into the holder? You can bet I'll make an adult comment about it! Women want to freak on each other when I play "I Kissed A Girl" as bumper music? I'm going to call attention to it!

I'm the first to admit I have a huge ego and am very foreground about my hosting and comments. That's why I'm "dangerous"! And that's a lot of the reason why (so my regs tell me) they come to party. Vanilla karaoke they can get anywhere.

Granted I'm going to take a totally different tact depending on the crowd and venue. But don't give a wholesale indictment to those hosts who are more Chris Rock than Jimmy Kimmel.

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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]

Why does 'adult' humor have to include vulgarities & profanity? I thought this was the mentality of a junior high school teenager. Guess with your average age group (having not grown up yet obviously) profanity & cursing is almost a must to keep them entertained????
Guess i'm a vanilla type of guy.

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[shadow=deepskyblue]I'm impressed, I've never met such a small mind inside such a big head before.[/shadow]

Hey Lon---have you ever thought of setting up an ESPRESSO MACHINE at your KJ booth???? Might be a big hit!!! Serve espresso with a shot of amaretto to sambuca between singers???? But with ONLY the FINEST imported espresso coffee!! And a REAL ITALIAN ESPRESSO MACHINE!!

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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

Different shows for different folks, Ttown!

Mine were not only for adults, they were for those that ACTED like adults, and I did as well. But I've been to shows like dan is talking about... I quickly LEFT them, but they were very popular with the 20 something crowds.

It appears that we have, with all of the give and take, reached some consensus.

I wonder, what is the general thinking in regard to "volunteering" to help someone in return for learning the business? There is one local fellow who is always juggling a dozen or so shows a week (all with exactly the same library) and who hires and trains the KJ's. Unfortunately, I have never encountered one of his hirees who is any good as a host.

While everyone agrees that starting out in any business is a risk, it should be stated emphatically that every entrepeneur establishes how much of a risk he/she is willing to take, particularly as to the dollars to be invested. Of course, starting a business involves other investments and risks. So while there are those of you who agree you don't have to start with the best equipment, how does one determine what equipment will work, particularly if you have no experience with the equipment that fits your budget?

Consider this. I now have a partner. When we joined forces, he needed to replace his sound equipment since he was borrowing the equipment in use; his was recently stolen. He has many years of experience KJ'ing and selling audio/video systems. He purchased powered EV speakers of upgraded quality from his previous pair. However, most everyone was disappointed with the more expensive EV's after hearing them at two diffent venues. We went back to Sam Ash and I invested the difference to get QSR's that cost a couple hundered more than the EV's. Now everyone is quite impressed.

I started out that way, Eric. I was hired on as house kj and learned the ropes very quickly. I also found out what I loved about the business, and what I hated. Found out what I hated was what the majority of the singers hated, but they liked the venue, and just dealt with it.

It's how I started my company...

I've helped a few people get started. One was the son of the man who got me started in the business. He didn't last long, maybe 6 months. He thought it was a big party for himself and didn't like the fact it actually turned out to be work.

The others I helped mainly needed help with equipment. I don't mind helping people get started in the business. I don't find it threatening.

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

I have given a fair amount of advice to people re: equipment and hosting. I'd rather help someone and have their end product be decent, than have to hear from others (coming in to sing) about 'so-and-so's show - their sound is terrible!' I think a lot of us with sound mixing/performing background think it is something everyone knows and can do - that just isn't the case. There's still a shortage of hosts who know how to mix and it's frustrating to attend one of those shows, when you think that if you had just one minute their system could sound really good. I learned a long time ago not to offer assistance in that regard ... I just won't recommend that venue when people ask for a recommendation on a place to go.

The downfall to trying to get hired on & trained by another company is sometimes they are not going to train you properly or do not know what they are doing themselves. Possibly why these hirees aren't any good.



I still firmly believe that it takes money to make money. A cheap crappy system (underpowered, underfeatured, etc..) is not going to cut it. I think what is invested shows alot for the seriousness as far as the mentality for most as well, no not all. Get the best you can and learn to use it, then hosting skills & you'll be way ahead of the game & shows me that you are a lot more serious than one just getting something to make sound - becaus hey it's just karaoke! (yes have heard this many times from little start up kj's who just want to play for beer).
No experience with the equipment? That's where these forums & reading the manuals - ask questions, ask for recommendations, how something could/should be hooked up, understanding what the equipment does - every knob, every pot, every fader, every button.



What was the disappointment between the two pairs? Again the most expensive isn't always the better choice. I have never stated this. Which was proved in this case, however the (assuming you mean QSC) are a great speaker. Not the most expensive (although pricy), but have a great sound & will blow most other speakers in their class out of the water.

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LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

It could also be that the venue favored the eq setting for the QSC but not the EV, and had a pro eq'ed the setup the EVs might have sounded a lot better.

(If you make a powered speaker for karaoke use, you should set it so it sounds great with a "smiley face" eq. Then a lot of people would think it was great!)

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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.