Karaoke Forums

We learn about all "types" of shows on this forum. And over the years I have seen various kinds of shows and experienced different levels of energy at those shows. Some, though successful, are boring to me and lack any energy: no exciting singers (all slow standards with a smattering of country); no filler or transitional music; non-invigorating sound system/settings; no personality on the part of the kj; etc!

One former member was proud of the fact that his show was 100%, non-stop karaoke. He was proud of the fact that he quickly got the next singer up and and used no filler or transitional music. The desire of the audience to dance or experience anything other than karaoke was not a concern of his! Yep, 100% karaoke.

Meanwhile, while that's how he described his own show, he questioned what was meant by those of us who were speaking, a couple years back, about our shows being "high energy".

That question made me give additional thought to that term and how I perceived it.
How do you difine and "measure the energy" at your show, and how do you build and maintain it? And is there anything special you do when it is tapering off?

Eric,
I'm not sure your aim at a few of these posts, but doesn't bother me either. Anyway, high energy.... I measure it in the crowd having fun, large gathering, fewer leaving and more coming, purchases singers, etc. You can just tell when it is or it isn't. In short: Energy = Fun

I know others will disagree but here goes:
Yeah I'll sing if I want to. Oh no, the KJ's singing! Typically in rotation, but yes I have done it out of line.
Filler music. Yep that dreaded filler. If the moment dictates, sure.
I hope no one reads this but I will occasionally flip flop a singer or two to break a slow paced few song choices up. Oh my... break rotation. Guess I'm going down to.....well nevermind

OK, I'm ready, fire.

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I get much of my energy off of the crowd - they have to give a little in order for me to be able to keep it up. If a crowd is not responding to anything & being boring, there is not much a host can do to turn it around.

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Well "energy" is a simple way of saying people are having a good time at the show.

What causes that? Many things.

Since we are talking karaoke it is basically music. BUT what is music with about a thousand different music styles out there what excites some people will bore others. Some people love a specific artist or song while others may hate that same song/artist.

When it comes to creating the "vibe" or style of a show one can attempt to please everyone or create an experience that is best for a small subset.

If you try to please everyone you create a generic product that is "ok" but not really the ideal show for anyone.

For me creating the right "Energy" for a karaoke show is crating an environment that may not be what everyone wants but is an excellent experience for a subset of the people.

I think I have a high energy show, most of my people are regulars (usually 80%+) you may like it or hate it. But to have a sucessful karaoke show I just need to keep about 30-40 people who have a great time and come back to the next show, either by returning or word of mouth from their friends who attended other shows.

The rules that work for getting a high energy show is as diverse as people are. Success is measured just by getting a crowd in the door. I have been at busy karaoke shows that I hated, and nearly empty karaoke shows that I had fun at. What works for one show is different from another.

Rules like, "no dj singing", "dance music every 2nd song", "bumper music" work some places and not others, some people may like either way of doing it.

It is worth it to discuss what works or does not work at shows we run or attend. Any advice should be subjective. Try any changes at your show some ideas that help or hurt at other shows may have opposite effects at your show. But understanding how other shows work allows us to get ideas especially for shows that have a similar target music taste/age group (or whatever subdividion of personality types).

The buzz in the background, people participating(clapping and whistling), the bass pumpin, the KJ pimpin', the flow groovin', singers singing and people dancing, carrying on and having a ball. Thats what the ENERGY is when I do a show.

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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

This is the first round with the owner opening the show. It gets crazy after this.

[youtube]BEYvI5v_Ilw[/youtube]

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Of course it can get more wild



video

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Join The Karaokle Singers Social Network. Upload Your Music!!

There is a show not far from me that I attend every few weeks, partly because it is "low energy". The KJ just invites people up with little fuss or drama. It's a relaxing place to get a cheap beer, and practice a bit on live equipment.

Over time on this forum I've heard of hows that are almost "all Elvis" or "all Rat Pack". Something like that would drive me straight out and I'm sure most people as well. But if they're succeeding by making money for the bar, carving out a niche, then so what? If there is a lot of karaoke in an area, then there is room to diversify and try different things... If every show was the same, then nobody would have any marketing advantages.

Personally I agree with Lonman. The energy depends on the crowd. My job is to rev people who were ready to be revved anyway. I can help out by giving some energy to my applause exhortations, and by making people feel cool enough to give a performance their all.

And most of all, my job is to not be a wet blanket. When people are ready to rock, help them do it. Dance to their singing, show interest, let it all hang out. If you sit there like a bump on a log, you aren't helping. If all you do is say "Jane" to call the next singer to the stage -- and I can't tell you how many hosts do this -- you just aren't doing your job. Help the audience connect with the singer, and vice versa.

In other words, my job is to make my gig fertile soil for the audience to bloom. Some days there won't be anyone ready to party, others there will. If a place gets a rep as a place where stuff is happening, then I think it is more likely to happen.

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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.

I seek shows that is 'low energy'. I just like to relax, enjoy the drink, the comradeship and the Slow songs.

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I can neither confirm nor deny ever having or knowing anything about nothing.... mrscott

Jian

If you ever come to south Florida, let me know. I can point you in the direction of a couple of shows you'll just love

Hopefully in 5 years time.

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I can neither confirm nor deny ever having or knowing anything about nothing.... mrscott

Jian

In five years I hope to be living most of the year in Las Vegas, but you never know

Ditto for me. I like shows that are more spontaneous. If someone sings a song a people start dancing, great. This can happen with a fast or slow song. I tend to dislike shows that are energy-tweeked, i.e. rotation shuffled to maintain the energy, etc.