Karaoke Forums

Much has been discussed here about the various rules which KJ's have laid down for their shows.

I'm talking here of things like -

"If you sing as a duo that counts as your turn"

or

"New singers go to the end of rotation" or whatever

But does anyone actually go as far as laying them down in writing for the benefit of the punters, say at the front of the books, or up on the screen.

Is this a step too far as you can expect everyone to roughly know whats expected either thru common sense or experience of your shows.

Just an open question for everyone.
Putting a list of Do's And Don'ts is something I've often thought of doing but never got round to it.

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[font=Fantasy][/font] "Travellin' at the speed of light"

Yup. They are inside the front page of my book. I call them "The Way We Do Things", to avoid the rebellion some people feel when they see the word "rules".

* This show is for you. Please come up and sing! Everyone can sing, no matter the skill level.

* We strive to be fair. Everyone gets a turn. You get one turn per round. The only exception is that on one round you may be part of a duet as well as do a solo. After that "one free duet", any time on stage counts as your turn and you won't sing until the next round, even as part of a group.

* Submit as many song requests as you wish. If you don't have a song in before your turn, we will try to remind you to put one in. But if you don't get us a song before your turn, it may be skipped and you will have to wait until the next round.

* We only allow a song to be done once per show. The first person to submit it for the next round gets to sing that song. If you have a song you really want to sing, particularly if it is a popular one, sing it first.

* Please don't try to grab a microphone and sing along unless you have been asked. Also, if you are near the performer don't talk loudly or sing near them, as this may throw them off.

* Please be careful of wires and equipment. Not just for your safety, but because the equipment is expensive and sensitive. We buy excellent equipment to make you sound better, please help by treating it well.

* If you have a suggestion to make yourself sound better or hear yourself better, please make it. We may not always be able to comply for technical reasons, but we will try!

* Sing into the microphone. While you may see professional singers hold the microphone way out, remember they are pros. The microphone should be held about 4-5 inches from your mouth.

* Please do not "cup" the microphone. This causes feedback and problems for the operator mixing the music. No matter what you see your favorite performer doing on stage, this is not the way to use the equipment.

* Please applaud the singers. Clap because you liked it or clap because they are done -- but clap!

* Inserting inappropriate language in a song may cause your microphone to go dead and your turn to end. Do not add to the lyrics on the screen if the language may offend someone.

* Please don't ask to have your turn moved up. Everyone's time is valuable, and other people may have to leave or do something as well.

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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.

This is an interesting one Micky.

Not a rule I've ever applied because most people see it as "taboo" anyway to sing the same song that someone else has just sung.

BUT ... like everything else there are exceptions

Like one person once wanted to sing the exact same song IMMEDIATELY after it had just been sung and added "that he could do it better" - UNBELIEVABLE !

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[font=Fantasy][/font] "Travellin' at the speed of light"

Yeah, that can happen sometimes, especially when someone sings a "signature song" and really screws it up!

That happened to me Saturday night... a couple wanted to sing "Ice Ice Baby". I knew it was coming as one of the regulars was there, and he always does it... and does a spectacular job at... really gets the place pumping with it... of course the couple completely screwed it up.

Of course, here he comes, "Please Dave let me sing it next... come on!"

Fortunately, I had a back up plan. "Look, you're at the bottom of the rotation, do "Ice Ice Baby", and while everybody is on the dance floor I'll put up "Cupid Shuffle", and then You and I will do "Cowboy"... cool?"

Worked out fine. Had a three song set with everybody getting up and dancing and having a good time, and kept my regular happy.

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Good music, good friends, howling good times!

You wouldn't catch me doing that. There is always the next show, and I won't allow someone to show another singer up, even if they "screwed it up".

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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.

REGULAR SCHMEGULAR.....Somebody sings 3 songs in a row and I'm out the door. I'LL LOOK TO SPEND MY MONEY AT A PLACE WITH A FAIR ROTATION; not one that caters to DIVA regulars who get their feelings hurt if somebody sing one of THEIR songs.

When I was having a big problem with people spontaneously jumping on the stage I put a big sign up. Not on the back wall, but right in front of the monitor, reminding everyone that they could only join in if they were specifically invited by the singer beforehand.

It kinda worked but I still had problems. So you can imagine how well the rules were followed when I put them in the books.

The only way I've ever been able to control things is verbally.

Nice that you get to sing some when you host karaoke koyote. I sung once all last week. And that's pretty typical in my room.

Micky, thank you for sharing your "rules". You obviously put some thought into them from your extensive experience. These guidelines are very helpful for "newbies" like myself.

Oh, I agree. No one who does that type of thing will read the rules. But if I do have to, I can say "that is the rule, read it in the book".

It also helps to have your regulars know what is going on when you do enforce a rule. They will read the page eventually if they are a regular. When the problem happens, you'll get people nodding their head instead of rising to defend the miscreant.

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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'm with you on that Bruce! Sheesh, the guy does the same song all the time? About time he did something different, I'd say! Don't ya just love those who think they own a song and nobody else should dare sing it?... NOT!


Mckyj57, I like the way your "way you do things... well, mostly. The one about clapping I'd leave out. While I am usually one of the first to start applause for a singer, I am not going to applaud a truly appalling performance. That's not to say I won't clap for anyone other than good singers, only for those who are appallingly bad and un-entertaining. Someone can still be a really bad singer, but if they are fun and entertaining with it, then they deserve appreciation.

Not only are they printed in the books, but the bar flipped the bill for an 8'x4' wall version that is displayed prominantly in the karaoke section.
Here is our rules.
http://lonmanproductions.com/rules.html

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

Clap because they are good or clap because they are done - but everyone should get an applause.

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

I agree nothing worse than them finishing singing and just nothing but the tumble weeds its just plain courtesy to clap after everyone.

Now where's that Gemini guy? He likes his rules

You beat me to the question. I expect there will be something forthcoming from our friend Mr. Horoscopic Horror.

Bruce, can we see what your rules would be?

Lonman, free mammograms? Too funny. Did you highlight your hair?

I have had different hairstyles almost every year. Yes it was highlighted a couple times over the years.
The mammograms (had to think about that for a second) was someone at one of our Halloween parties.

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

These are some good rules to run karaoke with but I would make a couple of exceptions to these rules.

RULE 1
APPLAUD !! Come on now, anyone who gets up there deserves some attention and respect, don't you think? Besides, we're all here to have fun!! Some day, you may be up there. Everyone needs some encouragement.

RULE 2
Please don't jeer, heckle, boo, harass, or otherwise interrupt a singer. This is bad manners. It's not about being the best. It's about having the best time you can while you are performing with us!

RULE 3
Please don't swing the mike by it's cord, dance with the mike stand, or get too drunk to control your actions. Please have respect for the equipment, and be aware of the space available for your performance. That mike cord will only go so far you know. The equipment used for karaoke is also expensive, and you may be held accountable for damages.

RULE 4
Please don't whine about when your next turn is, you will sing no less than everyone else. Please be considerate and let others have a fair share of the singingfair. Your Karaoke host will be fair about the schedule and you will sing no less than everyone else. As always, new singers will be filtered into the existing rotation.

EXCEPTION: I don't believe in filtering in new singers. I think that a new singer should have to wait just as long as the person who just got done singing a song which is one entire rotation.

RULE 5
Please do not submit more than one song request form at a time! A busy K J has a multitude of song requests to handle. Imagine having to juggle with 2, 3, 4 or 5 extra requests for every singer! The best thing to do is bring your second song request up when you are called to sing your first song. Present it to your Karaoke host to mantain your place in the rotation.

RULE 6
Please do not continuously ask the KJ when it will be your turn to sing and insert songs or ask the KJ if you can sing out of turn just because you have got "LEAVING" on your mind! Everyone is waiting their turn. Besides, coming up and making constant enquiries about when you are going to sing slows down the KJ from keeping the show moving along thereby lengthening the wait for you and everyone else.

RULE 7
Please don't use foul language when at the mike. Most places and people find this unacceptable. You might find it is the last time on stage for you.

RULE 8
Please don't come to the stage with a beer, wine, or any drink. The equipment is very expensive, and easily damaged by things such as spilled drinks.

EXCEPTION: I don't see how a singer with a beer or a drink in his or her hand is that dangerous. I've never spilled a drink while singing. I could understand a Host not wanting a singer to put their drink on their work station but at most places that I sing at, the stage area really isn't near any of the KJs equipment. It's not like I'm going to pour my drink into the microphone head. If I did, I'd be more than willing to replace it.

RULE 9
Please do not sing along louder than the performer, or sing back-up or join the performer on stage unless specifically invited. This can be very irritating and distracting for the singer. This is definitely not a way to make friends. It could be very embarrassing for YOU as you will be asked by the KJ to sit down. The person at the mike has waited their turn and is entitled to their own time on stage. If you desire to join someone on stage make sure you have asked them in advance for their permission.

RULE 10
Please don't walk in front of the screen or block the singer's view of the screen. This is very rude, as the singer must be able to see the words in order to sing.

RULE 11
Please don't carry on a loud conversation next to the stage. Most places are quite small and cramped. It is hard for a singer to follow the music cues when they have people talking loudly next to them. A good audience member always shows the singer respect.

EXCEPTION: No exception here. I just think that this rule is one that should be enforced more often at some shows that I go to.

RULE 12
Please don't bring your own food or drinks to karaoke. Support your local karaoke establishment, who is paying for the entertainment.

RULE 13
Please do not be upset if another patron sings a song you were planning to sing. There are plenty of songs to choose from, and you can always do it another night. A good KJ will advise you of duplicate song submissions if they become aware of it. He or she will give you the opportunity to change your song if you wish.

ONE EXTRA RULE:
Duets or group songs count as a turn for EVERY person who sang any part of the song. If you don't want to lose your SOLO turn on stage, stay off of the stage until it is your turn.
EXCEPTION: Each singer will be allowed ONE FREE DUET turn per evening. This prevents the duet loop hole from being taken advantage of. Any attempt to thwart this rule will be dealt with accordingly. HOST has the volume controls at his disposal and will turn off mics and or music when it is obvious that someone is trying to circumvent the rules. This is the BEST way to make it fair for EVERYONE. Some people never sing duets for whatever reason and some people manage to sing 3 or 4 duets in every rotation plus their own SOLO turn. Funny how these duet hogs never seem to sing a duet when it is their turn to singa solo. By the end of the night the soloist who never sings a duet has been on stage maybe 5 time and the duet hog has been on stage over 20 times.

I don't have any rules written down. I don't want someone to point out when I might break one

Interesting that you used the word "WHEN" and not the word "IF". Everyone will make the occasional mistake but it seems that you know that you will intentionally make "exceptions" for certain people and you don't want to be called on them.