Karaoke Forums

An audacious title I know, but it seems appropriate title for the experiences I want to relate. Over the last two years I've managed to go from doing this part time twice a week, to doing it 5 times a week, and am considered one of the top KJs in the area. Here's what I did:

1) Personality: I really believe that this can overcome a lot of deficiencies in other areas (including equipment). For starting KJs, if your sound isn't as good as it can be (I know mine wasn't!), superior hosting skills will help.

2) Technical Know-how: Know your equipment. I know too many KJs that had other people put a system together for them, and then a) don't know how to use it properly, or b) can't fix things if something goes awry during a show. Sure, its ok to have someone show you what to get... but YOU need to be the one that wires it all up, puts it in the rack, and sets it up when you get to the venue.

Why? How best to know where potential problems might be, and where to look if something goes wrong? If you don't know how to do these things you need to learn, or pick another vocation.

3) Always take the high road: NEVER openly criticize your competition. In fact, working with them is the best way to go. Make friends, and listen to what they have to say. Even someone who you think might not have anything to add may help you in other ways... introducing you to people that can help, etc.

4) Go to shows in your area: You need to get to know the top singers, what songs people are singing, and what works (and what doesn't) with other shows. I always find something useful when I go to another KJ's show, and I file it in the back of my mind. Many things, or some version thereof, end up in my show (or don't .)

5) Keep your library current: My library isn't the best out there. I constantly look for deals on disks, and admittedly, I will download singles from karaoke version, or karaoke singles.com, and then buy about four disks a month. I NEVER pay full price. Ebay, craigslist, and KJs getting out of the business are all sources that can keep you up to date. I know there are folks out there that brag "100,000 songs!" Whatever . I have about 16,000 DIFFERENT songs in my library. This works for about 90% of my singers. I keep a file on my computer of requests that I don't have and see if I can get those songs (thank you karaoke singles and karaoke version).

6) Great Sound System and mixing skills: Lastly, if you expect to play in the high dollar venues (i.e. $200+ a night), you've got to have a great sound system. My advice is to go to those top venues, and look at what the KJs there are using, and duplicate that, and then learn it intimately. A KJ with a top knotch sound system, AND the ability to mix the singers well will quickly spread by word of mouth. I can testify that in the three months since I got my new equipment my reputation has skyrocketed. There are others out there that have as nice equipment as I do (or better!), but don't know how to mix the vocals well. I know of one who has completely lost his singers (and when he started out the venue was kickin'), because he doesn't know how to use what he has... and his sound system is nothing less than incredible (he's also a lousy host... screwing with the rotation, and the girls!).

7)Professionalism: Show up on time, well dressed, and ready to work. Smile!! Be enthusiastic about being there. It is a privilege to be able to put a smile on people's faces and facilitate their good time... always keep that in mind, and maintain a positive attitude. If they like YOU they will be back... If they don't, they won't.

8 ) Be a Gentleman: Yeah, this last one is just for the guys out there. The women can get you into trouble... and my advice is to keep your hands to yourself! As the alchohol gets flowing things happen that are pretty amazing, but you need to stay grounded. How some KJs keep their jobs over this I don't know, but I know of several that have rather lecherous reputations when it comes to "feeling up" the ladies. Its amazing how aggressive the females can get, especially later in the evening, but that's not why you're there. Smile, put your arm around 'em, accept kisses to the cheek and hugs good night (or hello), and go no further!! A little playful flirting is ok , and as long as its kept light, friendly, and fun everyone will have fun, and that's whats important. My personal feeling is that when the women know your "safe" they will open up more and have a good time! This job can be good for your libido, but don't let it go to your head. When the women stop coming to your show, you're done. 'nuff said.

Others, please feel free to add to the list!!

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Good music, good friends, howling good times!

Actually I think I owe my own success at this (such as it is) more to sheer dumb luck than anything else.

A good checklist though Koyote. Except maybe for that part about "superior hosing skills".

A typo I believe.

MA! OMG. Ahem... fixed that.

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Good music, good friends, howling good times!

3) Always take the high road: NEVER openly criticize your competition. In fact, working with them is the best way to go. Make friends, and listen to what they have to say. Even someone who you think might not have anything to add may help you in other ways... introducing you to people that can help, etc.


The above is one of the best on the list It's kind of like what we do right here just in person, I call other KJ's when I cant do a gig and they do the same for me. I assist with equipment selection and other questions and problems,

And if they need Hosing ...Im there for them (females only)

Very good list koyote!

I do have a couple of hosts in my area that should take a look at his list. Or maybe not, I like being successful...

No, but seriuosly... out of all the KJ's in my area, there are 5 other KJ's who really should take a good look at your list:

KJ #1: Superior Sound Equipment, but... no nice personality (actually mean at times) and plays Favorites and sometimes even decides, that a "bad" singer shouldn't have any stage time.

KJ #2: (@$%&#!) Equipment, hits on everyone female, including staff and takes bribes (and thinks, he's the $hit). Horrible singer on top by the way.

KJ #3: (@$%&#!) Equipment, not only plays Favorites, but totally caters to his friends. If he doesn't know you, you might be lucky to sing once a night. Plus likes to hear him self sing, so 2-3 songs in a row by himself is common.

KJ #4: (@$%&#!) Equipment, no song selection whatsoever and walked into all of my venues and left cards. (He didn't get any of the shows, FYI)

KJ #5: Fairly good equipment, but just a plain mean a$$. And as far as I know, he's down to one show and nobody likes to go there anymore. Also likes to hear himself sing... and oh my god, is it bad.

So yeah, I'm tempted to print thislist and make copies for all of them... if I wouldn't be in the business myself.

KJ #6: Outstanding equipment and selection, nice guy, fair rotation, good singer.

That would be you.

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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.

Oh wow, ok... now you're making me blush

Thanks Mike, I appreciate =)

I so hope, that I can manage to take week or two off this year and visit some other KJ's from this forum, including your show.

The KJs in Sevarin's list... well that's kind of what was happening around here when I started out too.

I just happened to be at the right club at the right time, with the right library and equipment.

That's why I attribute any success I have at this to dumb luck. It's not that hard really.

Or, you could just get the ladies to strip on the bar. That packs the place everytime.

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Okay, who took my pants?

What? Yours doesnt? This was a weekly occurence until we got a separate room.


[youtube]-sD3B60cnNY[/youtube]

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Excellent....

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Okay, who took my pants?

i thought for sure the girl in the black tube top was gonna lose it....

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Good music, good friends, howling good times!

That's Amber. She was helping me do karaoke when she was 19 just to get in the bar. She's 25 now. A sweetheart with alot of talent.

The other girl (Christy) that joined her and the guy that helped her up was the couple I did the wedding for. He is now a weatherman at channel 5 in Cheyenne so I dont see them much anymore.

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Awesome list...I would add one thing to it...Dont drink too much ! Ive seen some awesome KJs with awesome system but cant run a decent show b/c of being sloshy drunk...Our KJ doesnt drink at all Im thankful,but our last one did & we lost a 3 day a week gig..Grrr..It was family, I couldnt kill him ... So thats my ..Thanks for posting

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Kelley
Star Sounds Karaoke & Mobile Recording Studio


[shadow=black][scroll]You have to respect your audience. Without them, you're essentially standing alone, singing to yourself....KD Lang[/scroll][/shadow]

The number one complaint I hear from singers about other KJs. Outranks everything else combined.

You don't have to get sloshy drunk before you start making mistakes up there either.

Great List !! The truth is it takes MANY steps to be considered a Good or Successful KJ --- But it only takes 1 of the many NO NO's to be considered a BAD one

When a KJ
Sings too MUCH
Plays favoritism to friends and relatives ( rotation)
Poor Sound
Poor song selection
Poor Attitude

I'm impressed that the bar can take that kind of load!

--Tad

That goes back to professionalism. During a night I might have 2 drinks, dunk slowly throughout the night. However, I have had nights where it seemed that everybody was buying me a drink... or got me shots and I got a little tipsy... but that's a rare thing. On a good night the owner likes to do group shots on the house, and he and I are there leading the toast... what an awesome time that is!

I think its more like, everytime you see the guy he's sloshed that drinking becomes an issue.

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Good music, good friends, howling good times!

Amen to that!!

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No venue to big or too small. From your den to the local club or event, we have the music most requested. Great sounding system!