Karaoke Forums

Karaoke should be about having FUN FUN FUN .....Now who say's you can't have FUN and be serious about your singing ?

There are shows that are nothing but drunken patrons singing their favorites songs either alone or in large groups.

There are shows were the singers are more SERIOUS and sit there anticipating and counting the ticks on the clock until it is their TIME ON STAGE.
I would say that the majority of singers who frequent this site are of this nature.

FUN is a personal thing..what is fun to one group of singers can be annoying to the other. Good shows can have a little of both and maintain its shine. Some shows are heavily favored one way or another and would be considered a BAD SHOW by the opposite group.

You as a SINGER need find a show you FIT IN and have FUN!!!

ps: There is no room for the ultra serious singer at Karaoke.

Apparently you believe your definition of fun is the only one that counts. Sorry to disabuse you. We will have fun whether you like it or not.

_________________
[color=#ffff55]Mickey J.[/color]
Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them.
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

Hey Micky .. whats your problem ? Again another one wants to take things out of context and use quotes. I said the ULTRA SERIOUS singer, someone I would say is SO serious that they can't have fun. Did you read the rest of what I posted ?
What's with these people just looking for arguments --re read again and maybe you want to keep the rest of the post in quotes .....

If you want to know my definition of stupid is ask me .......

Let's see -- you call people names and tell them what they can and cannot do. Now what *was* your point?

My point is that you are spending all this energy telling people what they should or shouldn't think. I am just telling you -- it ain't up to you. You are getting as bad as someone arguing about "non-spenders" or something. People are going to come out to karaoke and want what they want. They are going to think 1) your show is lousy or 2) your show is cool. Even if they think 1), they may come back anyway because it is close. I suggest you deal with the idea.

_________________
[color=#ffff55]Mickey J.[/color]
Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them.
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

what's MY point........... I must be crazy
Where ???? WHO ???? please show me ???? -- When someone takes something out of context like you did in the attempt of discrediting my statement what would you do PLEASE PLEASE ---When did I tell someone what they can and can't do ????
MAYBE I'M THE STUPID ONE...I just don't see where I told anyone anything

All I said was the ULTRA SERIOUS singer has no reason to go to Karaoke --meaning someone who is OVER THE TOP - SO SERIOUS THEY CAN'T HAVE FUN...if thats you I'm sorry for you .... WHY ARE YOU SEO HELL BENT ON CAUSING TROUBLE ?

Interesting observations. I could agree or disagree with your last statement, depending upon how I choose to interpret youe view of "ultra serious" along with MY perception of both the singer and the actual circumstances in the room when he performs.

To me there are several factors I would need to consider:
What is the "ultra serious" singer's attitude toward the KJ and other singers?
How does the audience respond to the ultra serious singer?
What is the typical length of the ultra serious singer's songs?
What genre of music and type of song does the singer usually perform?
Does the ultra serious singer utilize over-the-top gestures or distractive movements?
Does the ultra serious singer feel compelled to share some tidbit about the history of the song or the entertainer who sang it, or take up time with general "banter" as if he was the paid entertainment for the night?
Is the ultra serious singer attentive to the performances of the other singers?

My response was edited one time in its entirety to emphasize "ULTRA SERIOUS"

EVERYONE CAN BE CONFUSED BY SEMANTICS, SOME MORE SO AND MORE OFTEN THAN OTHERS.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/serious

se⋅ri⋅ous
–adjective
1. of, showing, or characterized by deep thought.
2. of grave or somber disposition, character, or manner: a serious occasion; a serious man.
3. being in earnest; sincere; not trifling: His interest was serious.
4. requiring thought, concentration, or application: serious reading; a serious task.
5. weighty or important: a serious book; Marriage is a serious matter.
6. giving cause for apprehension; critical: The plan has one serious flaw.
7. Medicine/Medical. (of a patient's condition) having unstable or otherwise abnormal vital signs and other unfavorable indicators, as loss of appetite and poor mobility: patient is acutely ill.

tri⋅fle
  –noun
1. an article or thing of very little value.
2. a matter, affair, or circumstance of trivial importance or significance.
3. a small, inconsiderable, or trifling sum of money.
4. a small quantity or amount of anything; a little: She's still a trifle angry.
5. a literary, musical, or artistic work of a light or trivial character having no great or lasting merit; bagatelle.
6. a kind of pewter of medium hardness.
7. trifles, articles made of this.

triv⋅i⋅al
 Synonyms:
1. unimportant, nugatory, slight, immaterial, inconsequential, frivolous, trifling. See petty.

IMHO I think it would be fair to relate Jamkaraoke's reference to "ULTRA SERIOUS" to JohnnyReynold's statement (repeated below) that I used to start this thread with. Maybe Johnny's use of "diva-ish" means too serious NOT FUN?

I think there is a bit of a definition thing here.

I have some singers that are very serious about their karaoke. They plan ahead the song they are going to sing a few days in advance and almost never miss a show.

However they trust the KJ to handle the mix, and yes sometimes they want a few changes.

On the other hand some singers may not trust the KJ. It has nothing to do with how good they necessaraly are. It is really a attutde of contempt towards the KJ's skills to handle the mix. Now the KJ may not be the best sound mixer out there or may be tired from doing the previous 5 hours of karaoke and their ear may not be as good for adjustments at that point or for whatever reason. But if the KJ is trying then they do not deserve to be treated with contempt.

There are ways of offering suggestions on adjustments to the sound that are helpful or hurtful. It is not really what is said but the way it is said.

When a KJ has a singer that clearly is ready to publicly blame the KJ or his equipment for any failings of the song to be a masterpiece that is not fun for the KJ and leads to tension. That is what I do not like as a KJ.

You can tell me to make adjustments all day to my sound sytem in a friendly way and I will do my best to comply. On the other hand change the attiude to confrontational when making the same requests and it is no longer Fun (for the KJ) regardless of how good the singer is. When the KJ is annoyed, even when they try their best to hide it, it hurts the energy, flow and atmosphere of the show.

Divas, can be by definition "a great singer" or a "prima donna"

Of course no fault with the first definition, it is even a complement.

A prima donna can be defined as "a vain or undisciplined person who finds it difficult to work under direction or as part of a team"

Some of us clearly have this meaning when we are thinking about this word.

The problem is that the KJ (mixer) and the singer are a team. If one half of the team is antagonizing the other, do not expect the best results. It is my experience that many of those most willing to insist that their advice be followed are the most hostile to any advice on how they themselves should change.

I think that good karaoke has no room for prima donnas (by the above definition). Prima donnas are "created" by repeated public performance where the lead singer can do no wrong and are a real "superstar". They become surounded by yes men that will serve there every whim, and become angry when everyone they interact with is not a subservient yes man. Unless as a KJ you are awestruck by the singer, it is not a happy situation.

While true superstar singers may sometimes grace a karaoke show, they should check their attitude at the door and realize that they are with the common people. The other Prima donnas, really dont have the right to expect special treatment as they may merely be a good but not great singer. Just because the latest superstar musician seems to have an attitude when interviewed on some tv show, does not mean that your more common "good" singer should try to immitate the attitude as well as the voice or singing style.

An ABSOLUTELY EXCELLENT POST Fred!

There's NO WAY i could have said it any better.

Please...Let me

In my original statement I acknowledge there are SERIOUS singers and singers who are out JUST FOR FUN. I also mention that they don't have to be different meaning that a serious singer can also have fun. (I'll give you guys a minute to digest that statement):

I added a PS stating that ULTRA SERIOUS singers don't belong at Karaoke...And I'll go further and elaborate... A singer who is so serious that they can't have fun --so serious they are not in it for the camaraderie which we call KARAOKE. This ALL again was my opinion and I don’t believe I TOLD anyone anything.

You posters that want to dissect statements and look for something you can POUNCE and discredit another forum member is beyond me. I’m not one to START things unless insulted personally or professionally. It seems that ULTRA SERIOUS and DIVA ISH terms have struck some nerve amongst the elite singers on this site.

So again IMHO…maybe a bar is not the place to go for Karaoke for the ULTRA SERIOUS DIVAISH singer. Try Carnegie Hall .

Maybe a bar is not the place to go for a DIVA Karaoke Host. Try Carnegie Hall . Some KJ's just have to be the center of attention at their shows and they resent any "serious" singers that show up because they get too much attention, in the KJ's opinion anyway. These prima dona KJ's think that every really good singer ruins karaoke for the rest of the crowd at the bar because they get intimidated by the really good singers. How many times have you heard...."I don't want to follow him/her"? These KJ's want to be the "talk of the town" and the "serious" singers ruin their game plan. A lot of people become KJ's because they NEED to be the center of attention. They want to be "THE MAN" so to speak. That is why they would prefer it if the "serious" singers were hanging out at Carnegie Hall instead of their show. These KJ's enjoy being the BIG FISH in their little pond so they say things like....get out of my little pond and go to the big ocean where you won't be such a big deal like you are here in MY little pond. Can you spell JEALOUSY? or INSECURITY??

S0.... I ask again.....

KJ's: Do you view your show as part of an art form or is it a vehicle for people to have fun with?

Singers: Is karaoke something you participate in to create a work of art or to derive fun from having the experience?

In considering your response, remember that in Japan, where karaoke entertainment was ultimately fine-tuned, the average person does NOT want to sing before the general public in a public place. The average Japanese, in fact, rents a private room for their party to enjoy karaoke in!

PS: People have every right to interchange the words "enjoyment" and "fun" in describing an experience. However, I would like to try to distinguish between the enjoyment one gets from attending a professional performance (eg: opera, musical, ballet, concert) or art exhibit or museum, or the like, to the fun one derives from dancing, playing a board game, skating, skiing, playing volleyball, or going on a picnic, etc.

Can you spell "PARANOIA"?

Bruce -- I take it your rant is towards me... SERIOUS singers are welcome at any Karaoke show . Again frick and frack want to READ what they want.. You seem to be a serious singer WHO CAN HAVE FUN even amongst the karaoke regulars. My post is refering to THOSE singers who take karaaoke TOO serious and ruin the fun for the majority. If not wanting THOSE TYPE of singers at my shows or shows I frequent ... so be it . Call me what you want.
for the record: " I as a KJ do not like singers who ruin the fun and karaoke experiance for the mass majority of fun loving people that frequent my show. On the other hand ALL singers who can have fun are welcome".

BFFL --you seem to have serious issues with most KJ's Calling them all types of names . I don't know if I should dislike you or feel sorry for you. Now you want to call me a DIVA KJ ..... I'm not the one sitting home creating my own songs so I can take them to every karaoke show and say " PLEASE PLAY MY HOME MADE DISC --- YES I MADE IT MYSELF -- I'M SO TALENTED

JAM OUT!!!!!!!

Bruce the singer can select which shows they go to. They can walk out the door in a second with no loss.

Find a KJ that matches your personality.

A KJ on the other hand takes who comes in the door, and some of them may not be the kind of people that the show is attempting to target.

A KJ may become "talk of the town" but they don't get that way by being the kind of "non-team player" that Divas are. They get that way by putting on a good show that people appreciate. There is nothing wrong with wanting a good reputation as a KJ or even becoming locally famous. Being a good singer should not HURT your reputation as a KJ. But it does not MAKE your reputation as a KJ. Your reputation as a KJ depends on how you run your show. A well run show does not drive away good singers in general, but it should drive away disruptive singers that detract from the show (and some of them might even be good).

To become "talk of the town" one does not need "ego, jelousy or insecurity" but to become talk of the town (in a favorable way) one needs to be good. There is nothing wrong with trying to be a good KJ. If the best singers in the area regularly go to their show it is a mark of success, and the KJ deserves to be "The Man".

"BFFL --you seem to have serious issues with most KJ's Calling them all types of names . I don't know if I should dislike you or feel sorry for you. Now you want to call me a DIVA KJ ..... I'm not the one sitting home creating my own songs so I can take them to every karaoke show and say " PLEASE PLAY MY HOME MADE DISC --- YES I MADE IT MYSELF -- I'M SO TALENTED"


There are plenty of people who look through a karaoke song book and wish that there was a song in there that isn't. I've done it many times. For years I wanted to sing "JERSEY GIRL" by Bruce Springsteen and it just wasn't available. I believe it first came out on a Legends disc and I bought it as soon as I could. Now there are web sites that sell backing tracks of songs that aren't available on a traditional karaoke disc and I have purchased some of these backing tracks and learned how to make my own cdg files so I could sing them at karaoke. There is also some software out there that removes quite a bit of the vocals from a track so a karaoke singer can sing one of his/her favorite songs. It has more to do with patience than talent as far as creating the discs is concerned. I would like to be able to sing EVERY song that I happen to like and I'm willing to spend some time while sitting at home to make that as possible as I can. I may have a knack for creating good home made karaoke tracks but I also have a little bit of singing talent. That singing talent is evident whether I'm singing to a professionally made karaoke track or one that I made myself. I believe that variety is the spice of life. I don't want to be limited by what Sound Choice or Chartbuster wants to produce. I take advantage of the fact that some other people create software for people like me to create our own karaoke tracks. Once again, you come across as being very jealous. Why should it matter to any KJ where my tracks were made(???) Would it make you feel so much better if a friend of mine made then for me??? Should I have to wait for Sound Choice to make a song (from) their request line?? I get the feeling that they don't do much of that anymore, if they ever did. JUST PLAY THE SONG so I can have some fun singing it. I've had people notice that I've made some tracks for myself and they've asked me if I (could) make a song for them or someone they know and I have been happy to do so. I do this for free for people that I know. All I ask is that they pay for the backing track if I can find it online and I do the rest. If the best I can find is the original track for the song they want; I do my best to remove the original vocal and make the karaoke track from that converted track. You seem to want to paint me as this EVIL karaoke SHOW OFF and I guess that is your opinion of me but you couldn't be further from the truth. I'm just a guy who enjoys karaoke and every thing about it, including making friends with a common interest in having FUN while singing songs that we like to sing and share with others. I guess if you're someone that I get along with, I'm considered a good friend. If you're someone who happens to run an unfair rotation and that causes me to say NO! when you ask me to make a song for you, or give you a copy of a song that I've already made.....(then) you would probably not have such a good opinion of me. I can live with that. I'm not out to make EVERYONE love me. There are people that I don't like and I don't want them to like me either. I pick and choose my friends wisely. I don't need a bunch of fair weather friends. I like true friends. I'll just cut to the punch line......A true friend will help you get rid of the body.

BRAVO, with one disagreement. I don't rate the quality of a show based upon the quality of the singers it attracts! I rate shows based upon how much fun I have when I am in attendance. I get tired quickly of the good singers singing the same songs they have practiced and perfected over and over and over. On the other hand, if a "poorer" singer sings the same songs over and over while at least I can understand that situation it's often no more enjoyable.

While I appreciate good equipment, a good library and a good mix, I love to be among a bunch of singers hooting it up and having a good old time and not worrying too much about anything regarding the equipment, the mix, the brand of the Disc being used or the like!

Big Dog often chastised KJ's for making business decisions to GET/DO things in light of the fact that it is ONLY KARAOKE! He felt, on the other hand, that everything should be "top notch" for karaoke. Not everyone agreed with that premise or what is "top notch"

So... different strokes for different folks, different crowds, different venues, and different towns. Perhaps if you're the only form of live entertainment in Bumfalls, AK, karaoke is an ART FORM?