Karaoke Forums

Well the situation as it lies at the moment is that i think what i have undertaken is a huge task!

Basically i bought a complete set up from family, updated the setup as much as i possibly can and as far as i am concerned this is now a worthwhile venture.

Now i have updated, reprinted my books, had the business cards made and delivered the big task comes in...

How do i get the gigs ?

In my area there seems to be one person i know that does karaoke see the link and you might understand why i am a little daunted...

http://www.lemonrock.com/jewelentertainmentskaraoke

Now im younger (which im sure wont count in my favour) i have no experience of hosting a karaoke (however i have done plenty of discos) but i really wanna succeed here...

I just dont know how to go about it!

I havent really got a question but im basically worried i might have bitten off more than i can chew and the KJ above has already flooded my market area

Hmmm *ponders*

Being younger may be an advantage. Since you are younger you probably listen to and know the more current "popular" music, which can be a big benefit.


Perhaps the best thing to do would to go see one of your competitors shows, and see what you think is missing and try to fill in that gap.

Perhaps you could do a couple free/cheap shows to gain some experience and confidence.

Heck...Just jump in and see what happens.

I have seen more than one show and to be honest it offers everything i ever looked for in a karaoke (as a singer).

I would offer to do a free gig or two but im so worried she might show up and throw my concentration.

I have 1 gig at a fairly large sports and social club next Friday so that should give me an opportunity to get to grips with a rotation at least! (my father in law runs the place so its a freebie)

I am up to date with current music but karaoke as far as i am concerned is about music in general not just the top 40, i could sing you more than a few songs from the 50's onwards but people just see a 24 year old running a karaoke and assume its going to be cr*p.

I think im gunna phone a few people and see what happens...

I'm really not sure why you are worried about Jules showing up. So what if she does? Do your show and forget the rest. Be the best you can be. If she shows up, continue your show and don't let it bother you. Heck! She may just want to be a customer and not a host for a change. Help her to enjoy your show.
Try not to let her intimidate you. She's just another host, the same as you.
I constantly have other hosts show up at my shows and it doesn't other me a bit. In fact, I have a few repeat customers from afar who return every time they are in town. If I ever hit their town, I'll be sure to return the favour.
Your age could be an advantage, as someone else pointed out. Try not to be so hard on yourself before you've even started. Grab a positive outlook and go with it!
Good luck!

Hmmm

Good point...

Ill go for it, see what happens... I did just ring a couple of places t otry and catch somebody there but nobody seems to be available.

Im hoping that the more people i speak to that runs pubs and bars the more i can catch a gig off the wall kinda thing.

Time will tell

Thanks
Wayne

Also, she has 19 years experience and you're just starting out. It would be unrealistic to think you'd be on her level. As for getting gigs, the old two shoe express is the way to go. Personally go to venues and talk to the person in charge, usually the owner or manager. Don't talk to the staff as they are not the decision makers. You don't get gigs overnight, it takes time and effort.

_________________
You can be strange but not a stranger

I agree with you and my first port of call will be to go and speak to the "decision makers" i have a "talk to anybody" kind of personality so it hopefully wont be too difficult, music (in all forms) for me is a passion but the equipment i have needs to be paid for.

The karaoke isnt there to primarily make me money, just pay for itself and ill be happy.

I guess i know where im heading this weekend then!

Thanks for the help everyone!

Why worry about her when she could be your mate.
Talk to her.
Offer to help her out and let her take a cut.
She may have too much work and could sell on to you.

My advice is run a few shows to get comfortable doing it, no you wont be totally polished and you will make mistakes (even if no-one else notices them). I tried to plan as much as possible for the first shows, but still minor things went wrong. Run through setup and test the gear many times, preferably at the venue during a time when the venue is closed or nearly empty.

After your first couple shows, visit other shows to learn how it is done to improve your shows and to see what does not work.

An area may have room for more than one KJ just look at the target audience that the one karaoke show already caters to well, and then attempt to get a different clientelle interested in different genres of music. Both shows could end up being highly sucessful.

If you're worried about your competition watching you, play gigs that aren't any threat to her business. Practice for your family and friends at home, go play at a nursing home, etc.

The old people may not come up to sing, but they will try to sing along from where they're sitting and some of the staff may just get up and dance or sing with just a bit of encouragement. Guaranteed you'll make somebody's day if you do a few of those and you'll still get practice with your gear.