Karaoke Forums

I've never been a full-time DJ or Karaoke Host, although I've been a part-time DJ, and lately KJ, off & on for close to 40 years.

I've been retired for several years and draw three pensions. Needless to say, my KJ activities are not my prime source of income.

Over the past 3 - 4 years, I've weaned myself off of wedding receptions ($750) and Private/Corporate DJ gigs ($495.) to concentrate on Karaoke. No more hustling for gigs. No more bridezillas.. No more playing some of the newer "music" that I absolutely detest. No more headaches.

I have a regular Thursday evening 4-hour KJ show in our little town (pop. less than 10,000), and a Saturday show in a nearby town of approx 30,000. These pay $200 and $175 respectively.

When I started doing Karaoke seven years ago, there was one other host in the area. In fact, that's the reason I got into Karaoke, .... because I had so many requests to include it in wedding receptions and corporate/private parties. Now, there are at least 6 or 7 KJ "businesses" within a 15-mile radius... and another half-dozen or more Disc Jockey businesses. Those are the ones I know of. There may be more.

I consider myself one lucky s.o.b. Two venues who are happy with my services... a great following, often exceeding 30 singers (and a record of over 50) per evening... many of whom have become good friends, and no need to hustle business.

Others have tried to undercut me, but they've been rejected by the venue operators who've adopted the "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" attitude.

Life is good.

_________________
Earl
(BS, PHD & Certified CurmuDJeon)

[font=Times New Roman]"Growing Old may be mandatory... but growing UP is still optional."[/font]

That's nothing. I work with Greek guy who does Greek weddings every weekend in New York. He makes $2500 minimum for the night, often more. He only works half the night because there is always a band as well. AND he splits all the money the family throws on the dance floor (its a Greek thing..."showering the couple" with money/prosperity). He had to buy a bill counter like they use in banks to count the cash at the end of the night. This is not an Aprils Fools joke! Now granted he has a HUGE system with video screens, moving head lighting, pays an assistant, etc, but still. He has had $5000+ weekends.

Believe me, after hearing his stories I wish I were Greek and had his connections.

Now we know why Greece is going broke...

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

All the rich ones moved to New York.

We charge for $200 typically, but sometimes will take a $150 job when we get desperate. We run into the regular cliche of problems:

"Well, there are other KJs who charge only $100!"
"They are running illegal software, playing illegal songs."
"$100 less than what you're charging is worth it."

Y'know, the ordinary. It amazes me just how many bar owners don't understand that they're just as responsible if the show is caught using illegal material.

Hi Roche Coach and welcome to the Karaoke Scene Forums! It would be nice if you could take a minute and introduce yourself here:
viewforum.php?f=16
Enjoy your stay