Karaoke Forums

Hope you'll let this play out.
I read this forum with great interest, thanks for all you help on here I'm starting to learn about my equipment at last, but something is bothering me greatly. Some (most) of you have gigs where you're really busy, even mid week!!!! How? I mean over here some of the bars (pubs) that have been there for over 100 years are being closed, and it's country wide. City centres are holding up well, but large towns are seeing bars being closed almost on a monthly basis. More custom for the ones that stay open you might think. Nope! Most are just bumping along hardly making any money at all, with hardly anyone in them. Why do you think that your bars are so full of eager karaoke singers, with rotation issues?!!!!!!!!! In my town there are a few places that have karaoke on but none are really busy. Is it that there are too many on in the town in one night? One on Thurday, three on Friday, and four on a Saturday night. Do you have this sort of competition on your nights or are you the only one around for miles?

That is a good question. One I have pondered myself.

I do 2 weekly karaoke gigs. Tues and Thurs night. Different venues. Both of them are PACKED, especially my Thurs night one. We had so many people in there tonight that I barely had a chance to breathe. It is consistently busy there every Thurs night. I do think I had something to do with it because it was extremely slow before I started hosting karaoke there.

There are A TON of kjs in my town. I don't live in a big city either. Matter of fact, there is another karaoke show on Thurs night less than a block away from me. He has his people, and I have mine.

Every week when I host my show and I see the place packed and I have a full rotation, I just become very thankful because I know that awful, dreadful feeling of hosting a show where there is NOBODY in attendance. That is the worst thing ever. I've had my share of those too in other places.

The main reason I can give you why my shows are packed out every week can be summed up as:

I MAKE IT AS "FUN" AS POSSIBLE

I have found that if you do everything possible to make the people who come out HAVE FUN and enjoy themselves, they will come back... and it builds from there. Of course there are other specific reasons why people come back, but that is my game plan in a nutshell. It's been working for me so I am gonna stick with it.

It is very true about "Fun". Of course lots of people often come out to just watch other people sing it to just listen to music. So keep it flowing even if it is slow. Do a contest, give always, etc.. It's funny where I am at because I have grown so popular that they are getting rid of bands to give me another night because I am more popular!

THIS.

In my area, the dying KJ's are the "Name Callers". Boring and completely devoid of personality. They sit on their a$$ and you only hear them speak to call somebody's name. Then they are baffled why the guy across the street has a bigger crowd and is charging more for his services.

So many think that music and a PA makes you a KJ.

Not so.

Crazyface,

I think if everyone were being honest, they'd admit that karaoke does not and can not make or break a bar. You still have to have a semi-clean, well-run, place with good bartenders/servers, competitively-priced drinks, and good food in a GOOD LOCATION!

These recessionary times tend to separate the weak from the strong when it comes to restaurants and bars. When things are going great and the general public has more discretionary income to throw around, it's easy to be a profitable business. When the purse strings get tight, and consumers have to budget where their money goes, the lower-quality bars and restaurants are the ones that lose out.

Karaoke can ENHANCE a bar, but I've been around long enough to be humbled to the fact that karaoke can't save a bar. Owners seem to think that it's our job to get new business to take the first step in the door, but I'd disagree.

I've always looked at my job as a KJ to KEEP people in the bar and give new people a reason to come back. I go out of my way to talk to anyone that's new to my karaoke and convince them to come back. About 2% of those new karaoke singers become regulars to the bar, not only on karaoke nights, but on non-karaoke nights, and though that sounds like a low #, the economic impact to the bar is HUGE. I have about 10 karaoke regulars from my first karaoke gig in May 2004 that followed me to my current gig in December 2004. For the past 8+ years, they all come to the bar I lead them to 3-4 days a week for 5-6 hours at a time. That alone goes a long way in justifying my pay.

I live in a large beach town where there is plenty of competition on any given night. There are probably 50-60 karaoke shows within a 15-20 mile radius of mine.

I work Wednesdays and Saturday nights. Saturdays have been consistently busy, but are probably about 10-15% less busy overall than it was 4-5 years ago.

Wednesdays are hit or miss. Some nights, there's 150 people and a 15-20 person rotation, but there have also been a handful of nights when there is NO rotation until 11ish and 3-4 total singers all night, with 15-20 people in the whole bar.

Overall, I'd say business on my karaoke nights was down about 30-40% throughout 2007-2008, and has been SLOWLY climbing back, but is still down about 10-15% from 2004-2006 levels.

All that rambling to say that most of the time, a bar that is going to work out as a karaoke venue, especially a mid-week show, is one that is already structurally sound without the karaoke. If you are in a venue that has problems and thinks karaoke is going to "save" whatever night, find a better venue.

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C Mc
KJ, FL

The economy has caused a big hit to some areas. The population centers with enough businesses to keep more people employed still seem to be cranking on their shows. In the more isolated rural areas the bars cut their hours and karaoke was basically subsidizing the rest of the week. But even so attendance wasn't what it was in the hey dey. I can look at the song slips of those who used to be regulars and count how many moved away in search of employment or had to take a swingshift or graveyard job so they couldn't come anymore. It seems to be picking up a bit now but for a while it was pretty grim.

I'd like to echo Vince Prince's comments... It's all about having fun. But it's more than that too. As the host, I believe it is you who bears most of the responsibility for creating the atmosphere... Here's an example.

At the venue where I host on Saturday nights, we've been averaging about 40 singers for the past several months, not to mention a substantial number of non-singers. Yet, the hosting team in the same venue on Friday nights are very lucky if they get a dozen... More often than not, they attract about 6 to 8.

One would think they would hold distinct advantages over me...
They (wife & husband team) are relatively young, perhaps early 30's, and attractive... while I'm ancient (68) and ugly. They've been at that venue for 7+ years. I've been there two. They have little or no competition in the town on Friday evenings. We are but one of three, perhaps four, venues operating within a couple of miles on Saturday nights.

So.... why the huge difference in clientele numbers? I suspect the following.

The husband sits on a chair the whole evening and operates the equipment, while the wife tends to sit at a table with a few of her girlfriends when she's not singing or outside smoking.

The wife (who is an excellent singer) tends to sing about three songs for every one that a guest might sing.

They do not respect any kind of structured rotation... and tend to call up whomever they want, whenever they want, or at least that's the way it appears.

They do not use the audience screen/monitor.... a 32" flat screen that I purchased and installed for the crowd's convenience.... even though I've offered them to use it.

I have yet to hear either one of them joke with any of their singers or audience members...

Having said all that, I'll admit that I've only attended three of their shows... and definitely didn't stay the whole evening... so perhaps I just caught them at bad times.

On the other hand...
I am almost fanatical about the rotation... It's posted for all to see, and I stick to it. There has to be a very good reason to deviate from the list, and even then, I make sure the crowd knows the reason for any change.

Obviously, I use the audience screen.

I'm always dishing out compliments where they are warranted, and joking with the singers and audience. I can be, and often am a little risque... but never gross, if you know what I mean.

I always have those huge birthday cards on hand to have signed by everyone whenever there's a birthday in the crowd.

I don't use my stool very much. I'm on my feet about 90% of the time. Being on your feet projects energy.

If I sing, it's only one song, and only at the end of the rotation.

Many hosts tend to open their shows by singing a song or two... (or three or four or five) for "mic checks".... (yeah right.) I'll have two or three folks who may have arrived early do the singing, while I wander out front to hear the sound, and to tweak the volumes, EQs, etc.

So, there's my long-winded take on helping to make your show more successful.... There are other things... many of which have been covered in this forum... but these are a fairly decent start.

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Earl
(BS, PHD & Certified CurmuDJeon)

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

Plain to see everyone here agrees, host personality goes a long ways. I did a gig two weeks ago at a new venue, little bit of a rough crowd, everyone had fun, some awesome singers, some others like me with a bit of talent and few that you could tell were new and shy. They called me a few days later and asked me to come back on the 23rd.

Then a few days ago on fb, I received a private message from the owner's wife. "Hi Bob, I know this is VERY short notice, but just wondering if you are busy this weekend. People have been blowing up the phone wondering when you're going to be back! Thanks!
" I was free this Saturday so I took it.

Thing is, I believe I've been asked back for the same reasons everyone has been talking about. Be personable, be friendly, I do give away goofy little gifts with a grab bag game, I randomly hand out cracker jack surprises, and of course, the cherry on the top (equating to great equipment and decent selection). Don't be a turd on the seat! (Yes, I always have a seat due to my old tired high arches but only use it about 10% of the time)

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KingBing Entertainment C'mon Up! I have a song for you!!! [font=MS Sans Serif][/font]

So many factors are involved where location plays a role, perception of the overall area, the bars ability to give good service and most importantly as everyone keeps saying. The host is the biggest draw. Too many karaoke host just set up and sit there doing nothing.

There are even Kj's that had much to learn, yet stepped out of the gate with over $10k invested into their system and just the sound alone drew people to them because it was superior to many other systems in their area. Almost too many factors to count. Yet agree with many that the way you present yourself / sell yourself is your greatest weapon for success.

MADPROAUDIO ~ EX MILITARY DISABLED ~ FAMILY OWNED COMPANY

https://www.facebook.com/madproaudio.cleveland

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MADPROAUDIO ~ DISABLED VETERAN ~ FAMILY OWNED COMPANY

all great answers, make sure you are consistent in whatever you do in your show. we run 30+ singers on a Wednesday in a venue with a cap of 85. we joke with the patrons, good sound doesn't make or break a show, but it sure helps, and we are consistent. they know if they come back what they will get.
just don't consistently be that "you're lucky i'm here for you to be able to sing" host.

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Paradigm Karaoke, The New Standard.......Shift Happens

So is the answer to the OP that the reason pubs are closing all over and attendance is down is that there are no good karaoke hosts in his country? Maybe the time is ripe to book passage....

Yep. This has been my experience as well.

I've received calls from bar or restaurant managers asking me to provide karaoke for them. When I check the place out, I find that they are on their last leg. Basically have hardly any customers at all and the manager or owner is trying to make a last ditch effort at bringing in business. They think karaoke will do it.

Every time I was put in that situation, I failed. It always ended up with me standing there playing music and singing to myself in an empty room all night long. I HATE that scenario with a passion. It's the worst feeling ever. After experiencing that too many times, I just don't even accept those kinds of jobs anymore.

If the venue doesn't have something worthwhile going for itself with some type of established customer base already, then I'm not fooling with them. I can only enhance what is already there. If nothing is there, don't call me expecting me to create sales and customers for you.

I've been considering retiring from my main gig completely this month.

There is no advertising anymore, the staff doesn't support the few local 20-something drunks that shout out the same songs weekly, and i'm tired of babysitting them too, . They never tip the servers, and seem to order only one or two drinks in 4 hours (non-alcoholic or alcoholic) and never order food. There are 2 large groups of 10-12 "kids" that come in every week.

It KILLS the potential for any tourists singing since these regulars like to SCREAM their songs. Mostly i turn OFF their mics and they don't even know it. Ugh.

Problem is, they are outside friends with the owner and with the main bartenders there and seem to feel entitled to sing and don't feel it necessary to tip the servers or the kj.

The past 8 years there were good. Now the place is nearly empty by 12am due to not only those annoying singers, but nearby bars/restaurants that sell $1-2 beers when ours are still $4-5. Pitchers down the street are $3 at one place, whereas our are still $10 on special.

Have spoken to the owner several times...doesn't get it or seem to notice or care that this bar is dying a slow death.....but he owns 4 more bars here, is pretty rich, and doesn't want to fix anything since his bartenders and mgrs are happy. The servers keep quitting and are quickly replaced by unsuspecting kids.

Think i'm going for a new gig down the street. New classy restaurant. Wants to try a monday night thing. Gonna lose 2 nights a week, but maybe it'll preserve my sanity!

Johnny, when hosting karaoke isn't fun anymore it is DEFINITELY time to move on. That is what I did. I recently filled in at my old "Pub" and I will have to admit it was nice to be back. I had minimal aggravation that evening so all was good.

Attendance was not a problem since I still have all of my email contacts (over 300 in the list) and when I got there they told me that they had all the tables reserved by Tuesday night (my show was Saturday). They also told me they turned down nearly 100 reservations. If you walked in without a reservation you could not find a seat all night.

Good thread - I love hearing what other people do to enhance the karaoke experience for their crowd!

My current gig fell into my lap when a friend asked me to go with him and another friend to the bar he hung out at. I went and found myself in a dive bar along a busy highway. There were lots of cars going by which was great, but I almost couldn't see the place because the parking lot was so dark and the sign outside was so small.

I went in and there were some good things -- a lot of nice woodwork done by the owner and three pool tables in decent shape, but the place didn't even have a jukebox playing. At 9 PM on Friday night the bar was occupied by myself, the friend, his friend and the bar tender. After we were there for awhile - a couple of other guys came in and when I left at 10:30 bar attendance had peaked at a total of 6 people in the bar. I pitched the possibility of doing the gig to the bartender and have been very fortunate to at least have found a very patient owner. I'm trying to talk him into buying some new fluorescent lights for his outside sign and make some other upgrades over the course of time. The bartender is very supportive of karaoke and likes to sing herself (and she's pretty good) which definitely doesn't hurt. I come in and set up my show late on Thursday night and am starting to get a couple of non-singers interested in singing karaoke since the bar is near empty when I set up and I let them practice in a low pressure atmosphere while I sound check my equipment.

The show has grown somewhat - nowhere near what I'd like, and it has probably been hurt because a popular host just down the street has started doing a Friday Night show, but at least things are still a lot better than what they were doing even on my worst nights.

I've had those nights where I was there singing and talking to maybe 15 people at the peak of the evening with maybe 1-2 other people in the rotation all night, but at least most of the people who did come in the door ended up staying most if not all night.

I seem to be attracting a regular crowd of non-singers who come early to drink and stay and listen to the filler I play between songs and now at least a few singers are occasionally coming in to sing as well since they have an audience and a small rotation.

I've taken to regularly studying Billboard magazine so when things are really slow I can do an old school type of DJ bit where I give the name, the artist and position of the newer filler songs on the charts that week. It's not much, but at least it gives me something to keep talking to the crowd about and I think some of the older people even enjoy hearing some of the newer music and knowing what it is. I am going to try and learn more trivia about my older filler as well so I can talk more about that with people on those slow nights.

Last night was a terrific night and I had a few singers I'd never seen before (a couple of who were really good) tell me they would definitely be back. We'll see how that plays out, but it was nice to hear.

I think these days you have to cultivate the first time singers into regulars. I only required slips for first time singers. On the slip I had spots for email and facebook address and a check box for contact with future events? Many times the first time singers wouldn't fill it out which was fine. If they stayed and were having a good time, I would present the slip to them again and ask if they would like for me to keep them up to date on shows and future events. Most of they time they were very agreeable saying they were planning to come back so please do. If not I didn't push it. I think many times they PLAN to come back at that moment but with life, they sort of forget. Many times a subtle Facebook update would remind them. I think it takes at least three visits on average before they start remembering on their own, unless they came with a friend that is a regular. The keys are to not be pushy and to not be abusive with contacting them. But doing something similar can help turn possible regulars into regulars.

My wife literally forces some of our patrons to have a good, because sometimes they just don't know how to do it. To start with she loves to laugh and have fun, and our rule is "minimal drinking" on the job, which usually amounts to "no drinking". There is nothing worse than a sloppy drunk host.

Secondly my wife is very pretty and loves to go up to all the ladies and tell them how pretty they look tonight or compliment their purse or something to break the ice. Hugs and kisses are the norm and fun is MANDATORY. By the end of the night people are volunteering their emails to us. From there it just keeps growing and growing

With my wife's help I am able to concentrate on the technical aspects of giving the singers and listeners the best karaoke experience they have ever had, and try to erase any negative connotations they may have created in prior visits to a karaoke show. We ALL need to work on elevating karaoke to a more than "just another bunch of drunks singing poorly".

If you want to be be successful you need to look and act the part, and if you want to be treated with respect...then Do what it takes to be treated that way. Success does not come easily or quickly. Like Joe C says.....go to other shows and find out what they are do wrong and DON'T do that, then find out what they are doing right and DO that. My model was derived from the need to accommodate as many eager singers in an evening as possible and I strove to accomplish that. Then I strove to make their time on stage to be a "truly unforgettable experience". I also find that adding the ability play customer cd's and/or thumb drives (even though they are getting fewer and fewer) helps to boost the draw even more. As they say "every little bit helps".

With just a few key elements in place attendance was not an issue, because word of mouth took over.