KJ's Place in the rotation

[mindonstrike]

Originally Posted by gd123

Well, since it's all about the "Singers," I don't mind giving a little "Free" overtime...many times...about 90 minutes without pay.

Let's see...a 4 hour show with 30 singers and 3 songs per singer is 90 Songs. The KJ will, most likely, get 3 songs, too. At 4 minutes per song, the KJ will have taken up 12 minutes in 4 hours...LOL.

The problem here is you are expecting your singers to overlook the appearence of the KJ singing every round even when it's busy, but noticeing the substance of the fact you are going overtime, working for free, and it's a net gain for them.
It's been my experience that people who are drinking, people who go to bars and people in general are more likely to notice "appearence" over "substance". You've also got a lot of folks who won't stay to take advantage of that extra time, they've got babysitter issues or they work in the morning or whatever so they need to leave by some certain time.

With my 30 to 90 minutes FREE OT, I dare any Venue or Singer or KJ to tell me that I'm hogging the show.

For every guy who argues with your policies there will be a number of people who won't say anything and you won't get the opportunity to explain the logic behind them. I rarely get appreciation for running overtime (most don't know or care) but I have gotten a number of comments over the years from people who appreciate that I don't sing when it's busy.

Whatever works for you and your crowds.
This has worked well for me and mine.

Sam

[karaoke koyote]

Originally Posted by mindonstrike

The problem here is you are expecting your singers to overlook the appearence of the KJ singing every round even when it's busy, but noticeing the substance of the fact you are going overtime, working for free, and it's a net gain for them.
It's been my experience that people who are drinking, people who go to bars and people in general are more likely to notice "appearence" over "substance". You've also got a lot of folks who won't stay to take advantage of that extra time, they've got babysitter issues or they work in the morning or whatever so they need to leave by some certain time.

For every guy who argues with your policies there will be a number of people who won't say anything and you won't get the opportunity to explain the logic behind them. I rarely get appreciation for running overtime (most don't know or care) but I have gotten a number of comments over the years from people who appreciate that I don't sing when it's busy.

Whatever works for you and your crowds.
This has worked well for me and mine.

Sam

I think what it comes down to is: am I entertaining, or do I think I'm being entertaining?

The only way to verfiy that is whether or not your singers come back every week, and do they bring friends? If the answer is yes, keep doing it. If the answer is no... stop.

There's no argurment... some hosts can do this well, others can't. Period the end.

So far, my singers come back, and they bring friends. I make it a point to get people involved, and have fun, and don't take myself too seriously. You want to stand behind the table all night and collect slips, more power to ya, if that's working. Personally, I enjoy getting out on the floor and talking to people... I couldn't do it any other way. There's nothing more rewarding than getting that "shy" person to pop their Karaoke cherry and become a regular singer. If I've got to sing with them and hold their hand the first time, then that's what I do. The karaoke community loves to find newbies and bring them "into the fold". That's how your business grows... that's how you get the private gigs... because people see you're personable, and easy to approach.

That's the difference between a "host" and a "KJ". Any monkey can change disks/ work a computer, and introduce the next singer. A host remembers that besides the singers, there are others that come for the entertainment, and if thay doesn't happen they won't be back. You can't keep a gig on going if the bar isn't making money. That means non-singers need to be there as well. I choose my song not based on what I want to sing per say, but what is happening in the bar... sometimes the crowd needs to to get perked up. Singing or doing something silly can get a good laugh and "break it up" a bit.

There may be someone wanting to sing, but with someone else, and the don't have a willing partner. How will they know your willing if you don't sing? How can you expand what you sing, if you don't sing?

Are people laughing/ hugging you shaking your hand at the end of the night? Are they saying they can't wait to come back next week???

Sell drinks, entertain, and keep your singers happy and coming back. I don't think that's going to happen if all you're doing is changing songs and introducing the next singer all night. Boooorrring!

[wildnights1]

Originally Posted by karaoke koyote

I think what it comes down to is: am I entertaining, or do I think I'm being entertaining?

The only way to verfiy that is whether or not your singers come back every week, and do they bring friends? If the answer is yes, keep doing it. If the answer is no... stop.

There's no argurment... some hosts can do this well, others can't. Period the end
You can't keep a gig on going if the bar isn't making money. That means non-singers need to be there as well.

Sell drinks, entertain, and keep your singers happy and coming back. I don't think that's going to happen if all you're doing is changing songs and introducing the next singer all night. Boooorrring!

Exactly, you have to entertain and listen to what the patrons want, and sometimes it may be you singing and sometimes it may be you not sining.
Also, you have to let the people know what else goes on at this venue, that way you are bringing in business even when you are not there..
You have to get into the action, talk with people, find out whay THEY want, and give it to them (within reason).

[gd123]

12 minutes of 240 minutes...I'm still ROTFLMAO.

I'm still ROTFLMAO.

It appears that karaoke koyote is the only one running a S H O W...not mindless, by the numbers, KARAOKE, and is why I get paid MORE than any other KJ in this city...because I have a SHOW...like KJ hosts used to run when Karaoke first came on the scene.

It's why the patrons KEEP COMING BACK, which is the difference between SUBSTANCE and APPERANCE.

I don't have time for any Singer who complains...no matter the reason.

Kind of like the 2 Singers who have to stick their finger in their ear to get on key and expect you, the KJ, to buy and set up a floor monitor when the other 28 Singers have no problem. Not going to happen...ever.

I'm just like "Other" businesses in that respect...if the majority of people aren't complaining; it's not worth fixing.

[madjim- with the Lord]

Originally Posted by gd123

Kind of like the 2 Singers who have to stick their finger in their ear to get on key and expect you, the KJ, to buy and set up a floor monitor when the other 28 Singers have no problem. Not going to happen...ever.

I used audio monitors for years as a musician. They are a standard part of any pro sound/stage setup. Keeping up with an audio monitor mix may be more than some folks want to deal with but it helps the singers stay in tune which makes the show sound better.

I have one place where I don't use an audio monitor because it is too small. I turn the mains in a little.

There are many different types of shows. If a Karaoke Host is getting paid on a regular basis, they must be doing something right.

Jim

[CerealKiller]

I sing first I make sure everything sounds good most of the time there is only one or two people to start cause i get here early and if someone turns in a slip I start. I do think its a good idea to take yourself out if the rotation gets big which I do all the time. I do get alot of requests to sing songs for someone so I don't always take myself out but it is a good idea.

[wildnights1]

I start at the time the management has hired me for, whether there is anybody there with a slip or not.The one venue I do we start at 10PM and go until 2AM.Quite often, there is very few people until 11,so I will have some fun trying out some songs that I'd like to work on, and this gives the few that are there a chance to see that I'm not there to be "perfect" and it will even encourage some people to try it out, then they get more courage for when there are more people there, and what do you know, another regular singer has evolved.
Have fun or go home!!

[karaoke koyote]

Originally Posted by gd123

I'm still ROTFLMAO.

It appears that karaoke koyote is the only one running a S H O W...not mindless, by the numbers, KARAOKE, and is why I get paid MORE than any other KJ in this city...because I have a SHOW...like KJ hosts used to run when Karaoke first came on the scene.

It's why the patrons KEEP COMING BACK, which is the difference between SUBSTANCE and APPERANCE.

I don't have time for any Singer who complains...no matter the reason.

Kind of like the 2 Singers who have to stick their finger in their ear to get on key and expect you, the KJ, to buy and set up a floor monitor when the other 28 Singers have no problem. Not going to happen...ever.

I'm just like "Other" businesses in that respect...if the majority of people aren't complaining; it's not worth fixing.

I don't try to make anyone happy but myself. I've tried to put together the system I want to sing on. When I KJ, I try to be the host that I would like to go see. This is for fun, and I try not to get too serious about it. I don't care if the lady or guy can't sing, as long as they are having fun... I thank them for coming up, and paying me the ultimate compliment... having a good time at my show.

[Vinny]

At one of the bars I work they have a dart league that plays first. The person who comes in second for that night is the first singer. I don't sing that first rotation, but after that, when I sing, people know that the rotation is starting again.

[Stefan]

Originally Posted by karaoke koyote

I think what it comes down to is: am I entertaining, or do I think I'm being entertaining?

The only way to verfiy that is whether or not your singers come back every week, and do they bring friends? If the answer is yes, keep doing it. If the answer is no... stop.

There's no argurment... some hosts can do this well, others can't. Period the end.

So far, my singers come back, and they bring friends. I make it a point to get people involved, and have fun, and don't take myself too seriously. You want to stand behind the table all night and collect slips, more power to ya, if that's working. Personally, I enjoy getting out on the floor and talking to people... I couldn't do it any other way. There's nothing more rewarding than getting that "shy" person to pop their Karaoke cherry and become a regular singer. If I've got to sing with them and hold their hand the first time, then that's what I do. The karaoke community loves to find newbies and bring them "into the fold". That's how your business grows... that's how you get the private gigs... because people see you're personable, and easy to approach.

That's the difference between a "host" and a "KJ". Any monkey can change disks/ work a computer, and introduce the next singer. A host remembers that besides the singers, there are others that come for the entertainment, and if thay doesn't happen they won't be back. You can't keep a gig on going if the bar isn't making money. That means non-singers need to be there as well. I choose my song not based on what I want to sing per say, but what is happening in the bar... sometimes the crowd needs to to get perked up. Singing or doing something silly can get a good laugh and "break it up" a bit.

There may be someone wanting to sing, but with someone else, and the don't have a willing partner. How will they know your willing if you don't sing? How can you expand what you sing, if you don't sing?

Are people laughing/ hugging you shaking your hand at the end of the night? Are they saying they can't wait to come back next week???

Sell drinks, entertain, and keep your singers happy and coming back. I don't think that's going to happen if all you're doing is changing songs and introducing the next singer all night. Boooorrring!

In Australia.... If you are a host that is a superb singer and entertaining, the punters (patrons) don't care. We have a tall poppy syndrome down here. If the best they will cut you down. If you are the worst, they will lift you up. The punters love it when someone sounds terrible. I have some world class singers follow my show because of the quality, and the punters don't even clap. When a crap singer has a go, there is a standing ovation. Karaoke to me is for people who can't sing. As soon as you have a good singer singing to karaoke it becomes a different ball game. It then is a solo performer with backing music, not karaoke. People down here don't want to hear the host sing, even if there are no singers. The host, if they are good singers, should have another show (not karaoke) just for them to sing at. Then you can build a fan base and make your life more rewarding. You have the gear, practice at home and be the star you aspire to be and get out there and do some real gigs. There is nothing worse than a host singing at his own karaoke gig.

[bryant]

Originally Posted by Stefan

In Australia.... If you are a host that is a superb singer and entertaining, the punters (patrons) don't care. We have a tall poppy syndrome down here. If the best they will cut you down. If you are the worst, they will lift you up. The punters love it when someone sounds terrible. I have some world class singers follow my show because of the quality, and the punters don't even clap. When a crap singer has a go, there is a standing ovation. Karaoke to me is for people who can't sing. As soon as you have a good singer singing to karaoke it becomes a different ball game. It then is a solo performer with backing music, not karaoke. People down here don't want to hear the host sing, even if there are no singers. The host, if they are good singers, should have another show (not karaoke) just for them to sing at. Then you can build a fan base and make your life more rewarding. You have the gear, practice at home and be the star you aspire to be and get out there and do some real gigs. There is nothing worse than a host singing at his own karaoke gig.

Stefan, we are finally in real strong agreement. I agree with everything stated above. I wish it was this way a little more in the States, too. But the biggest complaint I do get about the other hosts is that "it's all about themselves", which simply means they probably sing at their shows when there is no need to.

[madjim- with the Lord]

Originally Posted by bryant

.....they probably sing at their shows when there is no need to.

If a karaoke show is for the singers, there is little need for the host to sing. If a show is about the host singing, then the host should dump the karaoke and use the karaoke tracks as background tracks, putting their focus on being a lead singer who sings a four hour show by themselves, the way professional singers do it.

There is nothing wrong with the karaoke host singing to get things started but once everybody is singing, there is no need for the host to sing past that point, in my opinion.

No offense to anyone, just my two cents worth.

Jim

[marklwood]

Originally Posted by madjim

If a karaoke show is for the singers, there is little need for the host to sing.
There is nothing wrong with the karaoke host singing to get things started but once everybody is singing, there is no need for the host to sing past that point, in my opinion.

No offense to anyone, just my two cents worth.

Jim

Right on Jim. I did my time on the road as an entertainer. I don't need to be the center of attention. Most people don't go out to karaoke to hear someone else sing, they are just polite enough to put up with everyone else until it's their turn. Don't get me wrong, I still sing occasionally. Usually to start the night out or end the show if the crowd peters out. I just don't feel like me getting up and trying to be "THE MAN" is what I'm there for. If I wanted to be the star, I'd still be on the road.

[bryant]

Originally Posted by madjim

There is nothing wrong with the karaoke host singing to get things started Jim

That's the going theory and seems acceptable. I am always able to get someone else to start the show, they get to feel special (that the host let THEM sing first), as they are announced as the "opening act". I don't believe (at least in my case) that if I sing first, people will get going as a result and create a special "want" to sing afterwards.

I now have people run up to me as soon as I walk in and ask to sing first.

[madjim- with the Lord]

Originally Posted by bryant

That's the going theory and seems acceptable. I am always able to get someone else to start the show, they get to feel special (that the host let THEM sing first), as they are announced as the "opening act". I don't believe (at least in my case) that if I sing first, people will get going as a result and create a special "want" to sing afterwards.

I now have people run up to me as soon as I walk in and ask to sing first.

Bryant,
We agree again. I have folks who like to sing first and of course I let them. I only sing to get things started if I have to. I prefer that the my singers sing every song, all night.

Jim