KJ's Place in the rotation

[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

[karaoke koyote]

Actually, I think this depends on the host. I think that as the night progresses the host can "mix it up" a bit with certain set piece songs... either for their comedy value, or as group montages.

I actually get requests from my regulars to sings certain songs that mean something to them, or ones they would like to hear. For a goof, I'll do "the streak" , and get one of my regulars to do the reporter... Always gets a HUGE laugh and thunderous applause.

"Boondocks", by little big town. I get two of my lady regulars to help out with that song... always gets a great reaction... especially when we go acapella at the end.

Of course, once the rotation gets long, I'll bow out and just run the show, and goof off with the singers. I don't think that's something you can define... you have to "feel it" a bit based on what's happening.

I always close the show with "goodnight sweetheart" and thank everybody for coming out... and I get folks wanting to to "do it with me"... and while I may start off (with 1 or 2 singers ), I usually hand the microphone off to someone in the crowd and let it run out... Its a lot of fun when a bunch of folks come up (especially the non-singers) to dance "sha na na" style to the song... its a great finish to the evening for those who stayed.

The key is participation... even from the "non-singers"... but this is the way I do things... and it works very well for me... other KJ's may not find this appealing. Conversely, I couldn't NOT do it this way... it just seems so natural

I don't think of karaoke as a bunch of people getting together to sing... I think of it as a bunch of people getting together to actively enjoy music.

[bryant]

Originally Posted by karaoke koyote

Actually, I think this depends on the host. I think that as the night progresses the host can "mix it up" a bit with certain set piece songs... either for their comedy value, or as group montages.

I actually get requests from my regulars to sings certain songs that mean something to them, or ones they would like to hear. For a goof, I'll do "the streak" , and get one of my regulars to do the reporter... Always gets a HUGE laugh and thunderous applause.

"Boondocks", by little big town. I get two of my lady regulars to help out with that song... always gets a great reaction... especially when we go acapella at the end.

Of course, once the rotation gets long, I'll bow out and just run the show, and goof off with the singers. I don't think that's something you can define... you have to "feel it" a bit based on what's happening.

I always close the show with "goodnight sweetheart" and thank everybody for coming out... and I get folks wanting to to "do it with me"... and while I may start off (with 1 or 2 singers ), I usually hand the microphone off to someone in the crowd and let it run out... Its a lot of fun when a bunch of folks come up (especially the non-singers) to dance "sha na na" style to the song... its a great finish to the evening for those who stayed.

The key is participation... even from the "non-singers"... but this is the way I do things... and it works very well for me... other KJ's may not find this appealing. Conversely, I couldn't NOT do it this way... it just seems so natural

I don't think of karaoke as a bunch of people getting together to sing... I think of it as a bunch of people getting together to actively enjoy music.

Participation, in any form, is definitely the key. As we are considered the ONLY interactive and entertaining Hosts in this area, we always get called to start up Karaoke at the new bars or new places . Actually, a bar owner visited our show Sunday night and offered me a position on Thursday nights (forever), at a bar down the street, closer to my home (3/4 mile away). Got a requst for a wedding ($550) for this August 17. Happens all the time, we have zero advertising, don't want more work (but can handle a little more during summer) on a permanent basis.