How Are Economic Changes Effecting Your Karaoke Business At The Start Of 2009?

[madjim- with the Lord]

Originally Posted by madjim

Where are you located and how are the present economic changes effecting your Karaoke business at the start of 2009?

I host karaoke in South Georgia USA. At one place where I hosted karaoke for over two years I had to stop. Their lunch business fell off and I acquired a large group of water drinkers that helped kill the karaoke. Here is the thread on the water drinkers:

http://forum.mtu.com/showthread.php?t=10633

I started working a bigger room but there was very little business. It's been a slow start but the karaoke is picking up nicely. At one club where I work weekly there has been little change other than having to close an hour earlier. At another place we are getting a later crowd.

I've also been putting off buying some new songs. My belt is pulled up tight but I'm still breathing.

I'm very thankful for the opportunity to entertain for a living and I'm not complaining but I feel I can safely say that this turn of events was set in motion by The United State's sluggish economy. Some of us may have to make adjustments and some may not but either way I know GOD has it under control and will keep us going no matter the economic changes.

I'm just curious, how are things in your back yard or across the pond? Anybody else seeing changes in their business?

Jim

I just lost the "bigger room" but made enough money last weekend playing guitar and singing to place an order for some new CD+G discs.

Before this gig went down, the club owner made me the most well know Karaoke host in town by advertising my show on the radio. Now folks who don't go in the bars know about Mad Jim's Karaoke. We even did two, two hour live broadcasts giving away $93 (93.9 FM) the second week. (Has anybody ever broadcast karaoke or heard karaoke on the radio before?)

I lost a gig but I paid off one credit card before it went down so I don't need as much income to keep things going. Also I now have my Wednesday nights off to spend with my wife who I love dearly. Wednesdays might become date night. All things around here aren't booming but they haven't stopped either. The other two places I host karaoke are very busy. GOD's keeping me going.

Two places are waiting to hear from me if something opens up, which it just did but man.......date nights sure are alot of fun!

Jim

[muzicman144]

Sounds great Jim. Quality is always in demand no matter what profession. I'm truely sorry to hear some of the hard times. I hope things get better for all during these times. Fortunately, I have had the best first few months of a long career. But, I travel to Florida and entertain the snowbirds and work 5-6 nights a week for 6 months. But my regular road work is holding up, so, i won't see much change due to economics. Been playing a regular circuit for years thank goodness.
I have noticed the better KJ's are staying busy while those less talented or i should say, those less prepared, are struggleing to find one night. Its tough, but, it should show those that need to get better either do it, or get out.
Muzicman

[madjim- with the Lord]

I to hate to hear that folks are having a hard time too. Like you I'm getting plenty of work on the weekends playing guitar and singing. Only Wendesdays have been mushy and I still got a bunch of plubicity PLUS GOT PAID! What I'm tryin to say in a round about way is that everything is working out even though I'm having to make some changes.

IT'S ALL GOOD!

Jim

[muzicman144]

Jim, This is why most professionals work hard at every job. The results allow you to do exactly as you are doing. Choose what, when, and how much. Its great to be in charge and not at the mercy of some who don't care. Congratulations to you, enjoy "date night".
By The Way, talked to Billy Joe the other day, he's great except his eyesight is no good. Interestingly, He said he cannot sing to tracks as his timing is so bad he has to have a band that will "double clutch" him back in time. He is certaingly a nice guy.
Muzicman

[madjim- with the Lord]

Originally Posted by muzicman144

By The Way, talked to Billy Joe the other day, he's great except his eyesight is no good. Interestingly, He said he cannot sing to tracks as his timing is so bad he has to have a band that will "double clutch" him back in time. He is certaingly a nice guy.

Billy is a true entertainer. I'll bet he keeps on performing until he just can't do it anymore. While getting ready to do the show with him. we talked and I really enjoyed hearing his stories. The one about Elvis's band complaining was so real.

I'm glad to hear he's doing okay and that you are getting plenty of work.

Have a great day!

Jim

[bryant]

Originally Posted by muzicman144

I have noticed the better KJ's are staying busy while those less talented or i should say, those less prepared, are struggleing to find one night. Its tough, but, it should show those that need to get better either do it, or get out.
Muzicman

Yeah, up here in Maine, I've lost a few gigs to the really "lousy" DJ's because they charge a lot less and the bar owners will take the lower price so THEY can make more. The patrons complain to me about "What are doing, why are they treatin' you like this, what are they, Stupid?? They complain to the bar owner too, but up here even the really lousy KJ's will work if they charge less.

[ddouglass]

If those owners get enough complaints and people stop coming in they will get the message. You get what you pay for.

[bryant]

Originally Posted by ddouglass

If those owners get enough complaints and people stop coming in they will get the message. You get what you pay for.

yeah, you're right. But it's different here than in the "big" states. You'll see a "****" DJ come in and play for nuttin', the house is still packed, people will complain to me about it and say "I'm not coming next week if you're not her", but they still come regardless. I think that's because MOST people in Maine do not pay there own bills, it comes from other taxpayers like us, and we're talking MOST people, not just a small percentage. However, I'm not complaining, just keep rollin'. I still have five gigs a week, my wife has two, and we both have full-time jobs, and a house payment of 225 a month that was paid upo 15 years ago.

[billyo]

things are getting rough here in so.fla. i've been hearing form other kj's that there's a lot of new kj's sprouting out, and they're are going around bars/ retaurants trying to undercut seasoned kj's, i've been getting offers from diff.places and i've been turning it down, i've been giving it to other kj's, that make their living doing karaoke.( most of them are friends of mine ) and i know that they need it more than me. ( it's just a hobby for me ) i only do private parties for now, just like Jim siad it gives me more time to spend my idled time with my 3 yr. old daughter.who can't get enough singing and watching Hanna Montana shows on tv

[capnvic]

We have been seeing a downturn in restaurant businesses. So alot of places that had Karaoke, are out of business now or business is bad that they have to cut the karaoke part out... The other part about newer KJ's undercutting the more seasoned and experienced KJ's is also true.... Some are doing a gig for almost nothing...If you're going to do it for almost nothing than you are hurting everyone, to include your own clients....Certainly a sad state indeed.