What is Karaoke? ... ( to you) - Karaoke Info

What is Karaoke? ... ( to you) - Karaoke Info

What is Karaoke? (To you)


Well I am not about to give a boring and intelligence insulting article about Japan and empty orchestras and a historical lecture but what I personally feel karaoke should be about. So firstly i would like to say what I feel Karaoke is NOT.

Karaoke is NOT a Singing competition (although many do have competitions and that’s great but not every karaoke night should be seen as a competition!)

Karaoke is NOT X factor (singers are normally much better on the whole than on x factor!)

Karaoke is NOT Horrendous wailing singers (but if you can’t sing who cares it’s about having fun!)

Karaoke is NOT only for Drunk people

Karaoke is NOT an insulting term

Karaoke is NOT dying out or tacky

Karaoke is NOT just for back street pubs but can work at Weddings and other classy high end events if done properly.


It can sometimes have elements of all the above but in my mind good Karaoke nights have none of these traits



Karaoke however is FUN! Too many get worried about how they sound rather than enjoying themselves, Karaoke is about letting your hair down and expressing yourself.

I as a host get as much pleasure seeing a singer, singing from the heart and mind who may not hit all the notes or be in the right key or lack timing BUT I feel what they feel as I do to the trained pros that occasionally frequent my nights, it is not just about vocal ability. It’s about having FUN and conveying emotion!

If you are worried about rotation and when you are up next and not listening to others, you are missing the point!
If you are terrified and worried about peoples reaction you again are missing the point, it is about enjoying the night and sharing others joy for music.

One great thing about Karaoke is the true diversity of music and songs in a night at a disco it’s unlikely that music would go from extremes genre changes as often as it does on Karaoke. If you have a genuine love of music and all genres Karaoke is a way to discover new genres hidden old gems and listen to favourite classics.

A good host encourages singers and creates a none hostile environment, The host will make sure the audience will clap and encourage you, a good host will also help if you wish for advice on what new songs to sing rather than you singing the same song every week but also support you if you are not confident enough to sing something new.

If you feel stressed after an evening of Karaoke, you are going the wrong places.
If you come away feeling on top of the world and eager for another night, you have been to any one of the quality hosts at KI

Keep on singing and remember it’s all about the fun!!

Rob Star Entertainments

How to behave at Karaoke shows and gain friends

How to behave at karaoke shows is as important as the singing so knowing the proper etiquette is quite important if you have never been to a karaoke show.

Many are used to singing at home on computer consoles on singing games and behave at shows as they would in their own homes often this will not win you friends at karaoke shows !!

1. When you walk in to a karaoke show do not expect to just walk straight on to the stage and sing!
Many will have been there before you and are waiting patiently for their turn, all good KJs (that’s the name for a karaoke host) have a rotation system this is a way of making sure everyone gets a fair share of microphone time.
It is much better to walk in get yourself a drink and get the lay of the land,. So be patient I know it’s exciting and you want to sing as soon as possible but this bit of restraint can stop you appearing like a karaoke diva.

2. Listen to others! whilst settling in, actually, properly listen to others singing even if you feel they are not the best singers show them encouragement, these people have had the guts to get up and when they sit down they will be the ones who will clap or not for you! So being encouraging is a circular thing.

Sing star may say your great at home but that’s just a game (and not always accurate) when singing at karaoke shows these people will be the ones clapping for you so be nice to them.

3.Show respect for singers , do not talk so loud that people cannot hear the singer or if your laugh is louder than a 1000watt pa system and off putting then that’s just plain rude.

Do not shout to your friends hey that’s my song! As you wanted to sing it, unless you get royalty cheques for being the song writer and original artist it is NOT your song.

If you can only sing that one song get in earlier and request it to the KJ no one but a raving ego wants to hear two versions of the same song close together so you will have to wait till much later in the night to sing your one song or simply chose something else to sing.

4. Do not just walk up and join in or grab the microphone off a singer or try to join in without the singers permission BEFORE they start the song, most KJs will have at least stern words with you, you may even be asked to leave, the singer will have waited patiently for their moment this is considered very rude.

5. Do not go up to the KJ and say the following

a)“put me up next I will get them all going “
No KJs won’t put you up next unless it’s your turn and often people who say this do get people going but out of the door and not going as in enjoying themselves.

b)“put me up next i have to go soon”
KJs are paid in the UK because of the money the bar takes so therefore KJs get paid if you stay if you are leaving and not buying why should we even consider putting you on, this is often a tactic to jump the queue ..KJs can see through this a mile away so don’t try this one

c) “Put me up next it’s for a special reason “again a queue jumping tactic which the KJ will see and note this.

d)” what do you want me to sing?” If you wish your ego to be flattered by the KJ and them to fawn over you saying oh please sing xxxx as i love you doing that one. Ask yourself what this sort of question tells you about yourself...No one likes a karaoke diva

e)”put a song on for me, you choose”
Unless the KJ has heard you sing many many times , knows what your range is and the type of artists and genres you sing this is a stupid thing to ask!

F). “when am i up next (when you have just sang and you do not need to leave)”
often people think that keep going up to the KJ and asking when I am up next somehow will jump them up the queue , sorry it will not , it just shows you to be a karaoke diva. Remember patience is the key!

6. When your name is called to the stage do not decide that now is a good time for a long chat with a friend or take a phone call or to have drink, do not walk up slowly hamming it up but get to the microphone in a timely fashion.

The quicker you can do this the more songs in a night a KJ can put on so you may be the one who gets to sing another because you did not dilly dally about.

If you put a song in and you then disappear to a smoking area all night, do not except to sing just because you came back in and decided to eventually join the party despite your name being called several times and you not appearing.

At the end of the song also leave the stage quickly do not hog the mic and ask for another or walk off with a wireless mic so the next person has to go looking for it.

Remember the quicker you enter and exit the stage the chances of more songs for you to sing increases, also this is polite and others will see this, this will gain you respect and friends.

If you cannot see a book to choose a track from ask the KJ how you select tracks (not what have you got!! ) ,try to do this not when the KJ is talking on the mic or when the singer already on stage is in full flow, try to be considerate about when to ask for your song , sometimes the KJ will say just ask me for a song and I will tell you if I have it rather than browsing every track in existence. If the KJ has slips for requests fill them in clearly so the KJ can read them and do actually put the right details on the slip do not hand in ten slips at a time but just a few ..You will gain much respect from the KJ if you do all these things.

7. Treat the KJs equipment with respect.. Do not swing wired mics , do not tap the tops of mics , do not stagger over to the KJ drunk with a drink in your hand leaning over the thousands of pounds worth of karaoke equipment The KJ will NOT appreciate this.

Do not dance holding drinks on any dance floors the amount of cut feet and spilled booze making people slip and hurt themselves I have seen over the years is astounding.

8 Do not try to cheat the rotation by putting different names or thinking a duet doesn’t count , it does.

9. Do not think that putting up a friend that doesn’t want to sing is an original and funny idea; it is NOT it just wastes the KJ and other singer’s time.

10. Have fun and Smile!! Don’t let drink make you act badly. Karaoke is fun, enjoy your time on stage and revel in others joy at being a star for a few minutes, talk to others about the love of songs and music and how well they did, be friendly and polite to the KJ and they will be back to you. a friendly KJ will also defend you as a singer from all the bad behaviour I have detailed above to ensure your night is not spoiled by someone who doesn't know karaoke etiquette.

Please add any karaoke etiquette, manners, behaviours etc that I have missed out in the comments below..

Rob

Rob Star Entertainments

Mobile DJ Tameside Manchester

I am often asked what areas I actually cover with my DJ service as some DJs seem to travel anywhere in the UK , I am a firm believer in dealing with local people and my local community.

I live in Tameside Manchester and have done so all my life.
This means I know  the Manchester area very well and I also know what  Mancunians like music wise.

 Different parts of the country have different musical tastes , I was here in the 80's when my friends had wham posters and Duran Duran posters and copies of smash hits in their bedrooms, I was the skinny lad spinning on some kitchen lino in co-ops car park trying to break dance!

I was the fashion victim wearing ridiculously large flares  and listening to  madchester scene music, i danced and raved at the hacienda, strutted my stuff on the bouncy floor or the Ritz  and shared many of the very local experiences that many of my clients experienced and because of this understanding i can play tunes that you know , that spark memories and evoke  previously forgotten emotions and events , I still love chart music and play the latest hits that young crowds  love just as passionately as I did when I was  a teenager.

A good DJ is not just a juke box but someone who can set the right mood and  tone for a particular  event.. Knowing what people like, having grown in in the same area ensures that I am on the same wave length as my customers and is just one reason why my shows have a reputation of  fun and many happy customers.

So i am delighted to offer my mobile DJ services to  Audenshaw, Denton North East, Denton South, Denton West, Droylsden East, Droylsden, West Dukinfield, Hattersley, Hyde Godley, Hyde Newton, Hyde Werneth, Longdendale, Mossley, Mottram, Stalybridge North, Stalybridge South, Most of Stockport and of Course other local parts of Manchester.

Less travel means more reliability and less fuel costs which means that saving is passed on to you and its also better for the environment.

Here is a map of areas I normally cover

Mobile DJ Tameside Manchester Rob Star cover area

If you want to hire a DJ in Manchester Tameside then click this link CLICK HERE to make a quick on line enquiry or leave a message on this answering machine number 0161 265 3421 and i will get back to you as soon as possible.

Wedding reception disco with a difference

What a great party!

I was recently asked to host the wedding reception for a lovely couple called David and Christine who live in Oldham Manchester. Christine loves Abba and karaoke 70's 80's music and some chart music , they did not want a formal wedding with endless speeches and  lots of  pomp and ceremony but a really good fun time with family and friends in a local venue.

They Choose Vibes in Bardsley Oldham Manchester, this is a trendy bar in the town with very helpful and efficient  members of staff.

It was a perfect venue for the happy couple as they live not too far away and so do all their friends. this allowed people to "pop in " to the reception as this was not a formal type of wedding but a celebration of their love for  all their friends and family to enjoy.

The music selection was just up the crowds street they loved the 70's and 80's songs and especially the Abba songs that the bride loved her self. This meant that the small but large enough dance area had dancers all evening. with one or two showing off their moves as can be seen in this little clip

Christine loves singing on karaoke.
When on a night out she often sings so why on her special day not do the thing she enjoys so much?

 I know some DJs try to force a type of style or  force etiquette upon Couples which can sometimes make them feel as if its not their wedding  but that they are just going through the motions of what others expect.

I  try to give the best show for the individual couple themselves and tailor my show and style to their individual needs not force my own opinions of how it should be done.

 I have many years experience in hosting weddings and other events but the only people i listen to on how they want it done are the people hiring me, I can advise on what works and i can suggest ways of doing things that may be new to you , but ultimately I am hired to host the party the way you would like it and that includes music selection.

 I can suggest what i think will work music selection wise but  you know your family and friends better than I do which is why i always do consultations with couples on music selection rather than just leaving it to chance or risking not having the songs you like not being available on the day of your event.

With Christine and David I visited them at their home  twice before having all the details and information i required to host this great event. Its pre planning that takes stress and worry away and helps parties like this go so well.

I can be a formal DJ and a down to earth fun party DJ in equal measure and this wedding party was fun indeed with many truly talented singers.

I received lots of thank you's and hand shakes and comments like "cracking job" which is very nice to hear and I have taken a few bookings on the strength of this party.

 They wanted the reception their way and that's what I delivered and I must say I enjoyed this one immensely.


I wish Christine and David a very happy life together and if their wedding reception is anything to go by it will be just perfect.

If you are looking to Hire a DJ in Manchester then please Click this link

Ladies Darts Presentation Disco

Quite a while since I have written a blog but last night’s ladies darts presentation was a very good evening.

I started off my mobile disco show with the usual back ground music whilst all the ladies assembled and what a good turnout it was!
Considering this was on a Thursday night the turnout was very good indeed.

The trophies were laid out very impressively and the two wireless microphones I took became very useful for the announcements of the winners and runners up.

This Event was held inside  a lovely sized room at the;
  Denton Independent Social Club
which is at 1 Grosvenor Street Denton Manchester. This venue is also available for private hire for birthdays anniversaries and weddings so if you’re interested in hiring this venue why not give them a call on
0161 336 4340


It has comfortable seating a good stage and dance floor area and well stocked and efficient staffed bar.
The management of this venue were really lovely and helpful, if only all venues were as accommodating!

So after the formalities we started with a bit of karaoke in fact so much karaoke we had to stop so we could let the people who wanted to dance chance to have a good boogie!

Rob Star Mobile DJ at Denton Independent Social Club

Rob Star Mobile Disco at Denton Independent Social Club

 Unfortunately time caught us up and I had to finish, I do hope that I am invited back next year to host this wonderful event as I truly enjoyed hosting this event.

Degrees of Awesomeness

ADJ stands for American DJ and is a brand of disco products from the USA a little while back they started what they called the ADJ university a on-line course designed to help , improve and educate DJ's.

There  are currently two levels
 level 1.. is the starting point .with the recently added level 2 being the next step, I have completed and passed both levels of the course and was pleased to receive a certificate from ADJ .

Although this course is not difficult to an experienced DJ and is quite basic in content  I do feel this is an excellent step and move by ADJ, with so many operators not knowing the basics or for new DJ's looking to find  accurate and quality  information it is a move in a positive direction. I feel ADJ deserves credit for trying to do this.

 I personally do not think you should book a DJ just because he has one of these certificates but it does show a willingness on the part of  a DJ to learn and improve.

Here is the level 2 certificate ADJ kindly sent me all the way from the USA

I am an experienced knowledgeable DJ but there is always something new to learn in this industry with this open minded attitude I aim to constantly improve my services.

So if you are interested in hiring a DJ in the Manchester area who takes learning seriously why not fill in my on-line enquiry form by clicking HERE