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
