Let's debate host singing. Allowed or not allowed?

When it is good, when is it bad?

Me: the host can open and close the show on Friday and Saturday. On other nights the host can be in rotation as long as the wait is no longer than 30 minutes for the "paying" karaoke singer.

Here, the 2 clubs a regularly go to, the host sings every rotation, and nobody whines about it. I can understand people getting upset if a KJ sings, but I think it's up to them how to run their show. If they get a bad rep from that, it's their own loss.

The host's job is NOT to sing, but to get everyone else to sing. The job of a host is to provide an atmosphere that keeps patrons in the establishment either by participation or observance, and to attract a larger audience. A host is exactly that a "host", not a "featured singer." When you don't have a large number of singer's, the job then switches to that of "entertainer" and there are plenty of ways of keeping patrons including singing. (Not necessarily by a string of depressing-blow-your-head-off ballads either.)

A response to your Topic megan:

I don't think it's all that bad if the host puts himself in the rotation,mind you if the night is really full of singers then it wouldn't be a good idea,but if singers are willing to sing a song with the host or having him/her sing backups and they don't mind,then thats not a problem either.Just a thought about your "paying customer" thing,you don't pay to sing karaoke,your paying for your evening night out!!karaoke is open to all!!
A good time for a Kj to step in and do a song is, -in my opinion-,when the night is being filled with slow songs,the host should step in and pump it up with a fast song!!or come up with an alternative suggestion.

A comment to Chip about A host is a host and is not a featured singer-Yes,a host is a host,nor a featured singer,neither are the people,I think the word "feature" shouldn't be used in this situation, I think people are misguided about Karaoke,your not a featured nothing!!Your not being payed to perform at Karaoke, whether or not your good at singing,it's still a night of fun!!and I quote "FUN",People seem to forget how hard it is to get up there and sing in front of all those people for a first or even up to your 10th time!! I do agree with the Host having to attract singers and keep the audience going,sure, thats the job of a Kj plain and simple!!if your not energetic and enthusiastic then get out of the Kj business!!

I may be a new Kj but I have been going to karaoke shows for 4 years,and it's always been with the same host where we and his other hosts that work for him have become good friends,I have also been a front man performing live with my band for 6 years and counting,where we have started out with small crowds!!I admit it's a little different from hosting but the experience is there,so I am not just shooting my mouth off!and I don't question anyone else's length of experience,it's just my opinion!!

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Vox

[This message has been edited by Vox (edited August 31, 2000).]

Some people come to hear me sing - why I don't know, probably to find what oddity I'll do next. I frequently get cheered even when busy and I get lots of complaints when I drop out. I lost a lot of business when I decided to start dropping out and slowly gained some it back after I started singing again. I'm an OK karaoke singer nothing special, I'd never make it big time.

Everyone that gets up is the featured singer for the time they are up.

On my nights off I usually go singing elsewhere. I used to go 7 nights a week and for a while I went to 8 shows a week (Sunday afternoons). Can't do that if I am behind the console and not allowed to sing.

I think it is much better to share my collection, just think what havoc it would cause if I brought my collection to someone elses show - everyone would want to sing off my discs, and then I might just get hired to do the show there (or kicked out for disrupting things).

People come, they have a good time, the bar makes money, I make money, I get to do hear the songs I bought get used, and I get to sing. Everyones a winner.

I really wonder about any KJ who NEVER sings - what the hell are they doing there?

P.S. My favorite show to go to I think the KJ follows the 30 minute rule (maybe 20), which almost never happens (three nights I think I've heard him sing his own songs). I wouldn't mind if he sang every round as long as the same policies apply to him as to everyone else.

I got into this as a business. I do what it takes to make the MAJORITY of my customers happy, while maintaining control of my show.

I realized that karaoke could do many things besides night clubs and purchased discs accordingly. I carry Gospel music and do religious functions for church group events, wedding ceremonies/receptions/rehersal parties, formal Mardi Gras Balls, large corporate events, etc.

People want to hear different types of music (libraries of the same genre of music is like eating the exact same dish meal after meal every day, so variety IS important to a KJ).

I do sing only in my turn in rotation just like any customer with my karaoke. I begin a rotation which I have posted on dry erase board in 2 colors of pen. One color for names (new names are added to the bottom of the list). I check off the names as people sing so people know what is going on and why the wait is long. People are happy to know they are being treated fairly (I cultivate this type of customer), the small minority that want quantity singing time are freed to visit a show where they can be more comfortable.

I do drop out of rotation in extreme cases. Last Friday I had a 30 person first round, about double a normal first round (2 hours at 4 minutes per singer/song change out), so I did not sing the second round. I did sing a request on the third/final round. The group of customers wanted a dance tune (which is what I normally do).

I will say this to KJ's who sing, business-wise, you may sing some songs well that YOU like personally, but that should not be your aim as an entertainer. Sing the songs that are for the best choice for that moment FOR THE CROWD, you should ALWAYS have the audience in mind. I am so sick of MAMBO #5, ELECTRIC SLIDE, STROKIN but my customers love to dance to it and so I may have to perform it or another dance hit.

Also be considerate of what your CUSTOMERS sing. They will in all likelihood want to sing songs you do well, whether they can do it well or not LET THEM SING THEIR favorite songs-learn another song. I never try to upstage or sing fist ANY song I know a customers sings that I can ace in my own repertoire.

Personally I doubt any KJ would invest as much as people like Larri, myself and other large karaoke companies and not sing with their rigs. The good KJ does know when NOT to sing, WHEN to sing what and what NOT to sing.

I will say this, for a KJ who has an inflated ego, microphone hog, 2-3 songs anytime as karaoke filler singer is operating, calling up buddies, skipping people showing favoritism, or skipping not so accomplished singers, not adjusting sound, look over your shoulder for people like me. No matter what size library or selection the consistent and fair karaoke will eat you alive. Operate as a business, good will, and good reputation are assets that are as good as money, and make you money through keeping business/your following.

I agree, sing when you need to (usually at the top of the rotation...if not too busy), not necessarily when you want to. While I feel that a series of sappy love ballads in one rotation would drive me to put a bullet in my head, it's not really my style to just jump in and sing a fast song just to keep the ballad haters happy; rather, if the last singer just left the crowd in a sea of depression and blah, I'd consult the next singer privately about maybe switching to an upbeat song to break the monotony and lighten the mood. However, it's their decision, not mine.

While some KJ's sing whenever they feel like it, others sing at the top of every rotation regardless of the length. Some sing the first song of the night and then drop out completely. I don't think that a KJ not singing but maybe once or twice at the show is cause to think they don't care about it. I think it's merely a considerate token to let the crowd know that he/she would prefer giving the singers the mic time instead.

Truth be told, I think a KJ who sings more than the customers is someone who probably doesn't care and is only there for the paycheck. Granted, a lot of KJ's have friends and "fans" who come to hear them, but if that's the case, maybe the KJ should put on a special show to feature him/herself in a special showcase for them on a night off from the regular show. Your crowd comes in to sing, not hear you sing. They might like songs that you do, but if you sing too much, the majority isn't going to tell you to lay off the mic....for fear of you screwing them in the rotation/mix/etc.

Bottom line, be thankful and appreciative of the crowd you have. Yes...they come in to see you. You're the reason they chose your show. However, they didn't necessarily come to hear you. Do them a favor and make sure you don't take up too much of their time. Be aware of the rotation length and the time you have left in the evening. If you singing in the last rotation doesn't take away from someone else's chance, go for it. However, if you sing the first song in the final rotation and then start telling people that you may not have time to fit them in, you may be in trouble in the long run.

A good KJ will inform the audience who is on "deck", and occasionally give a run down of several names of those singing next. This helps singers time their potty breaks, or get something to eat.

I did sing 23 songs one night, when I filled in for someone else. Noone knew I (or anyone else) was going to be running things, but they knew the normal woman was not - that was 6 years ago. I now have 3 nights at that club.

At the shows we do regularly we both sing, unless the rotation is extremely long, then we only sing by request, which always happens.

but the secret is this "Have Fun" if your crowd is having fun, they wont care. Don't take any of it too seriously especially yourself or you ruin KARAOKE for everyone. Karaoke is just for fun.

I stopped by Mobile Greyhound Park Dog Track to see some friends working there to tell them of my venue change. One of the floor workers heard my voice and came up to me saying, "I KNOW that voice!" She and her boyfriend had just found my shows and she told me they were just talking about visiting my upcoming Wed. show.

There's a KJ in Monrovia, California that starts the show with a song, maybe puts up a singer if there's a few requests waiting, otherwise he'll just continue singing.

After a singer gets up, he usually sing a couple in a row himself "to show you how it works". Then, he'll try to find a woman to sing a duet with... and the process repeats throughout the night.

Actually, I went there last night for the contest... 12 singers total signed up. Of course, he had to throw in a song in the middle of it and "suggested" that the judges needed to take a potty break. Then, right after the contest ended he had to throw in another song so the judges could tally the votes.

Uh, actually I won the contest last night, so I didn't mind so much .