posted
I've been singing in one karaoke joint or another in this town for over 12 years now. When I first started, and for many years after that, I got a great thrill knowing that I was able to entertain crowds, complete strangers even. I guess I have always had something of a show-biz personality, with some abject need to make people smile, laugh, get up and dance, make a lot of noise, etc.
The songs in my repertoire were often a direct reflection of that. I would do whatever song it would take to get that crowd up and moving and alive.
My ability to do that in a karaoke setting hit its peak, I suppose, when SC came out with DJ Kool's "Let Me Clear My Throat." That was my ultimate party anthem, and the way I performed it, NO CROWD could refuse when I called out for them to make noise at the points in the song.
Lately though, I have found my desire to entertain rapidly declining. Nowadays, if I do go out at all, I sing for a single purpose: to f#*k with people's heads and blow their minds.......all for MY entertainment.
Problem with that is, it's so damn easy to do, even that has lost its appeal. I think people in a crowd look at me, see the melanin content Nature has gifted me with, and automatically assume that my taste in music is gonna be limited. That's when I hit them with some Ozzy or Night Ranger or Def Leppard.
Or, if I'm feeling particularly playful, I hit 'em with some song from an obscure 80s act that none of them are likely to remember. Two of my favorites these days are "It Doesn't Have to Be This Way," by the Blow Monkeys, and "Stool Pigeon," by Kid Creole and the Coconuts.
I guess if I had a #1 rule in singing at these places, it would be "Never Do What's Expected." Problem is, I think crowds at my regular haunts have come to EXPECT the unexpected from me. So where does that leave me?
Or, maybe this is all a bunch of pain-induced rambling. I haven't really been able to think straight all day.
Posts: 8 | From: Winston-Salem, NC | Registered: Dec 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
It's always nice when people like the song and the way you are singing it. I mean, if every got up and went to the bathroom, or went outside for a smoke (happens sometimes, but at least the bartender is still there ) then I always think..."hmmm....maybe I'll pick a different song next time." But sometimes I think, "Gee, I like this song and these people really need a smoke lol."
So if people like the song, that is a good reason. But sometimes it is fun just to sing a song for it's songness or whatever you want to call it. Some songs are just plain fun to sing. Everything else can be out of whack, but you can synch in with the song and it's good.
Posts: 683 | From: seattle,wa,usa | Registered: Oct 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
Why? Let's see...for one thing, I love music. For another, I love to get up in front of people and be entertaining (well...at least as entertaining as possible...LOL!).
I think that's as best as I can put it.
Best,
Mark
Posts: 1595 | From: Willoughby Hills, Ohio, USA | Registered: Apr 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
Going on 15 years singing, & 10 years running karaoke, I can honestly say I enjoy making new friends, and meeting new people. Yes, I have on occasion been burned out from it, but, its made me very happy and less lonely, its great medicine for the music lover that I've been all my life.
-------------------- Karaoke With Jason & Friends "where stars become friends" Posts: 582 | From: richmond virginia | Registered: May 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
My slogan below should tell you why I do it...
-------------------- The Pappy Smoke, Magic & Mirrors Entertainment A song on the lips is therapy for heart, mind and soul Posts: 249 | From: Greenville, SC USA | Registered: Feb 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
The reason I sing is first off I get a rush from how women melt. Every gender turns their heads and stops what their doing. After I leave the stage people come up and ask who am I. After 20 years of singing I'm putting my system together since our band seems to have issues keeping dedicated members. So I go solo all over Michigan and live the passion and desire God the Father blessed me with; my voice but most of all HIS Son Christ Jesus.
-------------------- Greg Whitford Posts: 2 | From: Lansing MI | Registered: Feb 2007
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by DJ Evolution: Nowadays, if I do go out at all, I sing for a single purpose: to f#*k with people's heads and blow their minds.......all for MY entertainment.Problem with that is, it's so damn easy to do, even that has lost its appeal. I think people in a crowd look at me, see the melanin content Nature has gifted me with, and automatically assume that my taste in music is gonna be limited. That's when I hit them with some Ozzy or Night Ranger or Def Leppard. Or, if I'm feeling particularly playful, I hit 'em with some song from an obscure 80s act that none of them are likely to remember. Two of my favorites these days are "It Doesn't Have to Be This Way," by the Blow Monkeys, and "Stool Pigeon," by Kid Creole and the Coconuts.
I brought this thread back up because the other night at a karaoke place, I was talking to a guy who said something similar. He has what he calls his "mind-f*** songs" (his words, not mine). His usual material is heavy metal and "hair band" type stuff (and he has the looks for it--long hair and all), but every once in a while he'll pull out something like "My Heart Will Go On". (_I've_ never heard him do this, but that's what he said!)
-------------------- Love singing! Love singing! Love love love! Posts: 801 | From: St. Louis County, Missouri | Registered: Jan 2006
| IP: Logged |
Some people take it way too seriously. I have one guy that comes to my show that get ****ed if nobody applauds for him - he isn't a great singer to begin with, he is entertaining to watch & he does usually pick good songs, but if the crowd don't get up dancing or don't thunder applaud after he's done, he always grabs his slips & storms out like a child throwing a fit! He also gets mad if the rotation is too long, but then gets mad if it's too short - jees guy, just sing & have fun to yourself!
posted
There are some people who take this way too seriously. There was this one guy where if no one was paying attention to him while he sang, he would walk off the stage in the middle of the song.
Posts: 1025 | From: San Francisco, CA, USA | Registered: Jul 1999
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by Stan: There are some people who take this way too seriously. There was this one guy where if no one was paying attention to him while he sang, he would walk off the stage in the middle of the song.
Seems like someone should start a support group for guys like that. Perhaps a twelve-step program we could call "KA" or Karaoke Anonymous?
Posts: 355 | From: Omaha, NE | Registered: Apr 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
I've got to be more of a public speaker, and I've been doing this for 7 years, and after the public speaking thing, I did it since I do it in the car when I drive, why not sing to everyone else.
Posts: 187 | From: Austin | Registered: May 2006
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by atxklown: I've got to be more of a public speaker, and I've been doing this for 7 years, and after the public speaking thing, I did it since I do it in the car when I drive, why not sing to everyone else.
I definitely agree. I have to give quite a few presentation for my job. Karaoke has made me a more dynamic speaker.
Posts: 1025 | From: San Francisco, CA, USA | Registered: Jul 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
Always for myself I've found that if your not doing it for yourself you will loath it. That vibe comes across to a crowd. They read your not having fun and will degrade the whole scene. Now, I ain't sayin do gospel at the strip club, but try to be yourself and have fun. Short of that F-@% em if they can't take a joke.
Posts: 27 | From: MIdwest | Registered: Aug 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
I sing because I enjoy it. I can't carry a tune in a bag with handles, but I enjoy it. If others enjoy it, so much the better. But whether or not they do doesn't affect me....
One night I was in a particularly loud, dark, aggressive, maybe violent mood with my song selection, and had a group of people say "Why can't you sing some happy music?" So next time I was up, my response was to say "Here's a happy song", and broke out Metallica's "Fade To Black".....it's a happy song.....sort of.....about suicide..... LOL
They didn't seem to agree.... LOL
Posts: 75 | From: Oregon | Registered: Nov 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
Sometimes I sing a song just to try it out. If I can sing a song that people really enjoy, so much the better. A couple weeks ago I sang Let 'Em In, and there were a couple people that really appreciated hearing that song. Last week I sang Coca Cola Cowboy, which I don't think gets sung much anywhere, but is a classic song. There were two guys banging their hands on the bar singing a long. That's the kind of response that is great to have!
Posts: 683 | From: seattle,wa,usa | Registered: Oct 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
Touron, I am with ya on that. A lot of times I'll be looking thru' the book and come across a song that I've never heard anyone sing for karaoke, but I'd like to try it, and so I do. (Since I have only been karaoke-ing for a little over 2 years, there are still a LOT of songs I haven't heard anyone do yet. )
-------------------- Love singing! Love singing! Love love love! Posts: 801 | From: St. Louis County, Missouri | Registered: Jan 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
I sing because some songs take me to my happy place. What I really like is the silence when you have done a really good performance and then slowly they will start clapping. That's when I know I have done a good job. The silence says it all! I don't sing for others I sing for myself. It's a spiritual experience.
Posts: 232 | From: Australia | Registered: Apr 2008
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by sabathiel: I don't sing for others I sing for myself. It's a spiritual experience.
Some of the nicest "performances" I ever gave were when my son was a baby and I would sing him to sleep, usually with hymns. I loved to do that! It was fun when his first Christmas rolled around too--around the house and in the car, he got to hear every Christmas song Mommy knew.
-------------------- Love singing! Love singing! Love love love! Posts: 801 | From: St. Louis County, Missouri | Registered: Jan 2006
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by sabathiel: I don't sing for others I sing for myself. It's a spiritual experience.
Some of the nicest "performances" I ever gave were when my son was a baby and I would sing him to sleep, usually with hymns. I loved to do that! It was fun when his first Christmas rolled around too--around the house and in the car, he got to hear every Christmas song Mommy knew.
And how did you know your performance was nice? Do you mean you felt tremendous satisfaction or you felt you did a good job? What kind of feedback did you get if there was no one else around and only your baby there? I also felt great satisfaction when I sang for a girl whom I lost. The song was "Don't Go Away" by Oasis a slow rock ballad. The most important thing when I sing is to express how I feel inside and express the emotion of the song honestly. It doesn't matter if there is 100 people watching or 1 person or even no one watching. This is what I mean by I sing for myself and it is a spiritual experience. When you sing to express what you feel inside it doesn't matter if there is anyone watching or not and this will come across in your performance. You are in essence sharing what you feel with others and you get great satisfaction from expressing what you feel and sharing this feeling with others. When there is no one around to share your feelings with then you share it with the universe. This is the most honest form of self-expression.
Posts: 232 | From: Australia | Registered: Apr 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
I love comedy songs and love to make folks laugh.
Although I am not the best singer in the world, probably rank in the top 10 worse singers in the world....A lot of folks like the stuff I do (especially the KJ who finally don't have hear the same song sang for the 70th night in a row on there shows.
But no matter what you do, someone isn't going to like the songs (even if everyone else does). We have one lady who goes to our bar and has her nose stuck up so high it goes through the roof. She hates all comedy songs. She actually liked the one time I sang Three Wooden Crosses.
Crazy Chris
Posts: 40 | From: Omaha, Nebraska, USA | Registered: Jan 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
when in high school and for years after i never had good self esteem and just haveing a natural voice didnt think to much about it.im sorry now that i didnt have the mind to do more with my talent, now at 63 i still have powerful voice(brenda lee style)and it never being hard to do i would sing with bands to support me. now i have just started putting a karaoke show, looking for job one two nite week what ever, as i find now that i do have a GOD given voice and i miss music.i guess also when people complament you,or give you praise, when you never did have this before you need it to make your self feel good. its like i can't cook but i can sing and i am good at it. i would love to hear from all of you on some info you think will help me get this off grownd. wished you were all here now i need a music fix.lol
Posts: 15 | From: nashville tn | Registered: Aug 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
I sing at home, by myself, sometimes for hors at a time. That is my time. That is when I sing for myself. When i am at one of my shows, I am always careful to "tone it down" quite a bit for all my songs but one. While some are there to hear a song or two that I do, most are there to be heard. Its best when someone requests something. I can direct it at them and most do not care that much. Anyway, that is the time for my customers.
Posts: 71 | Registered: Mar 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
I sing for myself mostly. I'll choose a song depending on my mood. I do enjoy getting positive feeback from people but that's not why I sing. I just enjoy doing it. I have a system at home and I will sing by myself just to have fun. Lately I've been having a blast singing the vocals on the Rock Band game since there are songs on there not available on karaoke.
Posts: 35 | Registered: Jul 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
Poizen, There are several vocal reduction options out there for you if you can't find a song on Karaoke. Berringer has a few mixers that have a VR option, There are a few USB sound cards with the VR option, and there are softwares that can do it. That way you can sing any song you like.. Posts: 71 | Registered: Mar 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
Thanks MrBoo. If you know of a good software program, please let me know. I'd really appreciate it. I regretfully purchased one called My Voice and it didn't work for beans.
Posts: 35 | Registered: Jul 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
I've had very, VERY limited success with the vocal reduction software and hardwares. MrBoo, if you know of one that sounds good and doesn't destroy the song in the process, let us know!
I've tried over 500 songs, and only had four REALLY successful ones. And then five others I'd let other people hear in public, although I grimaced during the song!
-------------------- Matt Posts: 3332 | From: Independence, mo | Registered: Oct 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
I use Vogone. Can I list the vendor here? I do not want to break the rules...
The latest Vogone is the best. You must understand stage placing to be able to get the best results, but at least Vogone will now allow you to adjust "where the singer is standing". They have a simple mode that does an adequate job, but playing with the settings can greatly increase the results.
Of course the more effects on the voice, the more residual voice that gets left in the song. No program can remove affects that are panned. You also can do little to save an instrument if it is panned at the same place as the voice. As an example of this, I do the song, "Urgent". I had a bad version of this before the SC version. When I reduced the vocals, I lost the Sax on the instrumental. Not good. But I was able to splice the reduced version and the original instrumental parts together in cake walk for a seamless mix of reduced vocals and full instrumental. I use the SC version now, but that is an example of the short falls of multi center panned parts.
Having said all of this, I have a Beringer mixer that has hardware vocal reduction on it and it does a better than OK job on the fly. I've since retired that board to my home, but it was a wonderful asset when i allowed some singers to sing along with their original track they brought to the show. I have since made an effort to discourage this, as some other singers, "found out" and a mini epidemic erupted. Ha!
Posts: 71 | Registered: Mar 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
^ Thanks for the info MrBoo. I just wish the song I want was available on karaoke 'cause you just never know what kind of result you will or will not get when you try using software. I think perhaps my best bet is to talk to some kj's in my area and see if they have a way of doing it and then ask them to try it out on the song I want to see if it is even possible. After getting burned on one program, I'd hate to spend even more and get the same disappointing result. Posts: 35 | Registered: Jul 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
You are quite welcome. First ask the KJs if they have on the fly vocal reduction. The Beringer mixer I have does an adequate job but the singer must be able to follow the song to a T as it errors more on leaving vocals in than taking out music. I may have to bring it back due to popular demand.
The maker of Vogone will refund your payment if you do not like the product and it is a download. But I know that is a bunch of hassle so I don't blame you if you don't want to go that route...
Posts: 71 | Registered: Mar 2006
| IP: Logged |
1) love music and love to sing 2) I love to entertain people 3) doing it has helped me get over the fear of doing things in public 4) I love to sing songs nobody sings. Cause most everyone sings the same stuff. My girlfriend/boyfriend left me, my life stinks, he/she cheated on me, maybe I could get someone if they'd come talk to me... And all that usually depressive stuff. So I get in there and try to rock out with the stuff no one else is singing.
Posts: 81 | Registered: Sep 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
Well Sunday night I did a variety of songs for a variety of reasons.
#1 Physical by Olivia Newton John- I did this cause I had to show off my major weight loss.
#2 Blessed by Martina McBride - This was the first time I ever sang this and it was NOT good but I feel I have been blessed as I have been reunited with the love of my life. I have a very healthy, happy, loving son, and a 16 year old daughter who is finially walking the straight and narrow. Two very loving parents. So yes I have been blessed.
3. Jump Around - House of Pain. This was my stress reliever as there is quite a bit of aminosity with my ex-husband towards Timothy because I am back with my high school sweetheart and he is so embarrassed cause I'm back with someone from my past. I did ALOT of Jumping around too!!!
It's kind of funny cause my ex-husband had the odasity to ak me to DJ his wedding cause he couldn't find a DJ cheaper than $1500.00 KARMA-BABY
Posts: 170 | From: Wisconsin | Registered: Oct 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
i work at two different bars 7 days a week....yeah i know...somethin wrong with this guy! both of these clubs are traditionally country...so i start out with some Garth, some Shelton, or a Dierks tune then i hit em with some Pantera or Journey. Always been a little different...never went with the flow. And they love it. My mom before she passed said you should have passion for the career u choose. Karaoke is my passion. Mostly i do it for everyone else...the crowd comes first. Rule #2 in the Tonyoke handbook. Anyone want a copy? $19.95......lol!
-------------------- Tonyoke's Karaoke Drama free since 1993 Posts: 60 | From: DFW, TX | Registered: Nov 2008
| IP: Logged |
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
Printer-friendly view of this topic
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
) then I always think..."hmmm....maybe I'll pick a different song next time." But sometimes I think, "Gee, I like this song and these people really need a smoke lol."![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
