Karaoke Etiquette

Garaoke FAQs
About Garaoke

The karaoke process involves going through a list of songs, writing down the one you want to sing on request slip and handing it to the DJ. You will be put into a singer "rotation" list and when it's your turn, the DJ will call you to the stage at which point you have your few minutes of fame. The words will appear on the monitors with colors indicating when to sing each word.

Note that there are many different karaoke companies who sell various instrumental versions of your favorite songs for you to sing with. Some brands simply have better quality background music and typo-free lyrics than others.

Performing on stage is a lot of fun! Many first time karaoke patrons need to learn the "drill". All karaoke singers start somewhere and even though most clubs do not have written karaoke guides or rules, the unspoken rules are golden.

Tips for Karaoke Performers:

Whether you're new to karaoke or an old pro, keep these tips in mind:

• Never boo the person on stage. Everyone goes to karaoke to have a good time. Performers put themselves out there for fun, not to be ridiculed.
• Clap when singers are done. No matter how bad they may have been. Applause never hurts.
• Never go on stage and ask the DJ for a second microphone and start singing without being invited. Wait your turn. On the other hand, some songs and situations call for a group going on stage and dancing to the song which is a different scenario.
• Never turn in a song request slip with someone else's name in without their permission.
• Singers at karaoke should take into consideration the venue when choosing a song. Some venues are more family friendly so you may want to be careful when choosing songs with strong lyrics, loud heavy metal, or hard rock. Save some of those songs for adult only venues. When in doubt, ask the DJ.
• Do not get upset with the DJ if your song has not come up. Different DJs use different methods for ordering the songs. Some DJs work strictly on a first come first serve basis while others group songs by the type of music a few rock songs then dance songs then slow songs. Don't hang around the DJ nagging him/her for your turn.
• Be sure to print your name and anything on the song request slip clearly so the DJ can read it.
• Don't be upset if someone sang your song. There are a lot of songs to choose from so find another one! Similarly, don't stay on stage singing song after song. Karaoke bars are there for everyone to perform, not for you to hold a private concert.
• Be very CAREFUL with the equipment! It is very expensive and sensitive to abuse.
• Show your appreciation of the venue hosting the karaoke event! The restaurant or bar brings karaoke in as an attraction for you and usually pays the karaoke provider to be there. Even though the karaoke is usually free to sing, you should purchase something from the venue while you are taking up a space there. Don't forget that tips are appreciated also!

More Karaoke Observations:

Here are some other general karaoke observations of interest:

• Most karaoke singers are amateurs while some are semi-professional. Many singers try to get discovered at karaoke bars. Don't let a great performance dissuade you from singing.
• Larger karaoke clubs frequently draw big crowds. Make sure you put your song in early to avoid getting left out. Only a handful of songs are sung each hour and you'd be surprised how fast the night goes.
• Beginners frequently start with a friend or go up with a group. This is a great way to start gaining confidence and before you know it, it will be hard to get the microphone away from them as they discover it's actually fun and not as scary as it first was!
• Contrary to popular belief, most singers aren't as good when they're drunk as when they're sober! Some people say, "I need to have several drinks before I'll sing"! True, alcohol will usually "loosen" you up and help with inhibitions, but it also tends to dehydrate your vocal chords and "loosen" up your speech causing you to slur your scratchy words! So, it might be better to limit what you drink, if you must drink, and be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Karaoke is a great way to meet new people and make new friends! Everyone is there for the same thing so everybody has a similar interest. What a good way to strike up a conversation with a stranger and meet someone new. Relax and sing along and have a good time!

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I hope these FAQs, etiquette pointers, tips, and observations sparked an interest in karaoke if you're new to it and gave you some good information if you're an old pro!