Wherever we go today there are rules we must obey. Anyone who has traveled by air recently has found an amazing number of rules that passengers must now follow. Breaking these rules will cause a very unpleasant result for the traveler. Even a simple drive to the local grocery store could be very expensive if the driver forgets to buckle up and is caught by an observant police officer.
Rules are made to keep order and prevent unfortunate circumstances from occurring. The world of karaoke has its own set of rules as well, and the purpose of these rules is to keep the shows enjoyable for everyone while protecting the equipment and bystanders. Many of the rules listed below are basic common sense while others may be less obvious to beginners.
Basic rules for karaoke fans old and new:
1. Always be prepared to sing when you are called to the stage. Be aware that your turn is approaching and know the song you want to perform. Don't be in a rest room or outside smoking and delay the show when so many others are waiting to sing.
2. Never come to the stage and change the song you’ve previously selected to sing. It slows the show down when the KJ has to search for a different song.
3. Always be courteous to the current singer by waiting to make a song request after the KJ has properly adjusted volume levels.
4. Never hit the microphone, drop it, blow or scream into it, or toss it around. It's a very expensive piece of equipment and if you can't afford to immediately replace it, don't abuse it. Treat it as if it was your own valuable possession.
5. Always sing directly into the microphone and don't cover it with your hand so your voice will be clear, and the KJ will be able to get the best volume balance between your voice and the music. Unless you don’t want to be heard, but then why be on stage?
6. If you walk around with a wireless microphone while singing, never walk directly in front of the speakers or you will cause feedback noise which will force the KJ to lower the volume of your voice.
7. Never attempt to join another singer on stage unless they ask you first, and they inform the KJ. The KJ will not give you a microphone unless the current performer has asked him to do so.
8. While waiting to sing always be polite, by listening to and applauding other singers. Don't try to talk or yell louder than they are singing. You certainly want their attention when you're on stage.
9. Never swing a wired microphone around by the cord. It's dangerous to others and could easily be damaged.
10. Always limit your conversations with the KJ who is trying to run the show and make each performer sound as good as possible.
11. Never ask the KJ to let you sing out of turn for any reason, it's not fair to others who are patiently waiting their turn.
12. Always leave your drink at your table. It doesn’t look good in your hands as you sing and placing it on the KJs equipment could allow it to spill which might shut down the show.
13. Never ask other people to sing duets with you so that you can have multiple appearances on stage when there are a large number of people patiently waiting their turn. Use your own turn to sing a duet if that's what you really want to do.
14. Always try to bring some of your friends to the karaoke show with you for support, but don’t make speeches on stage to impress your friends. You’re there to sing not talk.
15. Never smoke while singing karaoke, it doesn’t impress anyone, and it leaves an unpleasant odor on the microphone.
16. Never walk in front of or dance near the video monitor. The person singing wants to see the words on the screen, and you could damage the equipment if you're not careful.
17. Always be aware of your audience and sing songs that are proper. Songs that include profanity should be performed before a mature audience, not when children are present.
18. Never ask the KJ to keep the show going after hours. You don't want to work overtime for free and neither does the KJ. However some KJs will accept tips to keep the show going provided the establishment isn't trying to close for the night.
19. Always remember that the bar or restaurant provides karaoke entertainment in an effort to increase their business. If you don't spend any money they will not continue to provide the shows.
20. Always try to be generous when tipping the servers and bar tenders who are working harder during crowded karaoke shows.
Most KJs have their own set of rules that they provide in their song books or on their web sites and they may differ from the rules found here, but if you follow these basic rules you probably won’t find yourself barred from their shows.
As always, karaoke is meant to be fun for everyone and hopefully this information will help performers, spectators, establishments that provide karaoke, and KJs all enjoy the experience.
Comments
great article with sensible rules that make it more fun for everyone. thanks
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