Mastering Karaoke: A 16-Year Veteran’s Guide to the Spotlight
Karaoke is not just a pastime; it’s an experience of musical expression that unfolds differently for each individual who takes the mic. With my 16 years of navigating the highs and lows of karaoke nights, I have gained a treasure trove of insights and lessons that I’m excited to share with you.
I have distilled each year into a specific tip, crafting a comprehensive guide guaranteed to elevate your karaoke game. Whether you’re a newcomer ready to take on the spotlight or a seasoned singer looking to refine your skills, these 16 tips will serve as your roadmap to captivating audiences and taking your karaoke skills to the next level.
#1 — KNOW YOUR VOCAL RANGE
Determining your vocal range is crucial when choosing songs that showcase your abilities. You may have a favorite song, but if the key of the original song does not suit your voice, you can ask the host if they have it in a higher or lower key.
If the song you want to sing is old, chances are that various artists have covered it over the years. You may find that a version by someone you have never heard of is a better fit for your voice than the one you grew up with.
It’s cool and a great experience to sing a song that an artist of the opposite sex originally performed. It can make you look super-confident and secure, so don’t be afraid to own the lyrics or change the gender pronouns in the lyrics. People usually appreciate your bravado.
However, please be careful when you do this. For instance, I am a biological male with a deeper voice than most women. Even though I had a lot of fun singing Amy Winehouse’s songs (she has an intense singing voice), sometimes the original female singer’s version may be too high of a key for me. So, keep this in mind when selecting songs of the opposite sex.
#2 — SING WHAT YOU LOVE
If you’re planning to impress your audience with a karaoke performance, it’s best to choose songs you connect with instead of relying on the latest chart-toppers. Authenticity is the key to delivering a memorable performance.
Moreover, the newest songs may only sometimes be available, and even if they are, most of the audience may need to learn them. Therefore, it’s better to stick to classic songs. It’s better to deliver a heartfelt performance of a classic than a mediocre rendition of a new song.
If you love your song, you won’t suffer from stage fright. Confidence comes from knowing the music well, not from weird breathing techniques or alcohol.
#3 — GAUGE THE AUDIENCE, THANK THE AUDIENCE
When selecting a song to perform, paying attention to the atmosphere and audience is essential. Choosing a tune that matches the room’s vibe and the audience’s demographic is crucial so they remain engaged. However, it’s equally important to perform the songs that you enjoy too.
You don’t always have to cater to what you think people want to hear, but if the crowd is all of a particular age group, try to alternate between songs they like and the ones you like. For instance, if it’s a gathering of older country folks, singing something by Velvet Underground may not be the best idea.
Whenever you are done singing a song, always, ALWAYS thank the audience with a simple “Thank you” after the last lines of your music are sung. Always thank the host when handing back over the microphone.
#4 — DIVERSIFY YOUR REPERTOIRE
To keep your karaoke performances entertaining and fresh, it’s essential to have a variety of songs from different genres instead of just relying on one type of music.
So please ensure you have a diverse selection of songs and avoid being a one-trick pony. If you show up every night (or week) and sing the same one or two songs, people will talk behind your back. If you want to improve your karaoke skills, practice singing as much as possible, especially on slow nights, when you should aim to sing 4–6 times.
#5 — YOUR HOLY TRINITY
It’s a good idea to create a list of three universally admired artists (preferably from three different genres) and learn some of their tracks to have crowd-pleasers in your arsenal. Observe their performances and how they hold the mic and move to the music.
This will give you an idea of how to perform their music, but you don’t have to copy them. For example, I admire artists like Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Johnny Cash; their vocal ranges align with mine.
#6 — BE EXPRESSIVE, DON’T JUST SING, PERFORM!
Regularly practicing at home can significantly boost your confidence on stage, especially if you’re familiar with the songs you’re performing. This is where you can work on hand movements and gestures that complement the lyrics. For instance, when I sing “New York, New York,” I have hand motions corresponding to specific parts of the song.
For instance, during the line “And find I’m a number one,” I raise one hand above my head to hold up the number one with one finger. Then, during the line “Top of the list,” I switch to all fingers turned sideways as if I’m showing how tall something is.
Next, during the line “King of the hill,” I lower my hand as if placing an invisible crown on my head. Finally, during the line “A number one,” I bring my free hand back to the number one before me.
Do I do this sort of choreography with every song? No, but these things will come to you in your favorite songs over time, and you may not even realize you’re doing it until long after you start.
#7 — DO NOT SIT AND SING
Sitting and singing might seem like a good idea but can send the wrong message. Singing while seated can make you appear lazy, overconfident, or unsure of yourself. The only exception to this is if you are in a wheelchair or have any other reason you can not physically stand. If this is you, don’t sweat it and disregard this section.
Also, sitting down while sitting may make it hard for the audience to distinguish who is singing (if there isn’t a raised stage). Therefore, it is best to avoid singing while sitting unless it is a deliberate artistic choice, such as during a slow and melancholy part of a song. So, stand up and sing your heart out with confidence and power!
#8 — DO NOT GET SLOPPY DRUNK
Having a drink or two can be helpful, but consuming excessive alcohol can hurt your performance and reputation. It would be best if you aim to remain calm and composed. While some people may find a drunk person amusing, watching someone who is intoxicated ruining a beloved song can be pretty uncomfortable.
#9 — SPREAD YOUR FOCUS, WORK THE ROOM
When performing in front of an audience, avoiding eye contact with just one individual is best. Instead, you can try to engage the entire audience by distributing your gaze across them. It is also helpful to memorize your best songs so you don’t have to stare at the monitor the whole time.
However, if you don’t know the lyrics to a new song, don’t let it hold you back from trying it out. Many karaoke singers look up the lyrics to a song they’ve never sung before but have heard while waiting to perform. While the screen can display the lyrics, remember that you are singing to people, not a screen.
#10 — TIP YOUR HOST, RESPECT THEIR EQUIPMENT
Expressing gratitude towards the karaoke DJ or host is essential, especially if you are a frequent visitor, as most work solely for tips. Regardless of whether the equipment belongs to the host or the venue, it is crucial to show respect towards it.
Dropping the microphone or bringing drinks on stage is strictly prohibited, and holding a drink in your hand while submitting your song card if you need to lean over the equipment is recommended. The equipment, such as the soundboard, is quite expensive, and spilling your drink on it will only lead to unnecessary trouble.
#11 — FIND YOUR STAGE, KNOW WHERE TO STAND
If you’re looking for a place to sing karaoke, it’s best to search for bars that specialize in or frequently host karaoke nights. These establishments usually have better equipment and more enthusiastic crowds. Pure karaoke bars are difficult to find, so it’s recommended to locate a bar close to your home that offers karaoke once or twice a week.
When singing on the stage, remember to stand where you can hear your voice from the speaker. If you can’t hear yourself, you won’t sing with confidence. Additionally, avoid going too close to the speakers with a microphone because it can produce terrible feedback throughout the venue.
#12 — THE HOST CAN MAKE OR BREAK THE BAR
The host’s quality is just as crucial as the karaoke experience itself. A good host can ensure smooth transitions between singers and create a welcoming atmosphere, making a massive difference to the overall experience. Most karaoke bars have multiple hosts if they host karaoke every night, but usually, places only have one or two hosts for the weekly karaoke events. This makes the role of the host even more critical.
A good host will be able to understand your singing capabilities and let you know when a particular song may be too difficult for you. I learned this lesson the hard way when a host warned me about a difficult song, but I didn’t listen. Later, I had to learn the song with the help of YouTube videos while stuck in my car.
Additionally, a good host will know how to make different singers sound better. If you want a particular effect, like a bit of reverb, you can ask for it, but certain songs like Prince’s “Purple Rain” are usually given to any experienced karaoke host.
#13 — IT’S NOT DANGEROUS TO GO ALONE
If you enjoy karaoke, don’t be afraid to attend karaoke nights alone. It’s an excellent opportunity to improve your skills and meet new people, including other regulars and staff members. Going to karaoke with friends who don’t share your interest can be a frustrating experience. Instead, try to befriend other patrons and have a good time.
Additionally, if you’re single, attending karaoke nights alone means you won’t have to worry about leaving your friends behind if you meet someone you like. After all, it’s a bar!
#14 — KNOW THE SONG SELECTION, TRY NEW ONES
Familiarize yourself with the songs available at your chosen venue. While many places have advanced systems, not all will have your preferred tracks. Don’t get attached to the same songs; always try something new at least once a night.
#15 — MIND YOUR LANGUAGE, KEEP IT CLASSY
To maintain a positive atmosphere, it is recommended to avoid songs with excessive vulgar language. Opt for self-censorship or choose songs appropriate for the venue’s atmosphere. Cursing on the microphone at my usual place will result in getting thrown off stage, and using derogatory language towards women within earshot of the bar owner will get you thrown out.
The bar owner is old school and prefers a classy environment. Swearing in songs brings down the class of the place. However, the occasional use of words like “damn” in a song or “bitch” in a female empowerment song, such as “I’m a Bitch, I’m a Lover, I’m a Child, I’m a Mother,” may be permitted depending on the specific venue. Use your best judgment and find out the policy beforehand if you are bent on singing a song with foul language.
#16 — THREE’S A CROWD
While duets can be enjoyable, group performances can lower the quality of the performance and make the audience uncomfortable. This is particularly the case with bachelorette parties. Usually, only one person performs while others, who may not even have a microphone, join in half-heartedly.
Singing without a microphone can be embarrassing, especially when someone with a singing background gets one of the two mics and all the attention. That’s why practicing and building confidence for solo performances is better.
If your friends request you to sing with them, keeping it to a duet as much as possible is best. Singing just to please your friend won’t bring out the true joy in you. Don’t let anyone pressure you into singing because it reflects in your performance. Just get up there and sing, even if you think you’re not good at it.
People will always appreciate your effort if you look like you’re enjoying yourself and the audience is receptive. If the audience doesn’t show any appreciation, it’s better to find a new place to sing; however, I’ve never seen a bad crowd at karaoke.
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Armed with these enhanced tips, you’re all set for a more fulfilling karaoke experience. Remember, karaoke is about joy, expression, and connection. Enjoy the music and the moment, and let your voice soar.
I’ve been going for so long that I could go to any karaoke bar on the planet and make it look like I’ve been going there for years. I don’t care if it’s at the White House or a Grammy’s after-party. You can’t phase me. If you go enough, you will get there too. The confidence you gain will carry over to every other aspect of your life, especially public speaking.
The key is to find a place you LOVE and keep going. I don’t even go to bars unless there is karaoke. You will drink less the more you sing and make lots of new friends in the process. I can’t stress enough how fun it is to go it alone.
Have you ever sung karaoke before? What was your experience like? Let me know in the comments. If you enjoyed this article, please follow me for more diverse content.
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