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So You Want to Sing Karaoke?

10 Do's and Don'ts to Keep the Evening Fun

By Jenna GoldbergPublished 6 years ago 5 min read
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What's the first thing you think about when you hear the term "karaoke bar?" People singing poorly for laughs? Drunk people trying to sing coherently? Endless renditions of "Don't Stop Believing" or "Eye of the Tiger"? I think about those things, too. However, as someone who has done karaoke for many years, I have to say that yes, those things are true. But there is much more to it than that. It's a fun place for friends to get together, sing some songs and have a few laughs. I've made some of my closest friends from the karaoke bar I frequently go to. I am not talented in the least, but others seem to think I am.

In the years I've been doing karaoke, I've also learned quite a bit about what goes into running a karaoke show. The man who runs the one I go to is someone I've known for many years. He has told me so many stories about some night's he's worked where it's either been an amazing night, or a crummy one filled with pretty rude people. So, from his own experiences, as well as my personal experiences, I have come up with a few do's and don'ts when going to a karaoke bar. Consider this a guide for when you, or one of your drunk friends, decide to try out some singing.

  1. Be courteous to the person running the show. - These people usually have regular 9-5 jobs, and then run a show until maybe 2 AM. I am almost certain that they do not want to hear you complain about when your turn is or if they have the song you want. Let these people do their job so they can make it a great night and have everyone have fun.
  2. Be patient. - Some nights are slow, so you'll be able to sing multiple times fairly quickly. When it is a busy night, you will more than likely be in a singing rotation consisting of about 15-20 people. If you find yourself in this situation, just deal with it and be patient. We all want to sing a song, and you making a big deal of "THIS IS TAKING TOO LONG!!" isn't helping anyone.
  3. Please do not "boo" at fellow singers. - In many cases, this may be someone's first time singing karaoke. They may be nervous. I know I was my first time. Also, this is not American Idol or The Voice. Not everyone can sing professionally. So, if you hear someone singing that may be tone deaf or nervous, still cheer them and make them feel comfortable. This isn't a competition, so let's not treat it as such. Like my mother always said, "If you can't say anything nice, then shut the hell up!"
  4. Not every song should be sung in a karaoke establishment. - Yes, there are thousands and thousands of songs out there. Yes, they are all available to sing. However, there are some songs, or genres, that are not meant for a karaoke setting. So we should not hear the following- songs that are pretty much all screaming, kiddie songs (It's a bar. Why is your child here?), "Bohemian Rhapsody" (For the love of God, no!), songs with a running time of over ten minutes (Yes, I've witnessed that and that's why the line is so long) or songs with excessive cursing (Look we're all adults, but let's not be disrespectful).
  5. Know your limits. - We all want to try new songs sometimes. Maybe you want to try out a song by Mariah Carey, or a rap song that is pretty fast. If you feel you can do it, plow on, soldier. However, if you know it's a register that you cannot reach, or if the lyrics go way too fast that you then become silent, DO NOT SING THAT SONG! Know what you are capable of. A good rule of thumb: if it sounds pretty good when you sing in the car, or just on your own, then go for it. Otherwise, leave it to the professionals please. We're all here to have fun, but let's not blatantly embarrass ourselves.
  6. "No, you can't sing that song again!" - Once a song has been sung, it's done. Repeating songs can be annoying and they take up too much time. So once someone has finished "Don't Stop Believing" or "Hit Me Baby One More Time," it's officially done, and no you may not sing it again.
  7. Keep your mouth off of the microphone. - There are tons of people in this bar and that microphone as been used multiple times. Please do not give us your germs just because you want to look like a rap star or something.
  8. STOP SINGING AS LOUD AS YOU CAN! - I think that's self explanatory and that's what a microphone is for.
  9. If you are drunk, have a sober friend nearby. - I have seen more than my fair share of drunk people singing songs and enjoying themselves with friends. Half of the time, they will still put down the microphone when they are done, and stumble back to their seat. The other half of the time, it's the complete opposite. So, my advice would be to have someone sober near you so they can take the microphone away from you when your song is done. We do not want to hear your drunken tirade about why your life sucks. And finally...
  10. Listen for your name. - When your name is called, be ready to take your turn. If you name gets skipped because you're outside smoking or finishing a conversation, let the next person go and then you will more than likely get your turn back. Do not run up to the person running the show and start yelling about "Well, I couldn't hear you," or "This is so unfair." You're an adult and I assumed you passed elementary school. Listen for when your name is called.

I hope these tips will come in handy for you the next time you decide to try out some karaoke. Follow these simple rules, and you will have a pretty fun night.

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