Karaoke Forums

I've been following this thread for a while... and was tempted to jump in a couple of times, but didn't want to get into a pee-ing contest with anyone, especially those who think, believe, whatever... that food service is some sort of requirement for a successful karaoke venue. I've never found that to be the case. A nice touch, perhaps, but certainly not a necessity... at least not in any successful establishment I've seen, nor worked with.

I take minor issue with several other points as well... Do you absolutely need a great sound system? I don't think so. A decent system, yes, but top of the line??? Alan & Heath is nice, but my Numark does the job quite nicely. And don't get me started on the absolute "requirement" for kiosks and cell-phone requests... sheesh!

The features that I consider most important include:
- an excellent library that caters to regular clientele of all ages;
- a fair, unshakable (no bribes) rotation;
- a friendly, knowledgeable, but not over-the-top host.

Add in decent, reliable equipment, a couple of 'spin & puke' lights, and my set-up is complete.... oops, almost forgot... I still use request slips too.

As for the venue itself, I'll agree with most requirements mentioned earlier... safe location, decent parking, clean washrooms, friendly staff, reasonable drink prices, etc. etc.

As always, YOUR mileage may vary.

_________________
Earl
(BS, PHD & Certified CurmuDJeon)

[font=Times New Roman]"Growing Old may be mandatory... but growing UP is still optional."[/font]

You know Earl, you are absolutely correct in this,,, the ONLY "requirements" to run a karaoke show are, songs, singers and any old sound system,,, the rest is really a bonus. Like I pointed out in another thread, I have seen many successful shows that don't have most of the "extras". It boils down to the crowd "having fun". If they aren't doing that much at least, then there isn't any point to the rest of what we do, or have, or offered. It's a question of "how" the fun is created. THAT is the big question of the day.

Keep It Simple..
.

And this is why there are so many bad karaoke shows/hosts. Because it's this way of thinking. This attitude only proves that the host doesn't care about providing the best karaoke experience for their customers.

Sorry, but I do. I will do whatever it takes to provide an awesome and memorable experience for my customers, and spare no expense at doing so. I always felt that if you're going to do something, be the best you can be. Don't settle for mediocre.

Your statement above is like saying: the only requirements for being an auto mechanic is a garage, tools, and customers. But tell me something... would you trust your car with just anybody... or would you want someone with the knowledge, experience and proper tools to do the job right.

Like anything else, karaoke is a business. Give it your all, do it right. I really can't believe you made that statement.

For me, it's personal satisfaction. It gives me great pride knowing what I'm providing my singers. And it feels great when I get complimented at every show I do, about having the best sound around. It's a sense of pride.

So for me, those requirements are not acceptable.

_________________
Electro-Voice Evolve 50... Taking Sound To The Next Level.

Great Show Last Night.
Sorry You Missed It.

You missed the point yet again Alan. Go back and read it slowly this time. Try to comprehend the actual words and the meaning. You have to admit it, if you are honest, there are karaoke shows out there that are being ran by the type of host you are complaining about, yet some are actually successful and busy. I'm not saying it's the best way, but it certainly is happening. It all boils down to the crowd having a good time and the venues are making money. It's truly that simple. I do happen to agree with you though that any job worth doing is worth doing right. I believe the customers deserve the best experience possible. But those two beliefs (those hosts that do the minimum, vs hosts that go the extra mile) aren't recognized by the average bar patron. They..just..don't..care.

JD,,, and just what made this show "great"? Describe the "greatness" if you could please.

Good Music, Clean attractive venue, outstanding host, great advertising effort, fast and correct rotation.
(The Host Is Our Very Own Phill Cross)

Shmoozing the boss aside, that still doesn't describe what made it "great".... were there a multitude of incredible singers? Did everyone enjoy the singers? Was it busy? Were the customers spending lots of money to make the bar a profit? Did the customers who weren't there to sing make any comments or show how much fun they were having? What actually is a "great" show?

I'm not saying anything against what or how Phil hosts (I have never seen him in action). I am just curious as to what you believe made this particular show any more "great" than any other show..

Taken directly from the dictionary:
What is the simple definition of requirement?

A requirement is a quality or qualification that you must have in order to be allowed to do something or to be suitable for something. Its products met all legal requirements.

Using your mechanic analogy. Yes, ALL that is "required" is a shop (or place to work), tools, someone to use those tools (qualified or not), and customers. As long as that mechanics shop is busy and profitable, it doesn't matter if he is the best, or used the best tools, or has every license or schooling possible. Is the place busy and profitable and customers happy with their repairs? If so, then they are successful. Simple. Absolutely nothing being said that those who DO choose to use the best tools, certificates/licenses and most modern shops are any better of a mechanic than those who can and do the job without said tools. They may very well be better, or not... that's not the point. It all boils down to what the customer has as their level of acceptance.

JD,,, is this the same place (The Cave) that was highlighted on Bar Rescue? The same phony "made for TV" Bar Rescue you said was not truthful in how the show is actually portrayed?

I looked on their website,,, oh wait, there is no website, only Facebook and Instagram. There is nothing advertising karaoke at all, it is advertised as a taco/sports bar. No pictures of any entertainment at all. So where is the advertising you mentioned? I am not saying that Phil is or is not a terrific host, because I simply do not know firsthand. You also say that the rotation was "fast and accurate", does that mean there were only a handful of singers, maybe a half dozen singers or so??? You tell me!! But what I am asking is how can you be believed when things that you say are not even able to be seen or proven? Just take your word for it? I don't think so, since you are the same person who put memes up of gas prices of almost ten bucks per gallon in California a couple of years ago, and touted them as "truth". Sorry JD, you don't have much credibility in my book.

I would like to believe that Phil runs a good show, as I would like to believe that ALL of us on this forum do. But in all honesty and reality is,,, some do, some don't. But as long as we are doing our best to our abilities to make it fun and profitable for those who hire us, THAT is what matters. Perception vs reality kind of thing.

Yes, you are correct. There are lousy hosts running successful shows. And those are the shows that I would never go to. And as far as saying that the average bar patron "just don't care"... that may be true to some extent. But on the other hand, many people do care.

You have 2 groups of singers. 1. The show-offs, the screamers, the drunks, the ones just looking for attention. These people can't sing worth a lick and wouldn't care if they were singing on $100 system of a $5000 system... nor would they know the difference.

2. Then you have the people who take singing seriously. And for the most part, can really sing! They are entertaining and a pleasure to listen to. They appreciate good sound, know how to use mic control to their advantage... and wouldn't be caught dead in places where you would find the first group of singers.

So, personally... I would cater to the second group. These are the people that are appreciative of what you're providing. And the trash, can go to the dive bars, get drunk, and scream all they want at the inferior shows with the inferior host.

The point is... there ARE people who care.

_________________
Electro-Voice Evolve 50... Taking Sound To The Next Level.

Alan, I think that's awesome that you take pride in your craft, as you should. So do I. After all we both basically use the same sound gear and probably host in a similar manner. The fact is, sometimes we don't get to choose our clientele. We get what we get when it comes to the type of customers at the venues we host. If a person could choose who walks through the door, then you would be called an "owner" rather than a "host". Both types of customers you describe are just as important as each other as far as "people" are concerned. One is not "trash" as you describe, they are people and deserve to be treated accordingly as well. Both types of hosts are important to the success of the bars/clubs in the same manner, and there is a need for both as well.

The bottom line though, in my opinion, is that karaoke itself is not as popular these days. Why? I am unclear as to the reasoning. But as I see it, as the younger "me" generation gets older, they no longer feel the need for social interaction in larger groups like there once was. I think trends are changing to more people staying closer to home in smaller, tighter, groups of friends when it comes to having fun. Technology has gotten to the point that anybody can host parties at home now, and that includes karaoke too.

Just like this forum, our days as hosts are numbered.

Alan,, they call that "ego".

I don't fall into either of those groups. I need a third category please! Lol.

Keeping Busy..

Lots Of Karaoke I Los Angeles..
.

Our Leader Is On Again Tonight..

Oh goody

A Majority of the KJs here in Los Angeles and Orange County Are very industrious.
They work on advertising every day.
Most Are reporting large number of quality singers.
I'll be at the San Pedro Elks Lodge tomorrow, supporting local karaoke.
Have fun, sing often.