Are you an average singer who has always wanted to try karaoke?
Perhaps the concept intrigues you, but the reality of singing for strangers makes you panic. Admit it: You’re morbidly curious how you’d react when the KJ calls your name, the lyrics start to scroll and the bright lights shine on you.
You don’t need to be a former theater kid with a three-octave range to crush a karaoke singalong. Here are 10 tips from Seattle karaoke jockeys, singers and aficionados to improve your karaoke game without a vocal coach.
Get by with some help from your friends
Karaoke is easier with a partner. Whether or not the song calls for a backup singer, tote a buddy along to boost your confidence.
Sing a crowd favorite
Whether or not you’re a vocal powerhouse, get the audience involved! Choose a crowd-pleasing song with a well-known chorus to get the room behind you. Songs with call-and-response portions are surefire hits. There’s a reason “I Want It That Way” is so popular.
Play to your strengths
Choose a song within your vocal range that has lyrics you know and love. If you sing like Sting, don’t try to be Tina Turner. Own your song choice: It’s fun to watch people having fun. Confidence is key.
Find the beat
You’re not going to nail every note. Focus on keeping the beat instead, keeping pace with the fast-moving lyrics. The backing vocalists in the bar will take cues from you and fill in your blind spots.
Dance like nobody’s watching
Have fun up there! Hone your stage presence and find the rhythm, even if you just sway to the music. Better yet, release your inhibitions and embrace the performance: Jump off the stage and move through the audience.
Don’t let it linger
Beware of long intros, outros, bridges and guitar solos. Picking a short, sweet song keeps the crowd involved and gets you off the stage with minimal awkward lag time.
Don’t scream into the microphone
When the Red Bull vodkas are flowing, you will feel compelled to screech. Avoid this urge. Hold the microphone close to your mouth and trust the sound system.
… and don’t go hoarse at the bar
Karaoke joints get very loud. Don’t yell away your singing voice before you hit the stage.
You get what you give
Karaoke is best with an engaged, supportive chorus. Cheer for everybody, have fun, don’t judge your fellow singers, and tip your bartenders and karaoke jockeys!
If you can’t rap, don’t rap
There are exceptions to the rule, but generally: No, you can’t rap well. You’d be wise not to “Lose Yourself” on the karaoke stage.
We want to know your favorite karaoke spot and song
We’ve dived into Seattle’s karaoke scene, but we still want to hear more from those who know it best. Let us know your favorite local spot to sing karaoke at and your go-to song in the form below or email them to smccullough@seattletimes.com. Your response, lightly edited for grammar, clarity and length, may be included in a future Seattle Times story.
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