by Debbie Denton

Created on: April 22, 2008   Last Updated: May 27, 2008

So, you want to be a karaoke DJ? Well let me tell ya, you had better be prepared for ANYTHING! The karaoke atmosphere allows people to really get into their song. They can be the lead singer for any band that they choose. They can act out the long "LOLA" or they can completely change the words to what ever comes to mind. Mix that with the fact that karaoke is usually in a bar setting and all inhibitions are lost. Folks that can't sing a lick become legends in their own mind.

It is interesting to watch people who get up to karaoke. Some will practice and bring their own CD's to debut their song while others just pick a fun song and get up and howl! The impromptu environment of a karaoke night just encourages people to get up and have fun. In our group of karaoke singers we have certain songs that we all get up to do as a group complete with actions of the original band. Songs like Y.M.C.A., Stop in the Name of Love, and I Got You Babe can really bring in the group participation. Arms waving, feet moving and voices singing. Now that's entertainment!

As a DJ you will need to have a great sense of humor. At the beginning of the night you will probably have to sing a couple of songs yourself until someone gets the courage to sing the first song. After that first person goes then it opens the door for others to get up and sing also. A good sense of humor helps to break up the evening, cracking jokes or flashing signs like "applause" can encourage everyone to participate. Be ready to sing with a "karaoke croaker" too because there are many duets in the repertoire and the DJ is the best person to sing with cause he knows all the songs.

Sometimes it is fun to pick songs for other people to sing. Getting a girl up to sing ACDC or a guy to sing Carly Simon of Judy Garland can bring on the laughter. Have several microphones available for the singers that way you can keep your microphone to yourself - no one with a cold will be singing into your mic sharing their germs with you).

You will see as the evening progresses, the singing gets louder and louder. Fears are lessened and stars are born. There will be more singers than time and everyone will call out for an encore because they don't want the evening to end. That is the best time to get the owner of the bar to invite you back to karaoke next week! Get the crowd participation going and you will become a karaoke 'regular'. Everyone will want to come out and sing with you but all good things must come to an end so until then. . . Happy Trails To Yoooouuuu!

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