by Chase Hunt

Created on: April 23, 2008   Last Updated: May 05, 2008

Karaoke is an exciting activity. Many times, friends get together at bars and drink while belting out their favorite Bon Jovi tune.

My first karaoke experience happened in the summer of 2006. I've been a songwriter and a singer for as long as I can remember so it was time for me to test out my performance skills at karaoke.

I ventured out to a karaoke bar with a couple friends. Of course, they knew what they were doing and being a songwriter all my life they found it odd I'd never done karaoke. I had sung in front of people before many times over, but in front of that many people not once had I sang live before. I was only 20 at the time.

First of all, I knew my vocal capabilities and what I could sing. I asked the KJ the lower the key about 5 semitones (or half a step). My song choice was Melissa Etheridge's "Your Little Secret."

At first I did not want to even go up there. I filled out the slip of paper with my name, song, and song number. However, when I wasn't looking, a friend took it up to the booth where we then wait to be called. I heard my name called for an upcoming singer and my nerves began to hit the ceiling. I've known the song for more than 10 years and all of a sudden I was forgetting the lyrics in my head as I was going over it. Though the words would be placed on the TV screen, I refuse to always read a screen and take away from performing the song. And so it was my turn to sing.

Standing up there singing a song I knew and loved was an amazing experience for the first time. I had all eyes on me. I knew I wasn't the best singer in the building, nor the most experienced with a live microphone. I did my best and it was appreciated. I belted out the song as best I could. One way for me to really get into the song was to pretend I was in front of a live audience who paid to come see me. I used the opportunity to imagine what it would be like one day if I were able to perform on stages for people.

Oddly enough, my nerves were jumbled. Right after the song ended, I ran to the bathroom and became sick. When I came out of the bathroom, I was told I did an awesome performance and why I became sick was beyond them. I was praised for my enthusiasm and ability to enjoy myself while not sounding as bad as half the singers there.

For beginners not used to karaoke, I would encourage picking songs you think you can sing good. It's better to build confidence knowing you can sing something well than singing something that you may sing poorly, even your favorite song can sound bad. It's about song choice and not just the songs you love. So choose wisely and build your repetoire from there. Of course if you're merely out to party and drink and have a good time singing, it usually doesn't matter what you sing. Karaoke is as serious as you make it.

That night was the first night that set the stage for many many more nights to come. Any place I visit the first thing I look for is a karaoke bar to take the mic and perform the song. To get a great applause, get into the song. Don't just sing the words!

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