by Judy Ames written for the "Karaoke Star Magazine"
JUDY AMES KARAOKEMANIA ARTICLE 11/97 “SERVERS OR SINGERS”
When my friends or other innocent people ask me what I do as a Karaoke Host, I tell them
that I am a combination of Roadie, Electrician, Entertainer, Graphic Artist, Booking
Agent, Cheerleader, Waitress, Counselor, Policeman-Bouncer...and Singer.
The job description of a “KJ” or Karaoke host has been defined differently by
customers, owners, managers, and the hosts themselves. It looks like a lot of fun when we
are actually running the show. That’s the idea! Few people realize how much work goes
on behind the scenes. Sometimes I am asked, “Do you sing too?” This
question always surprises me. I wonder how and why anyone would be doing this job if they
didn’t sing. Also, unless they were musically experienced or educated, how would they
know
1) how to help people sing a song.
2) How to find the key which is good for the singer.
3) Artists and song titles
4) How to adjust the sound.
5) How to suggest songs to potential singers.
Maybe I notice how much I use my musical background, because I have spent so many years
in bands, studying music and voice, and performing. I can say for myself that if I
didn’t actually sing at my shows, I would not be hosting!
Of course , there are hosts that do not sing as well as others. But I believe that a
lively song or a beautiful ballad performed with showmanship and audience appeal creates
atmosphere, a personal touch, and appeal, not to mention prestige and
respect for the host. We are not there for service alone. We are entertainers and if need
be, we should be able to sing all styles, requests, and hold the crowd by ourselves for
enough time to get them singing and participating.
When there are alot of singers, we shouldn’t hog the mic, but I usually give
myself equal time: once a rotation with everyone else. That way, the people identify me as
a singer; someone who has put time and energy into learning about the field
of music. Also, people like to hear someone sing the songs that are new or different so
that they can learn them too.
It is the Hosts’ right to define how they do their job-with the clients’
agreement. Some locales have a problem with volume. Co-operation is necessary so
that the majority of the clientele is happy. But we are hired to put on a show and engage
the customers in musical fun. We are supposed to be the experts in this. I have had
customers tell me how I should run my show.i.e. that I should not sing, I am there to
serve them and do whatever they want. How would they like it if I came to their job and
told them how to do it?
I said thank you for sharing your views, but I don”t agree . I must do my job the
best way I know how, not the way you say I should. Why this should be an issue, I
don’t know. I’ve been to some places where the host and friends are definately
the stars with a karaoke rotation between their show. Then there’s the other extreme
where the host sits behind the karaoke machine with no other duty than to announce the
next singer and change the disc. Maybe its up to the customers to choose what kind of host
they prefer. To me , the issues of fairness, customer service, good sound and selection is
more important than if the host sings a song or two. Why shouldn’t we? We
love karaoke too!!
More articles by Judy Ames
"Luck" | Smoking Ban | Musician or Magician | Song Categories | Stage Fright | Servers or Singers