The Benefits Of Karaoke

Yes, it takes some courage to get up in front of a group of people and do anything, let alone sing. Some find that a few drinks loosen their inhibitions so they will sing. Some can sing and others cannot. Generally, people just want to have fun. Karaoke is a way to draw a crowd of people together. Who doesn't like a sing along? Often, those who sing are applauded receiving the positive reinforcement they may need.

In Japan, businessmen go to karaoke bars to relax after a long day. It is a stress reliever, a social event and an opportunity for employees and the boss to view each other outside of the work environment. Karaoke is used for team building in Japanese businesses. It is an interesting way for singers to learn another language. Karoake is also used by speech therapists while working with their patients. Singers are exposed to a wide variety of music genre. Karaoke is an activity used in nursing homes. The elderly listen to familiar music and sing along as they see the words on the screen. Since singing releases endorphins, they feel good when they sing.

Home karaoke machines provide a connection between words you sing and words in print on the screen for young children. It gives older ones opportunities to give shows for friends and families. Children may be more willing to give a talk or even to answer a question. Reports indicate that karaoke can improve respiratory health. Generally, we breathe with the top part of our lungs. Singing promotes use of the whole lung. People with asthma have reported improvement in breathing. Having lost some of the 'drunken sport' identity it had in the past, singing karaoke has entered the mainstream of family gatherings and school talent contests.

Even a Karaoke Champion Sings for Fun

There is a big difference between playing to win and playing for fun in sports, and the same can be said for singing for a Grammy versus singing for fun with karaoke. There are many singing lessons that are available, from professionally reputable and private one-on-one coaching to now downloading a quick course or vocal exercise to an MP3/iPod player that can make you feel and sound like a singing star. Regardless if the expense and time with lessons occur, the truth is singing is an art that can be interpreted and appreciated differently, so always sing for your own personal joy first.

A champion tip for singing into a microphone:
Hold it one inch from your mouth and don't shout in it.

A champion tip to improve your singing:
Use your entire body to sing, letting sound come from your chest; singing should be powerful. Don't sing using just your mouth or throat; singing falsetto can strain vocal chords.

A champion tip to win a karaoke contest:
Choose a song and perfect it first (with lessons and/or with practice in your home) is key to stage performance success. Remember in a contest stage presence ranks equally with singing voice talent.

A champion tip for success at karaoke bars:
Don't drink more than one alcohol drink per hour.

Many believe singing is in part due to natural ability. This can be argued, but most people can find their singing talent and improve with practice. Singing lessons and gaining performance experience are proven to build range and confidence. Singing coaches are in harmony that everyone and anyone can learn the joy of singing and performing like a champion.

Karaoke's Beginning, Favorite Songs, And 'Stinkers'

1950saw Irv Kratka start his record label, “Music Minus One” that played classical music. In 1952, he added music from the 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s and meant for vocalists to sing along with a band. Kratka married jazz to his novel idea and it enabled musicians of all instruments to play along with professional tracks. The MMO label moved from LPs, to tapes, and CDs with screens for the lyrics. Pocket Tunes was among the first companies to use the CD+G format which shows the lyrics on a screen that can be seen by everyone. Karaoke has become a worldwide source of entertainment and includes music in every genre.

Among the most popular songs for karaoke are: My Heart Will Go On , Proud Mary, What A Wonderful World, The Time of My Life, Thriller, Ghostbusters, Come Away With Me, I Just Called To Say I Love You, Eye Of The Tiger, Theme From Rocky, Like A Virgin, It's Your Love, Total Eclipse Of The Heart, I Feel Lucky, Once Bitten, Twice Shy and Time After Time.

Karaoke regulars have wide opinions of which songs should NOT be attempted. Hey Jude and Piano Man were nixed because they were too long. Take On Me, I'm Too Sexy, Love Shack, Paradise By The Dashboard Light have also received 'thumbs down.' Other unsingables were: Unchained Melody, American Pie, and November Rain. Some karaoke 'experts' said that these songs should be buried as they are so tired. They are: My Way, Copacabana, Head Over Heels and Grunge. Some songs were too long or too sad or just plain old worn out. Opinions are as varied as the songs available. It seems that karaoke has hit taverns and homes as well. Anyone can be a star...well almost.

Carry Your Key

Karaoke is worldwide across the nation. Relieve some stress with your friends and family. Do it by yourself or compete with others. That's if you have singing skills. If not, sing along in your head so you won't mess up everyone else's flow.

Karaoke machines can be purchased for anyone. The Tech ED Magic Mic Song Along is a lovely piece of equipment, it's jam packed with features such as: Reading the lyrics on your TV screen, Random Play, Volume Control and so much more. Its small size and light weight makes this an easy and accessible product. There is also the Vocopro DVD-Duet DVD/CDG which, in contrast with Magic Mic in size, brings all the same qualities for a great reduced price. Its features contain: Two Mics with dual inputs for duets, compatibility with any TV monitor and more! Have you heard of Celine Dion's song "My Heart Will Go On"? A Broadway Musical that came in number one on the Top 40 Karaoke Music Charts. Coming in at number two is Phil Collins with "In the Air Tonight". Karaoke Hot Spots are everywhere. "The Big Apple" is an outstanding establishment. Located in TX, and also NC. Friendly Staff, wide variety of TVs to watch. Delicious entrees, play games and relax yourself with karaoke singing.

If talent is in your blood try out for the Karaoke Contest held in Raleigh, NC at the Napper Tandy's Club starting April through June. You never know, you could end up like Erica Richardson and Derrick Vaughs. Both are the first place winners in the "Talent Quest 2008 National Karaoke Contest".

The Cat's Meow

The Cat's Meow is the most famous karaoke bar in New Orleans, and probably one of the most famous in the world. Located at 701 Bourbon Street, the bar is a fine example of the 1820's architecture that dominates the famous tourist district of the city. The bar features balconies that overlook the street outside (a must for Mardi Gras of course) as well as a patio courtyard featuring a daiquiri machine.

The bar features the usual drink specials, and prides itself on the house specialty, their version of the Hurricane. Giant cocktails are the order of the day, so be sure to pace yourself if you know you have trouble with powerful drinks. A small dance floor is available, although dancing is essentially encouraged throughout the club based on personal ability and courage. No one has ever been able to determine any sort of dress code, so come as you are.

The major attraction at the Cat's Meow is of course the karaoke system. Featuring hundreds of songs, the system uses live mixing and disc jockeys to enhance the atmosphere and turn even the most tone-deaf singer into a star. The emcees will occasionally join in, or perform their own songs to get the crowd going if need be - but the crowd at the Cat's Meow rarely needs much encouragement. The place is regularly packed, so claustrophobes need not apply; anyone who's looking for a high-energy karaoke bar, however, will feel right at home here.

Karaoke Machines

Karaoke comes from two Japanese words meaning “empty” and “orchestra.” Basically, a karaoke machine is a device that will play the music but not the voice(s) of the original artist. The voice of the amateur singers are dubbed into the empty spots.

As with all modern electronic equipment, the machines come in a range of complexity varying from simple to unbelievably sophisticated. The most popular karaoke machines remove the voice, or reduce it, then electronically change the pitch of the music so any amateur singer can follow the music in his own vocal range without losing the original tempo.

The karaoke machines include a microphone so the amateur singer’s voice can be heard over a public address system. Also, many machines include a video screen so the audience and singer can follow along with the words. The words are highlighted with colors or with what used to be called the “bouncing ball” to help the singer.

Many of the less sophisticated entertainment systems attempt to remove the vocal tracks from regular CDs by a system called center removal. This is a quasi-karaoke track made by subtracting the left channel of a stereo system from the right channel. In most instances this system does not allow for adjusting the pitch. The Sega Saturn is an exception since it can adjust the pitch of the songs.

The karaoke machine comes in a variety of systems. Among the elderly Cantonese, the Karaoke VCD is popular. This machine plays the vocal on one speaker of a stereo and the music on the other. When the karaoke is desired, both speakers play the music only.

Karaoke on mobile phone is becoming popular in the U.S. This device is still developing so its popularity is unknown. Beginning in 2003, Karaoke on the Internet and personal computer began taking hold. The Internet gives the operator thousands of songs to choose from and the means of transferring them to his computer. Also, the Internet provides an unlimited audience.

Karaoke is popular world-wide. The progress of electronic development can only improve its popularity.

Karaoke Fun

The absolute best machine you will need to practice and improve your karaoke techniques is “The Singing Machine”. It is used in conjunction with your Ipod. What no Ipod? If you are serious about karaoke it is worth getting one. Here’s why- you can download instantly almost any song every recorded at your finger tips. The “Singing Machine” plugs into your television where the words come up, it weighs about 9lbs and is about $140. You can’t go wrong.

The top 5 songs at the moment for karaoke are Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler, Intergalactic Planetary, by The Beastie Boys, Map, by The Yeah,Yeah,Yeahs, Song 2, by Blur, and Gasolina, by Daddy Yankee.

Karaoke contests are held all over the United States. They are sometimes a little difficult to track down due to the fact that they get canceled with very little notice. It is always a good idea to call ahead and make sure that it is a go. There is a contest going on right now in Minnesota and South Dakota. It is hosted by Dion in cooperation with Dakota Entertainment. The finals will be held on April 12, 2008. First place takes home $1500.

Karaoke is still in its infancy when it comes to national organization. Contest winners are spread out all over the United States. A few names keep on showing up as winners. They are Spencer Erickson, Mike Rivers, Rachael Crissinger, Katy Olinger, and Anna Lafoon. There is so much undiscovered talent out there Hopefully more organization on a national level will bring us new stars.